What are the causes of car spontaneous combustion?
3 Answers
The main causes of car spontaneous combustion are as follows: Cause one: Problems with the car's oil circuit, leading to oil or fluid leakage; Cause two: Aging or improper connection of vehicle wiring causing short circuits or sparks; Cause three: Combustion of flammable materials due to high temperatures; Cause four: Fire caused by vehicle collision or mechanical failure; Cause five: Excessive accumulation of engine sludge, combined with high summer temperatures and engine heat, causing the sludge to spontaneously combust due to the heat. Main scenarios of car spontaneous combustion: The car has been waterlogged. After driving through water, it may lead to oxidation of electrical connectors, uneven power supply causing localized overheating, which can trigger spontaneous combustion.
I've experienced a car fire once, and it almost burned my car to a total loss. The root cause is mostly wiring issues, such as aging or exposed wires, or haphazard wiring during modifications, which can lead to short circuits and fires. Another cause is oil leaks—engine oil or gasoline dripping onto hot exhaust pipes can instantly produce smoke. In my case, it was due to excessive oil sludge and leaves accumulated in the engine bay, which caught fire during a long summer drive when temperatures got too high. Also, be cautious when installing high-power electrical devices, as an overloaded battery can overheat and become dangerous. Regularly clean out debris from the engine bay, replace aging wiring promptly, and never leave lighters or perfume bottles in the car, as they can explode when exposed to intense sunlight.
I've driven trucks for over twenty years and witnessed numerous spontaneous combustion incidents on the road. Fuel system leaks are the most common cause - aging fuel lines with cracks, or loose fittings during repairs that allow gasoline to drip onto the exhaust pipe, causing immediate ignition. Electrical short circuits are another major issue, especially in older vehicles with severely aged wiring where damaged insulation can easily spark. Engine overheating is also dangerous - a failed cooling fan or insufficient coolant can make temperatures soar to 300-400 degrees, igniting surrounding rubber components. Recently, I've noticed a new trend: increasing cases of battery pack short circuits and spontaneous combustion in new energy vehicles after collisions. I recommend checking all fuel and electrical systems every six months, and it's best to pop the hood for inspection before long trips.
