Approximately one in eight fires in our nation is a highway vehicle fire. This does not include the tens of thousands of highway vehicle accidents that might end up with a fire too. 45% of vehicle fires are caused by mechanical failure.
While it is an extreme case of what can happen if you have fluid leaking in your vehicle, oil, transmission, power steering, brake or fuel. It is always a potential danger, the engine and exhaust of the vehicle operate at high temperatures, which can cause an ignition of fire. Exposed electrical wires or ignition spark leaking from worn or broken parts can help to ignite a vehicle fire especially if there is an accelerant like one of the fluids leaking on or around it.
The National Fire Protection Association posted that between the years of 2014 to 2016 in the US there was an average of 171,500 vehicle fires reported annually. This figure resulted in 345 deaths and 1,300 injuries and accounted for 13% of all types of fires reported annually. While collisions have caused vehicle fires, the rest were caused by a mechanical or an electrical failure, which means that it was most likely preventable.
Keeping your vehicle maintained regularly and taking care of leaks while still small, and any other potential safety hazards is definitely recommended. Even if you do not drive very many miles a year have it inspected by your trusted repair facility a couple of times a year just to keep on top of the safety of the vehicle.
If your car starts smoking or overheating, if it smells hot or you see any flames, pull over immediately turn off the car if you can, and get out of the car and far away from it, to avoid fumes, flames or explosions. Don’t let a car fire happen to you or your family. Happy Motoring!
Karen Johnston
All About Automotive, Inc.
