I remember the first time I entered an air-conditioned car. I was so scared I wouldn’t be able to breathe well because of the wound-up windows and my supposed lack of access to fresh air.
I’m sure you too have probably had experiences of driving late and tired which has made you stuck between making the decision to leave your window open and risk getting robbed or to wind up your windows and risk suffocating in your sleep.
This begs the question; can you suffocate in a car?
Are Cars Airtight? Shocking Facts and Myths Debunked
This article is aimed at answering that particular question by explaining airtightness in cars, its implications, and the common misconceptions around it.
Understanding Air Sealing
Air sealing in cars refers to the process of preventing an exchange of air between a vehicle’s interior and exterior.
It is an essential aspect of a vehicle designed to maintain a controlled interior environment and ensure the integrity of the entire car’s body structure.
Air sealing makes the atmosphere in the car comfortable by; maintaining the desired temperature, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing road noise, and by reducing the entry of dust, pollutants, and allergens from the outside.
It is achieved through techniques such as; using weatherstripping around various openings (doors, windows, trunks, and hoods) to seal gaps and to minimize the exchange of air between the inside and outside of the car.
Factors Affecting Airtightness
Several factors affect the air tightness of cars. The two major factors, however, are:
Seals and Weatherstripping
Seals and weather stripping are attached to the doors and windows of a car to prevent air and water from flowing into it and disrupting the natural atmosphere.
This barrier is airtight, and watertight, and is typically made of materials such as rubber, foam, or vinyl.
Seal and weather strippings work by creating a tight seal between the two surfaces which can be a door and its frame or a window and its sash. When you close your door or window, this seal compresses against the surfaces to fill any gaps or spaces that might exist in between.
Design and Manufacturing Quality
Design and manufacturing quality are what determine how well your seals and weather strippings will work.
A well-designed seal or weather stripping made with high-quality materials will fit precisely into the intended space, leaving minimal gaps or irregularities.
They are also durable and maintain their elasticity and compression over time leading to a more effective seal and overall comfort.
Note however that the installation process also matters a lot as even the best-designed seals will fail if not installed properly. This is why precise engineering and assembling of seals are essential for achieving good air tightness.
Other factors that affect a car’s air tightness include wear and tear, accidents, modification, extreme weather conditions, road conditions, and driving style.
Ensuring regular maintenance and proper usage of your car will help the seals to last longer, save you extra cost on damages, improve the airtightness of your car, and provide a comfortable and controlled interior environment over a long period.
Role of Ventilation Systems
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in cars plays a crucial role in facilitating the circulation of fresh air and maintaining a healthy cabin environment in a car.
It does this by enabling the passengers to adjust the level of heating or cooling in the car according to their preferences while ensuring a continuous exchange of air between the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Ventilation systems reduce the concentration of potential pollutants, particulates, and allergens such as dust, pollen, smoke, exhaust fumes that may prevent passengers from breathing properly.
They also remove unpleasant odors, control humidity levels, and prevent moisture build-up in the car that can lead to fogging and mold growth.
Ventilation systems also do a good job of preventing the buildup of harmful gasses, such as carbon monoxide, which can be potentially life-threatening if allowed to accumulate in the car’s interior.
Note that regular maintenance and timely replacement of cabin air filters are essential to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the car’s ventilation systems in providing a healthy car environment.
Comfort and Safety Implications of Air Tightness in Cars
Airtightness in vehicles, as mentioned earlier, plays a crucial role in ensuring both comfort and safety for the occupants. It does this by:
- regulating the internal temperature and climate of the car which makes it easier for air conditioning and heating systems to regulate the temperature effectively.
- collaborating with the cabin air filter to keep the air inside the vehicle and keep harmful pollutants out
- significantly reducing the noise from traffic, wind, and other forms of road noise.
- maintaining the integrity of the vehicle structure and the safety of the vehicle occupants in the case of an accident or collision.
- improving the car’s aerodynamics and drag which leads to better fuel efficiency.
Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure that your car’s airtight ability is at its optimal state as it continues to provide a pleasant and safe driving experience for its drivers and passengers.
Note however that, driving with closed windows and without proper ventilation in an airtight car can cause Carbon dioxide build-up.
Elevated levels of this carbon dioxide gas can lead to drowsiness, headaches, and general body discomfort. This is why it is important to ensure that your car’s ventilation system is functioning correctly and avoid running your car engine in enclosed spaces.
You should also open your windows periodically to let in fresh air when you are on long journeys. Don’t wait till you feel unwell before seeking fresh air. Your safety and that of your passengers should always be a top priority.
Debunking Myths
There are several misconceptions about car airtightness and its safety. Here are some of the popular ones that have been debunked with factual information.
1. Cars Need To Be Completely Airtight to be Safe and Efficient
Cars are smartly designed with controlled ventilation systems to enhance the proper exchange of air for passenger comfort and to prevent the buildup of harmful gasses.
Contrary to this opinion, complete airtightness would be impractical and more unsafe.
2. Airtight Cars Will Increase Fuel Efficiency Significantly
A certain level of airtightness is important for fuel efficiency, but excessively sealing a car can put a strain on the engine and air conditioning systems, reducing their ability to function properly.
Airtightness is not the major factor that influences a car’s efficiency. The engine, design and weight of the vehicle also play a huge role in a car’s fuel-conserving ability.
3. Airtight Cars Trap Harmful Pollutants Inside Them
This is untrue as cars are known to come with cabin air filters that help to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the cabin.
You don’t have to worry about being exposed to harm from pollutants as long as you maintain these air filters properly and replace them when needed.
4. Airtight Cars Cause “Sick Car Syndrome”
“Sick car syndrome” is a term used to refer to a feeling of being sick or nauseous while riding in a vehicle.
It is primarily caused by indoor air pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials inside the car.
Since airtight cars offer to prevent these pollutants, it can’t possibly be a cause of Sick car syndrome.
5. Cracking a Window Improves Airtightness
Opening your window slightly does improve airtightness.
It instead allows more outside air to enter, potentially affecting the car’s aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and the state of the vehicle’s atmosphere.
Practical Insights
These are the steps car owners can take to ensure proper air sealing in their vehicles:
- Regularly inspecting weatherstripping and seals and replacing damaged or worn-out ones.
- Inspecting window seals and glass for any gaps or cracks.
- Replacement of cabin air filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions and schedule.
- Ensuring that the vents and air intake areas are free from debris, leaves, and any other particles that can prevent proper ventilation.
- Ensuring that doors close securely and that the hinges and latches are in good condition.
- Inspecting the seals of the sunroof in convertible vehicles.
- Monitoring tire pressure to improve fuel efficiency and minimize air leakage around the tires.
- Fixing windshield cracks or chips promptly.
- Testing for air leaks by holding a piece of tissue or a feather around windows, doors, and other potential leak points on a windy day.
By following the following steps, car owners can ensure that their vehicle is airtight, comfortable, and fuel-efficient.
Closing the curtain
Airtightness in vehicles is very important in ensuring both comfort and safety for the occupants.
Cars are not completely airtight, but they are designed to be relatively airtight and this helps to maintain a controlled environment with reduced noise and dust inside the vehicle.
Proper seals and weatherstripping help to prevent water leaks and maintain a comfortable car interior. It is very important and can be lifesaving to understand how car air tightness works.
Remember that a proper balance between airtightness and ventilation is essential to ensure the comfort, safety, and efficiency needed to improve your driving experience.
