Car Fires: Can It Happen to You?

#FIREDUP

Sometimes instead of getting fired up, you want to put the fire out.

Because is there anything to get more heated up over than thinking about your safety and those you love?

According to recent statistics, there were around 173,000 U.S. highway vehicle fires reported in 2020 (down from the pre-pandemic 2019 with 189,500). Luckily, this is only a percentage of the more than 261 million registered vehicles (which doesn’t even take into account all the semi-trucks, motorcycles, and buses on the road).

But still, if a fire happens to you, you’re going to want to know what to do — and better yet, how to prevent them in the first place.

It’s kind of like Smokey the Bear always said, “Only you can prevent (wild)fires.”

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But first, how do engine fires even happen?

Engine fires are often caused by problems with a vehicle’s electrical wiring, fuel systems, or even cigarettes or nail polish (yes, seriously) left in the car.

Of course, collisions can also cause a fire. There are even safety considerations to take into account where you park.

What can you watch out for?

Safety first, safety always. Sparks are good in a relationship, not your engine. So learn what to look out for now as it could help avoid dangerous conditions in the future.

Fuses that blow repeatedly
Spilled oil under the hood left over from an oil change
Oil or other fluid leaks under the car
Damaged, cracked or loose wiring — or wiring with exposed metal
Rapid changes in fuel or fluid levels, oil changes, or engine temperature
A missing cap from the oil filter (or one that doesn’t properly fit)
Loud noises from the exhaust system
Worn out, broken or loose hoses
The smell of burning rubber or metal

And keep in mind that car fires can occur in places beyond the engine. They can break out under the vehicle, near the wheels and brakes, in your dashboard, or inside the car.

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What other preventative measures can you take?

Keep your ride cool, not (literal) fire with these preventative measures:

Do NOT smoke in your car or keep cigarettes inside
Do NOT leave flammables in your car (i.e., extra gasoline, lighter fluid, aerosol cans, alcohol — and yep, even nail polish)
Do NOT park in tall grass — which can heat up a car’s undercarriage
Always bring your car in for regular car maintenance — not only can it help potentially keep fuel costs down but it may help locate an issue before it turns into one)
Scan the area for any potential fire hazards (like downed power lines or other dangerous storm damages)
And of course… always limit reckless driving behaviors that can lead to collisions

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What to do in case of a car fire?

Keep calm, even in the face of flames, fumes, and smoke. We all grew up hearing ‘stop, drop, and roll.’ But when it comes to your car, there’s just a few extra points to remember:

Signal and immediately move to the closest safe place to stop (such as a side lane or median)
Stop the car, turn off the ignition
Get every person/animal out of the vehicle immediately (don’t stop for personal items)
Move away from the burning car — at least 100 feet — and keep any passers-by back as well to avoid flames and toxic fumes
Call 911
Alert oncoming traffic if possible
Take names and numbers of witnesses, along with photos of your car — if your cell was left behind, ask to borrow someone else’s (don’t go back to get the phone)

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And afterwards…

Once the fire is extinguished, you’ll want to contact your insurance agent to see if the coverage you selected covers a car fire and then file a claim. You’ll also want to have your car towed and inspected. Attempting to operate it again prior to inspection could be dangerous.

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