What Should I Do if My Car Catches on Fire?

While driving down the highway one day you pass another vehicle on the roadside that’s totally engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. Thankfully, first responders are on the scene and it looks like the vehicle’s occupants got out safely. Accidental car fires are usually caused by fuel leaks, faulty electrical wiring or design defects- although there are other causes. Sometimes, vehicle fires are set intentionally to hide crimes. Have you ever thought about what you would do if your car caught on fire while you were in it? Auto safety experts strongly advise taking these steps. 

Car Fire Statistics 

According to a report from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) (1), roughly one-in-eight fires responded to each year by fire departments across the country are vehicle-related. That’s approximately 240,000 fires annually. Here are some other USFA statistics about highway car fires:

• Over 80% of car fires occur in passenger vehicles.

• Roughly 60% of all fatal vehicle fires result from collisions.

• Unintentional actions due to mechanical failure are the leading cause of highway fires.

• Electrical wire insulation and flammable liquids in the engine compartment are the most common items that initially ignite.

• Over 60% of all vehicle fires and nearly 40% of fatal highway fires start in the running gear (wheels, suspension, powertrain, steering), engine or wheel area of the vehicle. 

Is Your Vehicle a Fire Risk?

Although thousands of vehicle fires are caused by collisions, there are several potential warning signs that also turn your car into a fire risk even when it’s not involved in a crash, like: 

• Fuses that blow constantly
• Cracked or loose wiring, or wiring with exposed metal
• Broken or loose hoses
• Very loud sounds coming from the exhaust system
• Rapid fluctuations in the oil level, fuel level or engine temperature
• Oil or other fluid leaks under the vehicle 

Many car fires start in the engine area, but they can also break out under the vehicle, in your dashboard, near wheels and brakes, or even inside the car (like from a dropped cigarette).  

What to Do During a Vehicle Fire

If you smell smoke or see flames coming from your vehicle while you’re driving it, try to remain calm and then follow these additional safety Dos and Don’ts:

• If you’re moving in traffic, do use your turn signal and immediately pull off to the nearest safe area and then come to a stop, whether it’s a median, parking lot or shoulder. 

• Once you’ve come to a complete stop, do turn off the ignition.

• Starting with yourself, do get everyone out of the vehicle and far away from the flames and toxic fumes. Don’t allow curious bystanders to approach your burning vehicle. 

• Once everyone is at least 100 feet from your car, do promptly call 911 and wait for the fire department to arrive. 

• Don’t try to put out the fire yourself, even if you have an onboard fire extinguisher. 

• Don’t open the hood, trunk or doors unless it’s a life-threatening situation, as that may increase the fire’s air supply and cause it to accelerate. 

• Don’t let passengers try to retrieve personal items from the burning vehicle. 

Car fires can burn very intensely because of the lighter plastics and fiberglass materials that many newer vehicles are made of. Batteries can also be especially dangerous, and electric or hybrid vehicles can be even more challenging for fire fighters who are extinguishing the blaze.   

These Body Shops Do Expert Fire & Collision Repairs 

When your car’s been damaged by a fire, it may be repairable. Even minor fender benders can jar electrical wiring loose that could start a fire later. For all these reasons, it’s good to know that you can promptly locate a nearby auto body or glass repair shop through the nationwide Carwise referral network. Bring your car in and let the I-CAR and ASE-certified professionals have-a-look to ensure your safety and peace of mind.  

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com. 

Reference:

1. U.S. Fire Administration Report: Highway Vehicle Fires (2014-2016); July 2018