Causes of Car Fires and How to Anticipate Them!

A burning car will be very dangerous for those around you. When we talk about road safety, our thoughts often turn to traffic rules, passive safety devices, or wise driving. However, one of the most important aspects of maintaining road safety is keeping our own vehicle in optimal condition. One of the biggest risks to be aware of is car fires.

A car fire can be a very scary event and can happen quickly without warning. However, with the right precautions and the right knowledge, we can reduce this risk significantly. In this TransTRACK article, we’ll cover the common causes of car fires and the steps you can take to prevent them. Your safety and that of others on the road is of the utmost importance, and these precautions can help protect you from unexpected dangers. Let’s get started on keeping your vehicle safe and free from the risk of car fires.

Causes of Burning Cars

The following are the causes and identification of some common causes of car fires. These causes are:

Car Overheats

Overheating occurs when the car engine overheats. This can be caused by a variety of problems, such as a cooling system leak, a faulty thermostat, or a lack of coolant. If the engine temperature rises too high, it can cause engine components and electrical systems to burn.

Problematic Electrical System

Faulty electrical systems, such as wiring, electrical shorts, or worn electrical components, can cause sparks that start fires. Therefore, regular maintenance and repair of the electrical system is very important.

Fuel and Oil Cap Leaks

Undetected fuel or oil leaks can result in a buildup of flammable material under the hood. An unexpected spark may cause this material to catch fire.

Excessive Modifications That Interfere with the Engine

Excessive or inappropriate modifications to the engine or combustion system can result in overheating or instability that can trigger a fire. Always consult modifications with experienced automotive experts.

Car is rarely serviced

Vehicles that are rarely serviced or do not receive regular maintenance may have worn components or problematic systems that can cause fires. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent this problem.

Service in the Wrong Place

Vehicle maintenance and repairs carried out in places that lack quality or experience can increase the risk of technical problems that can lead to fire. Always choose a trusted and licensed repair place.

Traffic accident

Traffic accidents can cause fires if engine components or fuel tanks are damaged and exposed to sparks from the collision.

Placing Flammable Objects

Placing flammable objects, such as cloth or paper-based materials, near hot machine components can cause a fire if the object is exposed to excessive heat.

Prevention is the key to avoiding the risk of a car catching fire. This includes regular maintenance, monitoring engine temperature, immediate repairs if problems arise, and taking precautions when making modifications to the vehicle. Additionally, always store your vehicle safely and avoid placing flammable objects near the engine or fuel system.

What should you do if your car catches fire?

Here is a list of good steps to follow if you are faced with a burning car situation:

Emotion control

The important first reaction is to remain calm. Panic can make the situation more dangerous. Try to stay calm and think clearly.

Take the Car to the Side of the Road

If possible, steer your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe place and away from traffic. This will help reduce the risk of a more serious accident.

Turn off the car engine

Immediately turn off the car engine. This will cut off the fuel supply and reduce the risk of further fire.

Evacuate All Passengers

After the engine is turned off, immediately evacuate all passengers from the vehicle. Make sure everyone gets out of the car safely and away from areas threatened by fire.

Extinguish with APAR (Light Fire Extinguisher)

If the fire is still small and you have a suitable fire extinguisher (APAR) and know how to use it, you can try to put out the fire. However, make sure you don’t take unnecessary risks if the fire has grown large or is difficult to control.

Call for Help or Use the SOS Button

Immediately call an emergency number (for example 112 or 911) to summon help. If your vehicle is equipped with an SOS button or similar feature, use it to summon emergency assistance and provide your location.

Inform Other Drivers

If possible, inform other drivers of the situation. This can help reduce the risk of further accidents and ensure that everyone stays safe.

Remember that safety is paramount in situations like this. If the fire has become large or cannot be controlled with an APAR, remove yourself and everyone from the vehicle and let trained firefighters handle the situation. Precautions are always better than facing an emergency situation, so make sure your vehicle gets proper maintenance to reduce the risk of fire.

How to Make Sure Your Car Doesn’t Catch Fire

Here is an excellent list of actions to ensure that your car doesn’t catch fire. How to ensure that the car doesn’t catch fire through several steps, namely:

Perform Service/Maintenance Regularly

Carrying out routine service or maintenance on your vehicle is one of the most important steps in preventing car fires. Make sure all vehicle systems, including the electrical system and cooling system, are functioning properly. Check and replace worn components according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Healthy engines tend to be safer from the risk of fire.

Avoid Storing Flammable Items in the Car

Do not store flammable items such as paper, tissue, flammable liquids, or other items that can quickly start a fire. Make sure the car interior remains clean and free from items that could increase the risk of fire.

Avoid Parking Near Fire Sources

When choosing a parking spot, avoid parking near potential ignition sources such as gas stations or hazardous materials storage areas. This can reduce the risk of fire due to sparks or unwanted contact.

Always provide an APAR in your car

APAR (Light Fire Extinguisher) is a very important tool for extinguishing fires that may occur in or around your vehicle. Make sure you have an extinguisher that fits your vehicle, and learn how to use it properly. All passengers in the vehicle must also know the location of the APAR and how to use it.

In addition to the four steps above, there are several additional measures that can help increase safety from the risk of fire in cars, such as keeping the vehicle’s electrical system in good condition, replacing worn cables, and avoiding the use of inappropriate additional electrical cables. Also, it is important to check the fuel and oil systems periodically to avoid leaks that could cause a fire.

Prevention is key in protecting your vehicle from the risk of fire, and these steps can help keep you and your passengers safe while driving.

In an ever-evolving world, the safety of your vehicle is a top priority. We have discussed important ways to prevent car fires and actions to take if the situation cannot be avoided. But what if we gave you a better solution to ensure your vehicle is always in top condition and ready to go?

Use the “Vehicle Maintenance System” from TransTRACK as your vehicle maintenance partner. With TransTRACK, you can easily plan routine maintenance, receive important alerts, and manage your maintenance history efficiently. This is a proactive step that can help you prevent problems before they become a fire risk.

Not only that, TransTRACK also provides advanced features that can help you in emergency situations, including engine temperature monitoring and an emergency call button. You don’t have to worry about the safety of your vehicle when you have this tool by your side.

So, don’t wait any longer. Make TransTRACK an important tool in your vehicle maintenance and ensure that you and your vehicle are always safe and ready to continue your journey. Try TransTRACK today and discover the best way to keep your car in top condition!