Snow Parking and Idling for Heat: How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Risks

Parking in snow carries two risks: choosing the wrong spot leaves you stuck all day; idling with a blocked exhaust pipe can flood the cabin with fumes. The first wastes time; the second endangers lives. Address them in this order.

From the end of 12 to 2, Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba often see nighttime temperatures between -20°C and -30°C. After parking overnight, your battery, tires, and windshield face significant stress. Arrive early to secure a spot, then check your exhaust pipe before starting the engine—each step takes less than 10 minutes.

01Parking location: Avoid low-lying areas, trees, and pathways first.#

Don't park in low spots, under trees, or near eaves; falling branches and icicles can damage your vehicle. Park facing outward in a sheltered spot for easier starting the next day and less snow shoveling. When parking facing out, leave at least one meter of turning space so the front wheels aren't pressed against the snowbank.

Leave a clear path for snowplows. Do not park at intersections or fire lanes. Snowdrifts may look soft, but they turn to ice when thawing, and your vehicle can get stuck easily. On slopes, use wheel chocks made of stone or wood instead of relying solely on the parking brake.

Note your parking spot number. When heavy snow covers landmarks, this will help you find it. Take a photo of the surroundings with nearby building numbers and lamp posts included. In the Altay area, snow stops quickly but buries things fast; clear snow from your roof on the same day. When parking between two rows, leave enough space to open car doors—doors can freeze in the snow.

02Before starting the engine, ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow.#

Before starting the engine, check the rear of the vehicle. If the exhaust pipe is buried in snow, clear it away and ensure the area around it is exposed to the ground. Do not park the rear of the car against a snowbank or another vehicle, as exhaust fumes can recirculate into the cabin. Clear an area of 0.5 square meters around the exhaust outlet. Check every 2 hours if it is still snowing.

Park downwind. Don't start the engine in an enclosed garage, even for just ten minutes. Cracking a window helps but doesn't replace proper ventilation.

When it's windy, face the vehicle into the wind to help exhaust disperse. During idling, the engine warms up slowly, so weak cabin heat is normal. Do not rev the engine excessively; if idling exceeds 30 minutes, turn off the engine and rest. Most wooden houses in Hemu Village are built on hillsides.Hemu VillageWhen parking, avoid areas under eaves and snowfall zones beneath them.

03Symptoms of carbon monoxide appear before you can smell it.#

Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless; early poisoning symptoms mimic fatigue, including dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness. If you feel increasingly drowsy inside your vehicle, turn off the engine immediately and get fresh air. Do not hesitate if you experience a headache and nausea simultaneously.

Travelers, check in with each other regularly so no one is left alone in an idling car. Keep a carbon monoxide detector in the vehicle; it's an inexpensive safety measure that's more reliable than any rule of thumb. Mount the detector near the headrest, about 1 meters off the floor—do not store it in a compartment.

If you feel confused, call 120 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. When stepping out for fresh air, put on your coat first; have children and elderly people wait outside the vehicle beforehand. Many guesthouses in Kanas and Hemu are located within forested areas. Use of fire and smoking are subject to specific rules—please ask before entering any courtyard.

04Overnight in the car: A stop every 20 minutes.#

Spending the night in your car during winter isn't a standard choice; stay at a hotel if possible. If you're stuck, choose a flat, sheltered spot. Start the engine intermittently for about 20 minutes each time—do not idle overnight.

Rotate shifts with at least two people: one sleeps while the other stays awake. Don't all fall into a deep sleep. Choose sleeping bags based on local nighttime temperatures; down-filled bags are more reliable than cotton, and add an extra blanket on top.

Leave the car door slightly ajar and keep the keys within easy reach. Charge your phone before bed, share your location with family, so you can clearly report where you are if an issue arises overnight. The coldest period of the day is from 2 to 4; on-duty staff should not all be asleep during this time.

05Don't drain your car battery when connecting an electric blanket to a portable power station.#

Heater cools down immediately after engine shutdown, relying on residual engine heat—not electricity. For electric blankets or space heaters, use a high-capacity portable power bank instead of draining the vehicle battery.

Battery failure is more common in cold weather, leaving you stranded the next day. At -20°F, battery capacity drops by up to 50%. Be extra cautious if the vehicle has been parked for over 3 days. Keep jumper cables or a portable jump starter on hand and know how to use them. After starting, let the engine idle for a few minutes.

The inverter may blow fuses when powering high-wattage appliances; avoid cooking in the vehicle. If parking for an extended period, disconnect the battery's negative terminal—but ensure you know how to reconnect it. Note that windows and door locks may malfunction after power is cut.

06Remove snow and frost before driving.#

Turn off the heater before shutting down the engine, roll down the windows to cool the cabin, and reduce frost on the windshield overnight. Lift the wipers so they don't freeze to the glass.

Ensure no fresh snow has accumulated around the exhaust before locking the vehicle. After the snow stops, clear the roof promptly; during sudden braking, snow on the roof can slide forward and obstruct your view.

If parking for an extended period, place your vehicle where snowplows can reach it to avoid being buried over winter. Check on it every few days. In Nalati and around Sayram Lake, strong winter winds create significant differences between sheltered and exposed locations.Sayram LakeWhen parking along the route, check the direction of snowdrifts first. On the way from Burqin to Urumqi, avoid backing your vehicle into snowdrifts at service areas. For daily winter long-distance stops, refer to this guide.Winter Romance: Dual Lakes 8 Daysarrangement.