How to Respond When the Engine Catches Fire While Driving?
2 Answers
The correct procedure after the engine catches fire is to quickly shut off the engine, then use a portable fire extinguisher or smothering method to extinguish the flames. Do not open the engine hood to put out the fire, as opening it may allow a large amount of air to enter and intensify the flames. If the fire is too large, evacuate immediately to avoid danger and call emergency services for professional firefighters to handle the situation. The causes of engine fires are as follows: 1. Overheating of internal components or high temperatures causing a fire: Loose connections in the vehicle's electrical wiring can lead to localized high resistance, generating excessive heat that melts wires or connections and ignites surrounding flammable materials. For example, a loose connection at the generator terminal can generate high temperatures, igniting nearby debris or oil residue and causing a fire. 2. Internal electrical short circuits: A common occurrence is when wires come into contact or collide, causing a sudden increase in current that burns the insulation layer on the wire surface and leads to a fire. 3. Fuel system malfunctions causing fires: Most vehicles use gasoline or diesel as fuel, which burns inside the internal combustion engine to produce kinetic energy and drive the vehicle. Gasoline and diesel are highly flammable, so any malfunction in the vehicle's fuel system can easily lead to a fire.
Having driven for over thirty years, I've witnessed quite a few spontaneous combustion incidents. The most crucial thing when the engine catches fire is to stay calm. Immediately turn on the hazard lights and pull over to a safe area on the roadside, avoiding stopping in the middle of the road to block traffic. Turn off the engine, remove the key to cut the power, and have everyone exit the vehicle and move to an upwind location at least 50 meters away. Call 119 for the fire department and your insurance company right away, briefly stating your location and the vehicle model. If the fire has just started and you have a fire extinguisher on hand, you can try spraying it through the gaps in the engine hood, but never lift the hood directly—that would introduce a large amount of air and cause the fire to grow rapidly. If the fire doesn't diminish within three seconds, decisively give up—a burnt car is better than injured people. I recommend checking for wiring aging and fuel line seals every six months, as prevention is always the best approach.
