By 
0
0
The summer heat can be very harsh for you and your vehicle. News stories feature unfortunate incidents such as a fire in a moving vehicle or cars left under the harsh sunlight. We’ll share tips, and a list of common car fire causes with some prevention tips.
Car fires – Failure to follow the service schedule
Maintenance is essential for your vehicle’s health. Regular visits to the service station are recommended as per the vehicle manual. For your vehicle’s maintenance, selecting a reliable technician is important. Fuel leakage or excessive heat in the radiator can cause the car to catch fire on the road or in direct sunlight. These unfortunate situations can be prevented by regular maintenance.
Car Fires – Storage of combustible materials in the car
Storing combustible materials in a car is one of the leading causes of car fires. It is a good idea not to store combustible material inside your car. If your vehicle is parked in the sun, a pressurized container such as a deodorant or air freshener can get very hot and explode inside. After spraying aerosol-based deodorant in your car, it is important not to smoke or use a cigarette lighter. Aerosol-based deodorants can cause serious fire hazards in your car.
Car fire: Why is it so bad?
Smoking is bad for your health and can also cause car fires. The smoke from a lighted cigarette could cause a car fire. A short circuit caused by a push-type car lighter can also result in a car fire.
A Russian state reported a similar incident. The car began to burn after the driver had thrown his cigarette butt out the window. The car was engulfed by flames soon after the cigarette fell on it.
Car fires – Aftermarket LPG/CNG kits
This is common in India, where many drivers install substandard CNG/LPG kits on their vehicles. Unprofessional mechanics are most likely to do this, which can lead to damaged car chassis due to holes made in the boot space for the CNG/LPG tank. These holes could allow the flammable fuel to pass through your car’s cabin. This can be a serious fire hazard for your vehicle. An automatic cut-off is available for any CNG/LPG kit, whether it’s factory-fitted or standard. The cheaper aftermarket units don’t have this feature and are often the main cause of car fires.
In 2008, three people were killed in an accident in which their hatchback was struck by a speeding truck. The aftermarket CNG kit installed on the vehicle leaked into the car, setting it ablaze within ten seconds. In this incident, all three victims were burned to their deaths.
Car fires – Aftermarket accessories
It is a good idea to avoid putting sub-standard accessories on your car by non-professional mechanics. A short circuit could result from a minor error in the wiring. Recent incidents show that people have installed custom horns, LED lights and other vehicle accessories. This caused a fire in the vehicle due to a short circuit in the central electronic system.
Car Fire Prevention – Be alert for any burning smell
Your first defense against fire in your vehicle is your senses. It would help if you always were alert for any pungent burning smells in your vehicle that could indicate an initial fire. Early detection of fumes can help prevent major fire outbreaks.
