If you suffered a car fire, you are not alone. According to State Farm, over 181,500 drivers had highway vehicle fires.
A motor vehicle accident has enough risk without the addition of a car fire. Car fires can turn into a deadly tragedy under the worst circumstances.
How to prevent a vehicle fire
Vehicle fires are not always preventable. After a strong impact, it can trigger a fire. Car fires have a few common warning signs that could increase the risk of fire. If your fuses blow repeatedly or you notice rapid changes in oil levels or engine temperature, you could have a recipe for disaster on your hands.
Other warning signs include:
- Spilled oil
- Cracked wiring
- Loud sounds from the exhaust
- Broken hoses
To prevent a vehicle fire, these issues should undergo maintenance as soon as possible.
What to do in case of a vehicle fire
After an accident, your focus should be on your safety. If you smell smoke or see the flames, you should not remain in the car. Keep in mind that fires do not always break out in the engine. While it is common for fires to start in the engine compartment, they can also start in the dashboard, near the wheels, under the vehicle or inside the car.
If your car catches fire, turn off the engine. Exit the vehicle and remove any passengers as quickly as possible. Try to stay at least 100 feet away from the vehicle. If someone can alert oncoming traffic, ask them to do so, to protect others.
No matter the cause of the car fire, you should never open the hood. Allow emergency personnel to handle the flames.
