Why It Is Very Dangerous to Start a Car Engine in a Closed Garage

Driving is one of the main activities carried out by many people around the world. However, driving habits such as driving a car vary from person to person. Friends who already own a car will certainly pay attention to the steps of starting the engine to maintaining the body and interior.

Well, the first process in using a car is starting the engine. To keep the vehicle in good condition, it is better to park the car in the garage. However, starting it in the garage can actually be dangerous. The reason why it is very dangerous to start a car engine in a closed garage is closely related to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Dangers of Starting a Car Engine in the Garage

Carbon monoxide is a gas found in the exhaust of car fuel combustion. If this gas is inhaled by the body, there are several uncomfortable symptoms that can be experienced. Therefore, it is advisable not to warm up the car in an enclosed space like a garage.

Some symptoms that may arise when you inhale carbon monoxide gas can include mild symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. If the carbon monoxide levels inhaled into the lungs are too high, symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, increased heart rate, and even fainting may occur.

This is because carbon monoxide can replace the role of oxygen that should be inhaled by the body. The ability of carbon monoxide to bind with red blood cells is also 200 – 250 times higher than that of oxygen. When this gas binds in the blood, the body will gradually lose oxygen and body organs can be damaged.

Tips for Properly Starting or Warming Up Your Car

To avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide gas inhaled by the body, you should pay attention to the place and method of starting the car properly. Before using or after being stored for a long time in the garage, the car indeed needs to be warmed up first. However, follow these steps to remain safe from dangerous risks.

Open the garage door when starting the car

When you want to start or warm up the car, make sure to open the garage door first. Ensure that the exhaust is directed towards open air so that the exhaust gases do not mix with the air inside the house.

It would be better if the garage is indeed separate from the main room in the house so that the air is not contaminated. For those who are still planning to have a garage at home, make sure the door is easy to open so you won't be lazy when warming up the car.

Warm up the car for just a few minutes

Warming up the car serves to keep the components inside the vehicle working well. When the car is started, the oil will lubricate the engine parts so that the engine components do not dry out. However, the car only needs to be warmed up for a few minutes, at most 10 – 15 minutes.

Warm up the car without pressing the gas

Now, you should also know that warming up the car is sufficient just by starting it. Yes, you do not need to press the gas pedal because this will trigger more exhaust gases to come out of the exhaust. If the car is still in the garage, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can become more dangerous for the body.

In short, starting a car in a car garage or other enclosed spaces can be dangerous if the air circulation is limited. Make sure to keep the exhaust directed towards open air so that the exhaust gases do not enter the room. Remember, excessive contamination of exhaust gases can be hazardous. So, always be careful!