Car fires aren’t something which occur too often these days. Still, that doesn’t mean they don’t happen at all! Therefore, it’s important for you to know what to do should you experience one…
Car Fires: How To React Safely
Potential causes
Most of the time, car fires start because of an accident. These accidents tend to expose a lot of a car’s electrical system and fluids, like oil and gas. As a result, it possible for a fire to start, either in the car’s themselves or next to them due to spilt fluids.
However, these fires could also be due to faulty wiring in the electrical system. Issues with the fuel system can also cause fires to start. These problems can be hard to spot, even if you do a lot of maintenance work at home. That’s why it’s good to have these systems checked out whenever you get some service done on your car.
Warning signs
While it may seem like car fires happen randomly, there are some warning signs you can look for. Fuses which blow constantly and wiring that’s cracked and loose can all be potential fire starters. Loud noises from your exhaust could also clue you in that there’s some issue which could end up leading to a fire.
You should also watch for issues with your fuel and other fluids. Rapid changes in fuel, oil, and temperature levels could mean a fire is likely to occur. Things such as constant fluid leaks, and even minor amounts of spilt oil under the hood can all increase the chances of a fire occurring.
What to do
Experiencing car fires while driving is unnerving. That’s especially true if the fire occurs close to the driver’s seat. However, you have to remember to remain calm and act fast. Making the right decisions can help you avoid injuries and avoid an accident with other drivers.
First, signal and immediately move to the closest place to stop. Stop the car, turn it off, and get every person out of the car ASAP. Then, try to get at least 100 feet away from the car to avoid any flames and toxic fumes. Once everyone is safe, call 911 and have them deal with the fire.