Do you know the much-loved car you use for commuting can catch fire? We hope you never have to deal with a fire involving your vehicle, but all drivers should understand the main causes of vehicle fires and how to avoid them. Although this is an unusual occurrence, knowing what may trigger a car fire is crucial. A car fire can be catastrophic and is usually caused due to a variety of reasons, including mechanical failures, accidents, driver errors, and so on. Moreover, once a car catches fire, surrounding and other factors can further exacerbate the situation, leading to explosions, serious burns, and fatalities.
Using cars for moving from one destination to another is quite convenient. But to stay safe while driving, knowing the common causes of car fires is imperative. Read further to discover the top 6 causes of car fires to avoid them.
1. Accident
The most common and obvious causes of car fires are accidents and car crashes. Usually, when the fuel tank is hit, a single spark is likely to set off a fire. Even the crumple zones protecting vulnerable areas may fail in a serious collision. If struck, the engine, fuel tank, and battery may cause fluids to leak and heat, creating perfect confirm conditions and poor maintenance.
If you ignore your car’s Maintenance, you’re increasing the risk of a car fire. Without regular Maintenance, the worn-out wires and broken parts go unnoticed, indirectly leading to a vicious fire. Tattered wiring can produce a spark, igniting flammable fluids such as oil or gasoline. Moreover, a damaged gasket in the engine trickles flammable liquids. nAreNumerous such cases are related to poor Maintenance, which can be avoided by regularly taking your car to a certified mechanic.
3. Electrical System Failure
Your car’s electrical system, if not working in good condition, can also wreak havoc. If there’s a flaw in the electrical wiring that runs throughout the vehicle or any issue with the battery, your car may catch fire. Frayed wires or the hydrogen gas buildup in the engine bay due to the battery’s charging cycle may create sparks. Electrical and mechanical failures such as heated seats, faulty batteries, and car heating systems can all contribute to a catastrophic fire.
4. Fuel and Fluids Leaks
According to fire experts, a fuel leak is another cause of car fire. Various factors contribute to a fuel system leak, leading to hazardous conditions. Also, vehicles contain flammable liquids under the hood, and just by a single spark, these fluids can catch fire. A single spark can ignite a fire if the gasoline temperature exceeds 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees Celsius). Moreover, it catches fire when gasoline touches 495 degrees Fahrenheit (257.2 degrees Celsius).
5. Vehicle Design Flaw
Sometimes, there can be a flaw in the car design that can contribute to car fires. Such design flaws generally don’t cause a car fire but can create or aggravate fire conditions.
6. Overheating
In many cases, fire investigators found the cause of the fire linked to an overheated engine. An overheated engine doesn’t cause a fire on its own. But when the engine overheats, it increases the temperature of internal fluids to a dangerous level, then spilling out of their designated areas.
This overheated coolant or oil can cause your car to burst into flame. Though you can’t prepare yourself for car crashes, proper Maintenance can go a long way in preventing a car fire. If, unfortunately, you find yourself in a condition where your vehicle is on fire, get as far away from the car as possible.
