Most motorists are aware of the all too common practice of suicide by attaching a hose between a car's exhaust pipe and cabin, but are unaware that even the tiniest leak from their car's exhaust system can cause death unintentionally as well.

The Exhaust Systems Professional Association (ESPA) warns that automotive exhaust gases contain a lethal mixture that includes carbon monoxide.

Drivers affected by exhaust fumes often suffer drowsiness which has been the cause of many serious accidents.

Passengers (especially children) have been known to die in their seats while unsuspecting drivers turn the family car into a death-trap by ignoring exhaust system leaks!

At regular intervals or most certainly at the first indications of an exhaust leak - noise or smells entering the cabin - no matter how minor it may seem, you should have the entire exhaust system checked by a professional exhaust repairer many of whom are members of ESPA.

Simply looking under the vehicle isn't good enough as many leaks are caused by holes at the top of the system and are out of sight. An ESPA member will raise the vehicle on a hoist, inspect and report on the condition of its exhaust system free of charge in the interest of community safety.

Vehicle owners should also be aware that even if the exhaust system is in sound condition, faulty door and boot seals can allow gases emitted at the rear of the vehicle to be sucked into the cabin when the vehicle is in motion. Inspection of these seals should be carried out during routine cleaning of the vehicle or by a reputable body repairer.

Any sign of black soot inside the cabin or boot of a vehicle is a sure-fire indicator that exhaust gas is entering the vehicle. On older vehicles rust holes and cracked engine bay seals can also be a problem.

Regular inspection of a vehicle's exhaust by a professional repairer to detect faulty exhaust components may just save your life or that of a loved one.

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