Mazda CX-30 Driver Says Her Car ‘Hates’ When She Comes Home. What Is ‘Car Rotting,’ And Is It Safe?

The “normal” post-work routine involves driving home, getting out of your car, and then entering your house or apartment to relax. However, young people are adding a new step: car rot.

If you live in the United States, you’re almost guaranteed to spend a lot of time in your car. The average American spends about an hour in their car every day and travels around 31 miles. Over the course of a year, that’s an average of almost 11,500 miles—which AAA notes is the same as two round trips from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

While some people lament these long hours behind the wheel, others love it. In fact, some people love spending time in their cars so much that they’re eager to do more of it. They’re now virally calling this act “car rotting.”

What Is ‘Car Rotting’?

On TikTok, numerous users have posted videos showing how they’ve turned their cars into an oasis of comfort.

In one, user Maddie (@maddiemariespage) explains how she, per the video’s caption, “Went from bedroom kid to a car adult even tho I have a whole house now.”

The video then shows her sitting in the front seat of her car, undoing her seatbelt, removing her shoes, and then crossing her legs. From there, she cranks up the heat, grabs a drink, and listens to some music.

She’s Not The Only One

Plenty of other internet users have made similar videos documenting their in-car comfort spaces.

TikTok user Sid (@sidbreen) calls herself a “stay in my caraholic.” In her video, she shows herself similarly lingering in her car’s front seat. She browses on her phone and puts her legs up on the car’s dashboard, passenger seat, and out of the car’s window.

“Won’t ever catch me park and get out right away,” she writes in the video’s caption.

Another video shows TikTok user Mary (@guesswh0.69) enjoying a drink under a blanket in the passenger seat of her car.

“When my parents ask where I’m at but how do I explain I’m just a 17 year old girl who likes to car rot in random parking lots,” she writes in the video’s overlay text.

 

Why Are People ‘Car Rotting’?

Seeing this behavior, some may wonder why people would voluntarily choose to spend so many hours simply lounging about in their cars.

The comments section of @guesswh0.69’s video provides a little insight. For some, especially young people, being in the car allows them a sense of privacy that they might not feel at home.

“I did this when I was in an abusive relationship because it was somehow the most peaceful place I could be,” wrote a user.

“When i was 18-21 still living at home w/strict parents I would do this daily,” recalled another. “Grab a coffee/lunch/book and hang out in a parking lot maybe take a nap lol.”

“I did this because my home was too stressful growing up and this was the only way I could find peace,” added a third.

Is ‘Car Rotting’ Safe?

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with sitting in your car, there are certain circumstances in which it can cause problems.

For example, if one chooses to “car rot” with the engine running, they can risk wearing down their engine. If they turn the engine off but leave the battery running, they may drain their batteries—which, while it is a problem that can be easily rectified, is still an annoyance for drivers.

There are other issues that can come with “car rotting.” To offer another example, if one chooses to “car rot” in their garage with the engine idling, they risk a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide.

Other risks may arise from staying in your car in an unmonitored, high-crime area. Rates of carjacking and motor vehicle theft have increased in recent years—so anyone who is an avid car-rotter should make sure to keep their doors locked and park themselves in a safe location.

BroBible reached out to Maddie via TikTok and Instagram direct message, Sid via TikTok and Instagram direct message, and Mary via TikTok direct message and comment.