Seeing your automobile catch fire is one of the scariest things that can happen to a car owner. Accidents involving car fires are prevalent but easily preventable. Numerous things, ranging from manufacturing defects in design to user neglect of electrical and mechanical issues, might result in such mishaps.
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However, if you take preventative actions, such as becoming aware of the potential triggers and how to avoid them, you won’t have to go through the trauma associated with automobile fire incidents. Here are a few frequent reasons why cars catch fire:
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Engine Overheat
Even though overheating by itself won’t cause your car to catch fire, we cannot say the same for its consequences. Internal liquids begin to boil as a result of overheating, which sets off a series of events. This can cause fluids to pour onto other heated car components, sparking and eventually igniting them.
Once you notice overheating, it is advised to allow the engine some time to cool down.
- Accessories from Aftermarket
In an effort to personalise their vehicles, some automobile owners purchase aftermarket add-ons, including stereos, security systems, headlamps, and
reverse parking sensors. There is a chance that the worker could snap a wire while installing these items in the car, which might go unnoticed until it shorts out.
Systemic fuel leakage
This is a frequent reason why cars catch fire. When exposed, fuel and diesel become very combustible. Fuel leaks pose a particular threat. Even when external forces start a fire inside an automobile, the fire quickly gets out of control the moment fuel gets involved.
Even though overheating by itself won’t cause your car to catch fire, we cannot say the same for its consequences. Internal liquids begin to boil as a result of overheating, which sets off a series of events. This can cause fluids to pour onto other heated car components, sparking and eventually igniting them.
Once you notice overheating, it is advised to allow the engine some time to cool down.
Failure of Electrical Wiring
Accidental car fires are frequently caused by electrical and mechanical faults. Heated seats, heating systems, batteries, and aftermarket accessories are a few examples of these issues. A frayed, errant wire may occasionally herald serious peril.
Watch out for frayed or loose wiring within your automobile, and as soon as you discover anything odd, call your mechanic right away. A spark from a broken electrical line could start a full-fledged car fire tragedy. The only prerequisites are a frayed wire and a hydrogen gas buildup in the engine bay. Once the spark comes into contact with a liquid that is leaking, such as fuel, the car may catch fire.
Malfunctioning catalytic converters
The heat produced by the catalytic converters is typical. If there is too much-unburned fuel, it creates a serious problem and starts to fail. A valve leak or improperly fired spark plugs could result in an excessive amount of unburned gasoline.
Keeping Gas or Fuel in Your Car
Have you ever questioned whether it’s okay to keep extra fuel or gasoline in your car’s boot on a permanent basis? Well, even if it is in a metal container that has been firmly strapped in, the answer is still no.
According to records, Nigeria’s temperature can soar as high as 47.2 °C (117.0 °F), which is also the country’s highest recorded temperature. Based on this, we can infer that the temperature inside your car’s cabin can increase significantly, increasing the pressure inside the container, which, if vented out, would fill the vehicle with explosive vapour.
Remember that a car’s fuel tank is not located in the cabin or trunk. The container could rupture in an accident because it is in the shade underneath the automobile.
How To Avoid Car Fire Accidents
- Yearly inspection
Even if your car is working perfectly, it is important that you take it to a maintenance shop annually. An automobile mechanic can give you a better idea of the safety condition of your vehicle and inform you of any repairs or faults that need to be fixed.
If you are on a budget, you might be tempted to skip checking your car annually just to save a few bucks. But if you come to think about it, you will spend a whole lot more or even replace your car if a serious fault develops as a result of your neglect or, even worse, it bursts into flames.
- Ensure that all added parts are installed correctly
Aftermarket parts like stereo speakers and lights, among others, can be a fun and useful addition to your car, but they can start a fire if they aren’t installed properly. Unless you have a solid technical background and are sure that you know what you are doing, get all accessories installed by a professional.
Keep in mind that a single mistake on your part when installing an accessory can overload your battery and likely start a fire. Always consult a professional before fixing a fault or installing anything on your car. Even if you have a solid technical background, it is critical that you follow the instructions on any product you want to install in your car to the letter.
- Maintain your electrical system
Most car fires are caused by an electrical system malfunction, fault, or failure. So keeping the electrical system of your car in perfect working condition is a sure way to reduce the odds of a car fire occurring. Ensure that your car battery is properly hooked and working. Also, check that none of your wirings is damaged.
Don’t procrastinate repairing any issue or fault, especially if it is linked to the electrical system of your car. If you are on a tight budget and you cannot pay for repairs, then find an alternative means to move around until you have the money to repair your car.
Conclusion
When it comes to car fire accidents, prevention is still the safest course of action. Never take warning indicators like unusual engine noise, electrical issues, fuel leaks, or sudden fluctuations in fuel level lightly. Additionally, keep an eye out for vibrations, a smokey engine, an engine temperature that is higher than usual, and dashboard warning lights.
Finally, you must purchase auto insurance for your vehicle. A car insurance policy is meant to make sure that your vehicle is always protected, especially in the event of an unexpected incident.
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