Car fire: What to do if it happens to you
To safeguard yourself, move at least 30m from the vehicle.
Although vehicle fires on the road are not frequent, local emergency services have, in the past, attended to several vehicle fires. In some instances, the vehicles burnt out completely.
Recently, firefighters responded to a truck trailer that caught fire on the N12 west, near the Rondebult Road off-ramp. Last year, a driver of a VW Polo escaped unhurt after his car burst into flames while driving on the N12 westbound next to the Jet Park off-ramp.
According to MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions, collisions and mechanical failures usually cause car fires.
“Knowing what to do could save lives if you smell smoke or see fire coming from your car while driving. Vehicle fires can happen in the engine compartment, near the dashboard or inside the car,” said Barend Smit, the marketing director at MotorHappy.
MotorHappy had this advice:
Stay calm and move your car to safety (if possible)
Do not panic. A clear head is crucial in emergencies. If the vehicle catches fire while you are driving, turn on the emergency indicators and move to the emergency lane or the side of the road.
Turn off the engine
Once you have safely stopped, unlock all the windows and doors before turning off the ignition.
Evacuate the vehicle and move away
Immediately get everyone out of the car. If any passengers are stuck, help them get out. Take the keys with you.
Since the car has fuel and other flammable liquids, the fire will become intense. So, to safeguard yourself, move at least 30m from the vehicle.
Call for help
Call 10117 or 112. Even if the fire seems small, it is best to let the professionals handle it.
Do not attempt to extinguish the fire
Unless the fire is small and you have a fire extinguisher handy, do not try to put out the fire yourself. Car fires can quickly escalate and be dangerous because of the flammable liquids.
Also, do not go near a burning car to collect personal belongings. Your safety is more important than any material possessions.
Once the fire is out and everyone is safe, the admin begins. Contact your insurance company to report the incident. They will guide you through filing a claim.
Even if it was a small fire, do not risk driving your car once the fire is out. The fire might have damaged unknown components that could cause trouble during the drive. Arrange to tow the vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
ALSO READ: Car destroyed by fire on N12
These fires can start for many reasons:
Mechanical or electrical issues
These are among the most common causes of car fires. Faulty wiring, malfunctioning electrical systems, or defective components can lead to a fire. For instance, a short circuit in the wiring could generate a spark that could ignite the flammable materials in the car. Similarly, a faulty battery could overheat and cause a fire.
Overheating engine
When an engine overheats, it can cause the coolant and oil to heat up too. If these fluids leak, they could ignite when they come into contact with hot engine parts. Overheating is a symptom of multiple underlying issues, including a malfunctioning radiator, a broken water pump, or a leak in the cooling system.
Fuel system leaks
If there is a leak in the fuel system, petrol or diesel could escape and make contact with hot surfaces or electrical sparks, leading to a fire. This could be particularly dangerous because fuel fires can be difficult to extinguish.
Car accidents
Collisions during car accidents can also lead to fires, especially if the crash damaged the fuel system. The impact could cause fuel to leak, and if it caused a spark, it could ignite. In addition, the heat from the crash could cause the battery to short-circuit, leading to a fire.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing most of these issues. Ensure your car is serviced regularly by a professional who can spot and fix potential problems before they lead to a fire.
Pay attention to your car. If you notice leaks, strange smells, or rapid changes in fuel or fluid levels, get it checked immediately.
“A vehicle warranty will usually cover your car against mechanical failures and other operational-related problems.
A car warranty helps you avoid those nasty ‘failure’ surprises that often translate into huge sums you didn’t budget for. With these costs covered through a warranty plan, you can keep your car engine and electrics in good working order and lower the fire risk,” advised Smit.
ALSO READ: What to do if your car catches fire
