How to Avoid a Car Fire

While vehicle fires are usually associated with collisions, many occur without any crunching of metal. Fortunately, these fires can almost always be avoided with a few simple precautions. Unlike collision damage that can be repaired, serious vehicle fires often result in a "total loss." They can be hot enough to reduce the strength of metal, and fire-buckled body panels are almost impossible to repair satisfactorily. Replacing burned wiring can also be very expensive. Here are steps to preventing a car fire.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fire extinguisher

1. Check fuel lines for cracks, splits, softness and deterioration. Replace old fuel line hoses with new ones. Fuel line hoses in older vehicles use materials that are less tolerant of today's gasoline that often contains ethanol.
2. Keep the engine compartment clean. A filthy, oil-soaked engine is a fuel source looking for a fire. A clean engine compartment also makes it easier to find fuel and other fluid leaks.
3. Clean out trash from floors and under seats. This is especially important for smokers; a lighted cigarette falling on trash could start a fire.
4. Buy a fire extinguisher and carry it where you can get to it quickly. Some choose to mount one between or under the front seats or on the panel under the dash next to a door. The key word is "mount." You might not be able to a find a loose extinguisher rolling around on the floor fast enough, plus an unmounted item as heavy as a fire extinguisher could become a projectile inside your car in a panic stop.
5. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, be aware that improper installation of aftermarket electronics like stereos can lead to fires. Insulate connections to prevent sparks from starting a fire. Use correct amperage fuses for power sources. A short circuit in wiring can overheat wires to the point where plastic insulation melts and surrounding materials catch fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Check and test your fire extinguisher periodically.
• If you smell gas, find the source and fix the problem immediately.