What Causes a Car to Catch Fire?
2 Answers
Due to aging circuits. The engine compartment of a car is filled with various electronic components and wires. If the outer insulation of the wires ages and breaks, leading to leakage or short circuits, it can easily ignite a fire, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Here is some related information about car fires: 1. Precautions: Minimize losses as much as possible. If you need to drive continuously for a long time, it is recommended to take several breaks along the way. This not only relieves driving fatigue but also allows the car to rest. Vehicles are relatively more prone to "boiling over" due to high water temperatures in the summer. 2. Prevention measures: Regularly inspect and maintain the fuel and electrical systems. Develop the habit of periodically checking the fuel and electrical systems in the engine compartment. If you notice significant damage to the wiring, take the car to a professional repair shop for fixes. For minor damage to the circuits, you can use insulating tape to seal the affected areas.
I previously heard from a firefighter friend about the causes of car fires, and he summarized several key points. The most common issue is electrical wiring problems, especially in older cars that have been driven for about ten years. When the wires age and short-circuit, sparks can occur. Another major cause is fuel leaks, where gasoline dripping onto the hot exhaust pipe becomes extremely dangerous. Last time, a car in our neighborhood caught fire, and it turned out the owner had improperly modified the audio wiring, resulting in a short circuit due to poorly wrapped insulation tape. Also, in summer, extra caution is needed—someone left a lighter on the dashboard, and the intense sun caused it to explode. When a car is about to catch fire, it usually emits white smoke or a burning smell first, which is the last chance to escape. In short, regularly cleaning leaves and oil sludge from the engine bay and avoiding reckless modifications to the wiring are the safest precautions.
