It has been observed that when temperature rises in summers, there is an increase in the number of cars catching fire. To prevent such incidents, motorists are always urged to follow the vehicle safety requirements and take their car for regular maintenance, in order to protect cars from catching fire in rising temperatures.
There can be a number of reasons behind car catching fire in hot weather. Regular service of the cars helps prevent most of these factors such as fuel or oil leaks.
Let’s take a look at some key tips to protect car from rising temperatures as well as the most probable causes.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CAR IN RISING TEMPERATURES FROM CATCHING FIRE
CAR MAINTENANCE
Generally, it is emphasized on taking a vehicle for regular maintenance, as per the schedule defined in the owner’s manual. Whether you are buying a new or a used car in the UAE, motorists should follow a car maintenance checklist on a regular basis to keep up the car’s performance and help protect your car in rising temperatures from fire accidents.
Following a proper maintenance schedule can help cleaning the buildup on car components. The buildup increases friction that further leads to rise in internal temperature. In such a situation, external heat can further elevate the risk of fire accidents in car.
Also, it is recommended that you take your car to company-owned service centers or a workshop with qualified professionals.
AVOID KEEPING FLAMMABLE MATERIALS IN YOUR CAR
In some cases explosions of flammable liquid or material in car causes fire accident. Therefore, don’t leave behind deodorant, air freshener and other items that may get hot due to high temperature and explode in the vehicle.
AVOID SMOKING IN CAR
It is advised not to smoke in the car as smoking is injurious to your health and car. Also, don’t eave behind a lighter on the leather seat. Lighter is flammable and may explode when exposed to extreme sunlight. There is a chance of ashes burning the upholstery of the car and eventually causing a fire accident.
PARK YOUR CAR IN SHADE
Park your car in the shade, and avoid parking the car outdoors where it is directly exposed to sunlight, especially in the afternoon during summers. There is a high possibility of cars catching fire in rising temperatures when exposed to sunlight/heat for a long time. Better park your vehicle under a car parking shade or tree. If you are living in villas in Dubai, you may opt to install a car parking shade to protect your car in rising temperatures from fire accidents. There are many options when it comes to buying car parking shades in Dubai as well as in other Emirates of the UAE.
CHECK ENGINE OIL AND BRAKE FLUIDS FOR LEAK
Keep a check on engine oil, coolant and brake fluids on a daily basis to ensure that there is no leakage. Also, ensure that the fuel tank cap is closed properly. There is a risk of cars catching fire due to leakage of any of the fluids mentioned.
Moreover, low level of engine oil or brake fluids can cause friction between the parts and yield heat under the hood.
STAY ALERT
It is advised to stay alert when you smell any kind of burning smell in your car. Especially, if the smell is pungent then it could be due to initial fire burns. Early fume detection can help in car protection in rising temperatures of any major fire accident.
Besides, there are a few other things that you need to take care of to protect your car from catching fire in hot weather:
- Only use original lubricants and fuels that are compatible with your car’s engine and electrical system.
- During summers make sure you connect electrical devices in your car properly, else improper connection can cause a fire accident.
- Don’t forget to switch off the engine at fuel stations when refuelling.
CAUSES OF CARS CATCHING FIRE
There are many factors involved that cause car to catch fire. A few of them are detailed here:
- Rupture in the exhaust pipe
- Low level of water in the radiator
- Faulty electric wires
- Tampering the electric wires and installing low-quality accessories, for instance, radios, headlights, speakers and etc. that too from a non-qualified technician may cause a short circuit in car and lead to a fire accident.
- Adding essential additives in car in incorrect proportions
SAFETY MEASURES TO TAKE IN CASE THE CAR CATCHES FIRE
In case your car catches fire while driving, here’s what you can do:
- First of all, don’t panic.
- Switch on the hazard light to alert motorists behind your car and stop your car at the place where no one is around.
- Turn off the engine and ensure everyone from the car comes out safely.
- Call the civil defence authority in your location or the police for assistance.
- Identify the origin of the fire. If it’s in the hood, use the fire extinguisher and spray it from the hood’s gap.
- To protect yourself from inhaling toxic fumes or getting burned, ensure that it is sprayed in a windward direction.
Besides, make sure to follow tips for roadside emergencies in the UAE. Moreover, always keep roadside emergency numbers saved in your cell phone.
Our guide on prevention from cars catching fire during summers and potential causes comes to an end here. Keeping your car well-maintained minimizes risk of fire accidents, but yet this does not completely make your car completely safe from catching fire. Hence, make sure to keep a check on water levels in the radiator and avoid driving when the car is overheated. Also, always keep a fire extinguisher along with a first aid and emergency car kit.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s popular auto blog for more tips and guides related to car’s performance, maintenance, installation of parts and more.
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