Clear Snow from Tailpipes

For Everyone

Key points

Before you drive after a winter storm, check to be sure that your vehicle's tailpipe is clear of snow. If the tailpipe is blocked, carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas produced by your engine can build up quickly inside your vehicle, poisoning anyone inside.

Script

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This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When it snows this winter, make sure you clear more than your driveway. Before you hit the road and before you get in the driver's seat, check to be sure that your vehicle's tailpipe is clear of snow. If the tailpipe is blocked, carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas produced by your engine can build up quickly inside your vehicle, poisoning anyone inside.

To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO. That's 1-800-232-4636.

Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: August 26, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: August 26, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.