why did walter blow up the car

[ZoeyFitz]

The car likely exploded due to a combination of factors, with spontaneous combustion of lithium-ion batteries being a leading cause in modern electric vehicles (EVs). While a dramatic explosion like in an action movie is rare, a severe battery fire can create a violent, explosive event known as thermal runaway. This is a chain reaction within a battery cell where overheating leads to a fire, which spreads rapidly to adjacent cells, releasing flammable gases and intense heat that can cause a rupture.

The primary triggers for such an event often stem from:

• Significant Battery Damage: A severe collision can puncture the battery pack, creating an internal short circuit.
• Manufacturing Defects: Imperfections in the battery cells, such as microscopic metallic particles, can lead to internal shorts over time.
• Charging System Faults: Using non-certified chargers or having a faulty Battery Management System (BMS) can lead to overcharging, generating excessive heat.

It's crucial to understand that modern EVs have extensive safety systems to prevent this. However, when these safeguards are overwhelmed, the result can be a rapid and uncontrollable fire. If you notice unusual heat, smoke, or a strange chemical smell from your EV's battery compartment, it is a critical warning sign. Safely pull over, turn off the vehicle, evacuate immediately, and call emergency services.

Here is a breakdown of common causes for vehicle fires leading to explosive situations:

Cause Category	Specific Examples	Contributing Factors
EV Battery Fire (Thermal Runaway)	Internal short circuit, overcharging, physical damage from collision.	High energy density of lithium-ion batteries, propagation of heat between cells.
Gasoline Leak (Internal Combustion)	Ruptured fuel line from impact, corroded tank, faulty fuel injector.	Low flashpoint of gasoline, ignition from hot exhaust or electrical sparks.
Electrical System Failure	Short circuit in wiring harness, overheating aftermarket accessories, faulty alternator.	Aged or damaged insulation, improper installation of equipment.
Catalytic Converter Overheating	Engine misfires causing unburned fuel to ignite in the exhaust system.	Poor engine maintenance, failed oxygen sensor.
Arson / Intentional Act	Use of accelerants, tampering with fuel or electrical systems.	Intent to cause damage, often involving other flammable materials.

[LeQuinn]

Look, I’ve seen a few cars go up. Nine times out of ten, it’s a fuel leak. A pinhole leak in an old steel line sprays gas onto a hot exhaust manifold, and that’s all she wrote. It’s not a movie-style fireball, but it’s fast and terrifying. Modern cars are better, but if someone tampered with the fuel system or it was in a bad wreck that ruptured the tank, all bets are off. Always get fuel smells checked out immediately.

[DiZoe]

From a technical standpoint, an explosion requires a rapid ignition of a fuel-air mixture. In a vehicle, the most probable cause is a vapor cloud from leaked gasoline accumulating in an enclosed space like the engine bay or cabin. An electrical spark—from a short circuit, a failing starter motor, or even static electricity—then serves as the ignition source. The confined space allows pressure to build rapidly, resulting in an explosive force rather than a simple fire.

[SanLeo]

My first thought goes to the electrical system, especially if it’s an older car or one with sketchy aftermarket work. A rodent chews through some wiring insulation, causing a short that gets hot enough to melt more wires. That can ignite sound-deadening material or debris in the engine bay. It starts slow, smoldering, but if it reaches a fluid line—brake fluid, power steering fluid, or gas—it can flash over very quickly. It’s a slow-motion disaster that’s often preventable with regular checks.