When is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the passenger compartment the greatest?

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the passenger compartment is the greatest when the exhaust system is leaking.

Carbon monoxide is both odourless and colourless and is therefore very dangerous. If you are exposed to exhaust emissions and get a headache or start feeling unwell, you must get fresh air as soon as possible to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur:

• If your car's exhaust system is leaking.
• If you drive in heavy traffic or in a tunnel with the windows rolled down or the trunk lid open.
• If you are in a garage or other closed space where a vehicle is idling.

If you suspect your car's exhaust system is leaking you can try to find the leak by sealing the exhaust pipe while the car is idling, and then looking for exhaust emissions under the car. This should be done outside – not indoors, in a garage or the like, as that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.