Be Aware, These are The Causes of Car Fires!

Causes of car fires, how to avoid that? When we’re on the road, car accidents aren’t the only threat to worry about. Car fires are a rare incident that can be very damaging and dangerous. In most cases, car fires can be prevented with proper preventive measures and regular maintenance.

In this article TransTRACK, we will look at some of the avoidable causes of car fires. From mechanical issues to traffic accidents, understanding these risks is the first step to protecting your vehicle and your own safety.

Let’s explore the causes of car fires and the steps you can take to prevent them, so you can drive with more peace of mind.

Avoidable Causes of Car Fires

A burning car can be a very dangerous and costly situation. Here are some avoidable causes of a burning car:

Car Engine Overheat

Overheating can occur due to a lack of coolant or problems with the cooling system. To prevent this, make sure to always check and maintain your car’s engine coolant level regularly.

Fuel and Oil Cap Leaks

Leaks in the fuel or oil system may cause a fire risk. Be sure to periodically check the fuel hoses for leaks and oil leaks, and ensure that the oil and fuel caps are properly installed.

Peeling Cables

Peeling or chipped wires can cause sparks that could lead to a fire. Make sure to regularly check the state of the electrical cables in your car and replace them immediately if any are damaged.

Disturbances in the Car’s Electrical System

A damaged or problematic electrical system can be a source of fire. Make sure to keep your car’s electrical system in good condition by performing regular maintenance and fixing any problems that arise as soon as they are detected.

Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents can cause a car to catch fire. To avoid this, always drive carefully, obey traffic rules, and make sure your vehicle is in a safe and road-ready condition.

By paying attention and taking precautions against the above factors, you can help reduce the risk of your car catching fire. It is always important to perform regular maintenance and checks on your car to ensure its safety and performance.

What to Do When a Car Burns

When faced with a situation where your car is on fire, the following steps can help:

Pull over to a safe area

Immediately drive the car to a safe place, such as the shoulder of the road or an area separated from traffic. Make sure you and other passengers stay away from the car and the burning area.

Turn off the car engine

Turn off the car engine and open the hood if possible. This will help reduce the risk of a larger fire breaking out from inside the engine.

Evacuate Yourself and Passengers

Get yourself and passengers out of the car quickly and carefully. Make sure everyone stays away from the burning area and move to a safe place nearby.

Use a Fire Extinguisher to Put Out the Fire

If you have access to a Light Fire Extinguisher (MFE) and feel confident doing so, try using it to put out the fire. But make sure you use it correctly and only when it is safe to do so.

Call for Help

Immediately contact emergency services or your local fire department for help. Provide clear information about your location and the situation of your car fire.

Don’t Try to Open the Hood If There Is Smoke or Fire Coming Out

If there are signs of smoke or fire coming out of the hood, do not try to open it. This could expose you to greater danger. Let the firefighters handle the situation.

Taking these steps quickly and efficiently is critical to your and your passengers’ safety. Safety should be the top priority in an emergency situation like this.

Ways to Prevent Your Car from Burning

The following are additional ways to prevent your car from catching fire easily:

Check the Cooling System Regularly

Make sure to regularly check your car’s cooling system, including the coolant and the condition of the hoses. Make sure there are no leaks and ensure the system is functioning properly to prevent overheating.

Checking the Fuel System

Perform regular checks on the fuel system to detect possible leaks or damage. Make sure all hoses and components are well connected and there are no signs of leaks.

Change Oil Regularly

Too dirty or too little oil can increase the risk of engine overheat. Be sure to change your car’s oil according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Prevent Cable Peeling

Regularly check your car’s electrical cables to ensure there are no signs of chipping or damage. Replace any damaged or worn cables immediately.

Avoid Smoking in the Car

Cigarette smoke can be a source of sparks that could potentially start a fire, especially if the smoke seeps into areas where fuel or other flammable materials are stored.

Park in a Safe Place

Avoid parking your car in areas prone to fire hazards, such as near flammable materials or in direct sunlight which can increase the risk of overheating.

Conduct Regular Inspection of the Electrical System

Check and ensure that your car’s electrical system is functioning properly. Replace or repair any damaged or worn components immediately.

Always Keep a Fire Extinguisher in the Car

Keeping a light fire extinguisher in your car can be a smart move to quickly deal with any fires that may occur before the situation gets worse.

By taking these precautions regularly and paying attention to danger signs, you can help prevent your car from catching fire and improve your safety on the road.

By paying attention to the potential causes of car fires and preventive measures, it is very important to ensure that your vehicle is always in optimal condition. To assist you in maintaining the safety and performance of your car, we recommend using TransTRACK’s Vehicle Maintenance System.

With this  Vehicle Maintenance System, you can easily keep track of your car’s maintenance schedule, including routine maintenance such as checking the engine, cooling system, fuel system, and electrical system. You can also monitor critical conditions such as engine temperature and oil pressure in real-time, so you can identify potential problems before they develop into emergency situations.

Don’t let the risk of a car fire threaten the safety of you and those around you. By using TransTRACK’s Vehicle Maintenance System, you can have greater peace of mind when driving, knowing that your vehicle is always at its best. Start utilizing this system immediately and make the safety of your vehicle a top priority.