All operational vehicles have some extent of a risk to catch fire during operation; typically, vehicles come with fail safes such as temperature gauges which will let you know when your vehicle becomes too hot. But since these can fail, every car has the potential to catch fire. It is definitely good for everyone to know what to do in the event of a fire.
What causes car fires?
Car fires have many causes. But typically the main events which could lead to a car catching on fire include hot weather, overheating radiators, sudden accidents; and in some cases these events can end in explosion or even death.
What causes a car to explode?
When a car catches fire there is an slight chance that this fire could reach the gas tank; once the fire hits the gas tank, if you are not already out of the vehicle, you are out of time and everyone else in or next to the vehicle is also out of time.
What to do if a car catches on fire?
The best thing to do if you notice flames or smoke coming from your vehicle is to immediately get out of the car and get yourself and everyone else in the vehicle as far from the vehicle as possible. Personal possessions such as keys, purses, money, documents, and more should not be bothered with and can left in the vehicle. As important as these objects may be they are not worth the lives of the people inside the vehicle. The main concern should be removing yourself along with anyone else inside the vehicle, concentrating on helping children and infants who cannot help themselves out of the vehicle.
The next thing a person should consider if his car is on fire is the location of the car. If the fire is minor enough you should be able to pull off to the side of the road before removing yourself and others from the vehicle.
If you are located in the middle of traffic and either you cannot pull over or if your car fire is large and rapidly spreading, do not attempt to move the vehicle; get straight out and as far away as possible. Do not concern yourself with the rest of the traffic - you will be surprised how far traffic will go to avoid a burning vehicle!
How to prepare yourself for the possibility of a fire?
The first thing you should put into your vehicle before driving it, is either a seat belt cutter or a boxing knife. This way, if something were to happen and the seat belt could not release in the event of a fire you would be capable of freeing yourself and anyone else who may be trapped in a burning vehicle due to seat belt operation failure.
The other possibility you could do to prevent the event of a vehicle fire is to always watch your gauges; if a car begins overheating, pull over and turn the vehicle off letting it cool down. Also, always keep all tune-ups and repairs to a vehicle updated and on time. If a vehicle is constantly checked for being in running order there is less of a chance of any future problems which could be the causes of a fire.
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