Are Car Fires A Real Threat?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 164,000 highway car fires in 2013 which caused 300 deaths and 925 injuries. Does that sound like a lot?
It’s actually smaller than it used to be. In 2000, there were 325,000 car fires and 450 deaths.
Even though the statistics show reports of car fires are shrinking, it’s still a danger you should be aware of. What causes car fires and what should you do if your car catches fire?
Fuel System Leaks
Gasoline is highly flammable, and when it leaks, there is a very real chance it could ignite if exposed to high temperatures. There are many reasons a fuel system could leak, but sometimes it can begin on its own due to simple wear and tear. That’s why it is so important to check your vehicle for leaks periodically.
Car Accidents
Cars are designed to withstand collisions and are built to prevent engine collapse. But if a vehicle is hit hard enough, leaking fluid and extreme temperatures create an atmosphere that’s conducive to fire. If you’re in an accident and smell burning plastic or metal, get out of the car immediately and move a safe distance away from it.
Electrical Malfunction
Engines are not only built of metal parts — a significant amount of electrical wiring is important to your car’s function as well. Just like in homes, an electrical system is prone to fire when wires begin to fray. Since wires run throughout your car, a fire may not begin in the engine. Electrical fires could start anywhere, including in the door or in seats.
Overheated Engine
When an engine overheats, it most likely will not suddenly ignite by itself, but it can cause other problems. Too much heat can cause fluids to boil over and spread outside of their designated vessels, creating a serious fire hazard.
What Should You Do?
As soon as you see or smell smoke, it’s time to pull over. Get off the road, get your passengers out, and move a safe distance away from the vehicle.
Even if you aren’t completely sure if the smoke is due to a fire, you are better off calling 911 for emergency help and erring on the side of caution. You also should call a tow truck, because smoke coming from your vehicle usually means it needs mechanical repairs before it’s safe to drive again.
Contact Stauffer’s Towing at any time of day or night and you will get immediate towing service. Car fires can be frightening, but with a team of experienced towing specialists on hand, you can get to the bottom of the issue quickly and get your car back on the road fast.
