Is the Probability of New Cars Catching Fire High?
2 Answers
The probability of new cars catching fire is very low, so there's no need to worry excessively. However, for older cars, it's important to be cautious. Common causes of spontaneous combustion include: oil leaks, as prolonged use can lead to aging and bursting of oil pipes; electrical circuit issues, as many car owners like to modify audio systems or install electronic devices, which can result in poor contact and other problems; water damage, as cars that have been submerged in water may experience circuit oxidation, leading to uneven power supply and overheating circuits that can cause spontaneous combustion; and overheating brakes, as long downhill slopes can cause prolonged braking, leading to overheating brake pads and potential fires. As long as you regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle, these issues can be avoided.
As someone who works with cars every day, I've seen countless data reports. The probability of a new car spontaneously combusting is actually extremely low, even rarer than winning the lottery. Nowadays, automakers enforce extremely stringent safety standards for electrical circuit design and battery management systems. Every newly manufactured vehicle must pass dozens of fire prevention tests. However, it's worth noting that many cases of spontaneous combustion originate from aftermarket modifications, such as improperly installed ambient lighting with messy wiring or low-quality audio system upgrades. Just last week, a new car in our workshop started smoking due to a short circuit in an aftermarket dashcam – fortunately, it was spotted in time. My personal advice: when taking delivery of a new car, pay special attention to whether the wiring harness wrapping is intact, and immediately investigate any plastic burning smells you detect.
