What to Do If Your Car Is on Fire?

Car fires probably don’t happen very often, but they may be quite dangerous when they do. Fire Prevention and Consultancy Services would like to inform you of all the possible options should your car catch fire without warning.

Fuel leaks, electrical issues, collisions, or even simple ruptured tires are some typical causes of a car catching fire. Considering that a car is a moving object, a fire inside one can happen either while it’s being driven or while it is parked, and each situation presents its own obstacles.

Let’s study how to recognize the warning signs first:

• Continuously blowing fuses

• After an oil change, oil spilled under the hood.

• Under the car, there is a leak of oil or another liquid.

• Faulty wire, such as frayed, slack, or exposed metal wiring

• The exhaust system has been harmed (very loud noises may be an indication of a fire hazard)

• A missing oil filler cap, sudden fluctuations in the amount of fuel, oil, or engine temperature

• Loose or damaged hoses

• Catalytic converters and engine overheating

• Arson

• Check your car for recalls if there are any potential design issues.

• Ignoring necessary maintenance

Regular auto maintenance could increase your vehicle’s lifespan, save fuel expenses, and reduce the overall cost of car ownership.

What should you do if your car catches fire?

Knowing what to do if you smell smoke or see flames coming from your car while you’re driving can help you avoid injuries or possibly save lives. In such a circumstance, it’s crucial to remain calm while also taking rapid action.

• If a side lane or a median is the closest safe location to halt, signal and move there quickly.

• Turn off the ignition and come to a complete stop.

• Get everyone out of the vehicle and forbid them from returning to get their belongings.

• Move at least 100 feet away from the burning car to protect spectators away from the flames and hazardous gases.

• Call the numbers for emergency. Here’s a quick reminder: Police: 112 or 100/ Fire Brigade: 101

• Carrying a fire extinguisher in your car is relatively safe, but be sure you know how to use it.

• If you can, warn oncoming vehicles.

Note that the engine compartment is not the only location where a car fire can start. Additionally, they may appear within the car, under the car, close to the wheels and brakes, or even on the dashboard. Interior fires may rank as some of the most horrifying due to your closeness to the flames, fumes, and smoke.

You should normally avoid attempting to extinguish the fire on your own, find a quick escape, and call for immediate assistance. While you wait for the emergency services or fire department to come, get away from the burning car. If there is a fuel tank leak, a burning car could easily explode, which could result in much more damage. Remember the increased air supply may speed up the flames when the hood or car doors are opened.

You might wonder if insurance will cover a car fire after it has been extinguished. Your insurance agent must be contacted to find out all the details. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses, and if you can, take pictures of the damage in the car. Find out from the firefighters if it is safe to remove personal belongings from the car and when to do so. Before you try to drive the car again, call your insurance company to arrange a tow to inspect it. Your insurance provider may classify your car as a total loss if it has been damaged and the estimated cost of repairs is greater than the worth of the vehicle. To file a claim, you’ll probably need to get in touch with your insurance agent.