Fortunately, car fires are fairly rare. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen, especially if you own an old car. A car that’s prone to catching on fire can be life-threatening, especially if it happens in a car crash that leaves you incapacitated. Understand that well maintained cars just about never catch on fire. Therefore, having your car checked on a regular basis and keeping up with the maintenance schedule recommended in the car’s owner’s manual should mostly eliminate the danger. In addition to this, keep an eye open for these five fire hazards in your car:
Leaking Fluids Under Your Car
If the pavement underneath where you park your car is filled with stains from oil and other leaks, get your car checked. Some of these fluids such as the oil, are flammable. Parts of the engine as well as the exhaust system get hot enough to burn these leaking fluids.
Electrical Problems
If the fuses in your car’s electrical system are constantly getting blown, it means too much current is flowing through parts of the system. For example, it could be caused by old wiring with worn or cracked insulation that periodically shorts out when vibration causes contact with metal. Any wiring that’s cracked or loose needs replacement.
Spilled Oil From an Oil Change
Oil spilled onto the engine can catch on fire. Use a funnel when pouring oil into your engine and remember to put the oil cap back on. Leaving it off allows oil to splash out of the engine while it’s running.
On a related note about caps, always put the gas cap back on after filling your tank with gas.
Parking on or Near Tall Grass
This can expose your hot exhaust pipes to dry and flammable grass. Once the grass fire starts, it may ignite dripping car fluids.
Rapid Changes in Your Fuel or Oil Levels
Unusual drops in oil or fuel levels may indicate a leak. If this happened while the car was parked, look underneath for signs of leakage. Finally, if your car engine temperature suddenly gets excessively hot, don’t attempt to drive the car. Park the car and turn off the engine. Driving while the engine is hot damages the engine and increases the risk of a fire.
Some of these problems can be prevented by developing a mobile app that checks electrical problems.
If you were injured because of another motorist’s negligence, get legal advice from the lawyers at Hogan Injury. Contact us for a free consultation.
