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Carbon Monoxide Detector for Cars

Jun 2

Forensics Detectors launches the worlds most effective carbon monoxide detector for cars and airplanes.

Carbon monoxide (CO) gas can pose a serious risk if it enters or leaks into your vehicle. To detect any potential CO buildup in your vehicle cabin, it's recommended to use a low-level carbon monoxide meter that can alert you of any danger. CO can enter your vehicle through various leakage pathways, and it's typically produced by the combustion engine of your vehicle. That's why we suggest using a portable CO detector designed for vehicles that can sound an alarm at 9 parts per million (ppm). 

Carbon Monoxide less than 50 ppm is considered as a low level of CO concentration. Depending on who you ask, this definition may change or vary. Although it is termed "low level," these CO concentrations can still be dangerous especially when driving.

Symptoms of low levels of CO exposure include:

  • Mild headache
  • Mild nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Compromised motor skills 

If there is an exhaust leak in your engine bay or under the vehicle, the gases can easily mediate through any openings or orifices and enter the vehicle.

If the leak is in the engine bay due to a cracked exhaust manifold or exhaust leak, exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide can enter via the engine bay into the vehicle, or directly be drawn into the intake vent via a compromised rubber hood engine bay seal.

Do not sleep in your vehicle with the engine running. Also do not sit in your car as sitting will prolong the time you are exposed to carbon monoxide in your car gas chamber. In addition, do not run the engine and sit in your car for long periods of time.

Unknowingly, carbon monoxide may enter and accumulate within your vehicle cabin as it has done to many that have died from sleeping in their vehicle due to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

When stationary, Carbon Monoxide may build up around the vehicle, be redirected or obstructed back into the vehicle and accumulate within the vehicle. Debris, snow or exhaust redirected to the HVAC intake may direct dangerous carbon monoxide into your vehicle. Deaths occur in this fashion every year, so be very cautious.

 

A tell tale sign of carbon monoxide poisoning may be headaches or nausea whilst driving (it is for me). To confirm, we recommend using a low level CO meter to confirm any carbon monoxide accumulation.

Do not use a generic "home" CO detectors as their pre-set alarm thresholds are too high. They alarm at 70ppm and those with displays start showing displaying CO levels only above 30ppm.

To determine how CO leaks into the car is not trivial. There are many technical methods and protocols Dr. Koz has developed to determine how CO enters a vehicle. In general however, finding carbon monoxide leakage paths into a vehicle may be obvious (visually) or may require additional physical techniques to identify.

Final Words

  • A carbon monoxide detector for car is effectively a low level carbon monoxide meter. Having a low level CO detector is a good way to determine if your vehicle is leaking and or accumulating in your car cabin.
  • Carbon monoxide may enter your vehicle if stationary and when moving.
  • CO meters less than $100 can alarm when dangerous carbon monoxide levels are present.
  • Carbon monoxide exposure in your car may be cause you headaches and compromise your motor skills when driving.
  • It is tricky to detect carbon monoxide in the vehicle since it is odorless and can enter via pathways you would not imagine or simply cannot see.
  • Many deaths and injures occur due to carbon monoxide and vehicles every year. Be cognizant of this danger.