What to Do If the Engine Catches Fire While Driving?
3 Answers
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, evacuate to a safe place, and then call for assistance. The following are the reasons why the engine may catch fire during driving: 1. Fuel system leakage: The most common cause of vehicle fires is fuel system leakage, as various fluids in the car are flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc. They can ignite and cause spontaneous combustion if the temperature exceeds a certain level. 2. Electronic system failure: Data shows that in most cases of car fires during driving, the cause is electronic system failure. 3. Spillage of various fluids: Under the hood of every car, there are various fluids—fuel, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, etc. While the car is in motion, all these fluids are circulating in their respective systems. Any issue with the sealing of the conduits in these circulation systems, leading to fluid leakage, can potentially cause a fire.
In case of an engine fire while driving, it's crucial to immediately pull over to the roadside and choose a safe location such as an open area to avoid traffic congestion. Turn off the engine and cut the power supply, and avoid engaging the handbrake to prevent the fire from spreading. Quickly evacuate all passengers from the vehicle and move to a safe distance of at least 100 meters away—prioritize life over retrieving personal belongings. If you have a small fire extinguisher, aim it at the gaps in the engine compartment, but if the fire is large, do not take risks—safety comes first. Call 119 or 110 to alert the fire department, clearly stating your location and the fire situation. Wait for professionals to handle the situation to avoid secondary accidents. After the incident, visit a repair shop to check the cause of the fire, which is commonly due to oil leaks, aging electrical circuits, or insufficient coolant. With over a decade of driving experience, I've been through similar situations—prevention is key. Regularly changing the oil and inspecting the cooling system can significantly reduce risks.
If the engine catches fire, don't panic. Act decisively by quickly pulling over to a safe spot on the roadside. Turn off the engine, cut the power, and evacuate all passengers immediately. Move to a safe distance and avoid opening the hood, as this could fuel the flames. If you have a car fire extinguisher, use it carefully by aiming at the base of the fire—but don't take unnecessary risks. If the fire is large, move away promptly and call 119 or 110 for help. After the incident, inspect the vehicle to identify the cause, which could be due to low coolant levels or a ruptured fuel line. Develop regular maintenance habits, such as monthly checks of fluid levels and pipelines, to reduce the risk of fire.
