How to Handle and Prevent Car Fires?
4 Answers
If a vehicle catches fire while driving, the correct response methods are: 1. Pull over immediately: If you notice flames or black smoke coming from the front of the car while driving, pull over immediately and turn off the engine. Cutting the power supply quickly disconnects the fuel pump, reducing gasoline combustion. 2. Turn off the power: After turning off the power, quickly exit the burning vehicle. 3. Use the fire extinguisher: If you carry a car fire extinguisher, use it immediately to assess the fire. If the engine compartment is on fire, do not open the hood abruptly. Instead, slightly lift the hood to allow oxygen to enter gradually, then fully open it slowly before using the extinguisher. Opening the hood suddenly can cause a rush of oxygen, making the flames flare up and potentially causing burns. 4. Call 119: When using the fire extinguisher, aim at the fuel tank and burning areas to cool and extinguish the fire, preventing an explosion. Simultaneously, call 119 for emergency assistance.
Last year, I encountered a spontaneous combustion incident. While driving, I suddenly smelled burning rubber, immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, and got out of the car. I retrieved the fire extinguisher from the trunk and aimed it at the smoking area in the engine compartment, while instructing passengers to evacuate to a safe distance 100 meters away. After the flames were extinguished, I called 119 and my insurance company. Here’s what I usually do for prevention: monthly checks for oil leaks and wiring issues in the engine compartment—older cars especially need attention for cracked fuel lines; I never modify the electrical circuits recklessly, and even for installing a dashcam, I have it professionally wired; in summer, I avoid parking over dry grass, as the high temperature of the exhaust pipe can ignite debris; and I always keep an in-date dry powder fire extinguisher in the trunk—this is absolutely crucial.
Preventing spontaneous combustion requires attention to detail. I make it a habit to check circuit fuses and battery terminals every quarter, tightening them if loose. During oil system maintenance, I not only change the oil but also ask the mechanic to thoroughly inspect fuel lines for leaks. I never leave perfume bottles or lighters in the car, as the dashboard can get hot enough to fry an egg in summer. If I smell something unusual while driving, I never pop the hood—introducing air can fuel the flames. The correct response is to turn off the engine, evacuate, and call emergency services. For lighting or audio modifications, only flame-retardant wiring should be used; cheap cables from Taobao can easily short-circuit. Older vehicles over five years should ideally install an engine bay temperature alarm—this hundred-yuan device could be lifesaving.
Stay calm the first second you notice smoke from your vehicle. I once witnessed a car in front spontaneously combust, and the owner panicked, slapping the hood with bare hands and getting burned. The correct procedure is to immediately turn on hazard lights, pull over, evacuate all passengers beyond the guardrail, then call 110 and your insurer. For prevention, focus on three key areas: first, the fuel lines under the chassis—leaks dripping onto the exhaust pipe can ignite instantly; second, electrical connectors, especially for aftermarket devices, which should be wrapped with heat-shrink tubing; third, areas near the turbocharger, where accumulated leaves and oil sludge in high-temperature zones pose serious risks. It’s advisable to clean the engine bay with a high-pressure air gun during each service and thoroughly remove oil residue using carburetor cleaner.
