C02 levels too high in Car?

[Sleepy]

OK, firstly I admit this is from A Current Affair (Channel 9) , with the usual dramatics and sensationalism.

Recycle button risk

Wind up the windows and press recirculate (recycle?) and within minutes the C02 is at "dangerously" high levels. The "expert" is convinced this is why some people fall asleep at the wheel.

I must admit in my city car (Magna) I often press RECIRCULATE to block out the fumes. Perhaps I am better off with it open.

Food for thought.

Luckily my Defender has built in "C02 dispersal areas" (Door seals, Panel gaps etc.--I new that was a design feature!) This may be of concern to Disco/Rangie/FL drivers and perhaps even the Puma Def.

I love the vents on the front of the Defender (and of course earlier Series vehicles), pity the chose to design them out. Simple and effective. (just gotta remember to close them in the heavy rain or deep rivers!!)

[Tombie]

See makes sense doesnt it.....

[roverfan]

I was told this before I even had a licence playing with my dads air con, it's common sense that if you dint have a fresh source of oxygen you will die

If I do have to have the recirculate on I will usually crack a window open every now and again to get some fresh air in.

[Sleepy]

it's common sense that if you dint have a fresh source of oxygen you will die

No argument with that, I just assumed there is sufficient oxygen in a normal vehicle for hours.....not minutes.

[bee utey]

Here's a test: Drive behind a stinking diesel exhaust and see how long it takes for the smell to permeat your vehicle. It usually takes 1-2 seconds in my car on recirc for the smell to come in. I doubt that many vehicles will be hermetically sealed, as manufacturers wouldn't want too mant owners dropping off on the road...

[jsp]

I have slept 14 hours in a locked windows up P38 range rover rather than walk home or drive when I shouldn't without issue, so there must be enough gaps vents cracks what ever to let some fresh air in and all my ahem unfresh air out.

That being said this came up on the L322 range rover forum as I have noticed the recric function on mine turns off after 45 minutes on its own and its supposedly for this very reason.

[Sleepy]

Here's a test: Drive behind a stinking diesel exhaust and see how long it takes for the smell to permeat your vehicle. It usually takes 1-2 seconds in my car on recirc for the smell to come in. I doubt that many vehicles will be hermetically sealed, as manufacturers wouldn't want too mant owners dropping off on the road...

Well, last week I would have agreed with you but not so sure after watching the video. In my Magna on recirc I can drive through the Burnley tunnel (3km or so) and not smell anything.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Better be a bit careful, if you get the CO2 levels too high Juliar Gillard will slap you with a carbon tax.

[Brian]

Doesnt all modern vehicles have permanent flow through ventilation, making the report all a lot of hot air. Im sure that there is enough fresh air at all times, regardless of air con settings.

[superquag]

My ancient Paj has vents in the D pillars which are always open...and from memory so does the 95 Classic.
Going on the amount of dust etc around those areas there must be a reasonable (vacuum-ish) extraction going on.

Used to work at a newspaper..... "Never let the facts get in the way of a Good Story"