2009 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 78

76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS Exhaust Gas WARNING! Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips: • Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area with engine running for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle. • Guard against carbon monoxide with proper maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side windows fully open. • Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode when driving with any windows open, even if only slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside the vehicle; otherwise, poisonous gases could be drawn into the vehicle. Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the Vehicle Seat Belts Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.