Car Fires Are More Common Than You Think – Here’s How To Avoid Them

In December, a three-month-old Tesla spontaneously caught on fire while at a repair shop for a flat tire. Six hours later, after the fire was finally extinguished, the car burst into flames again.

Car fires are more common than you think, though it’s highly unusual your car will light up twice in a single day. Between 2014 and 2016, U.S. emergency management agency FEMA reports there were an estimated 171,500 of them in the U.S. and many were the result of a mechanical or electrical issue, like an overheated engine.

This week, Consumer Reports covered the safety basics of car fires. If it isn’t already obvious, you shouldn’t be anywhere near a vehicle on fire, but it’s also important to know how to prevent a fire before it occurs.

If you have a petrol car, look out for rapid changes in fuel or oil

If you drive a petrol-powered car, it’s important to look out for any rapid changes in fuel or oil levels or extreme temperature changes, which may indicate a leak (and increase the odds of a fire). You should never transport petrol in the passenger compartment of any vehicle unless it’s a small amount and in a certified, sealed jerry can. You should also be on the alert for any odours that smell like burning plastic or rubber, as its source might trigger a fire.

If you have an electric car, be sure to update the software regularly

For those who drive electric cars, the single easiest way to prevent any safety issue is to check for any software updates and install them immediately, particularly if you read news of issues with your particular vehicle. (Tesla recently rolled out battery updates after a string of other, recent fires.) Tesla has also allowed customers the option of setting up automatic software updates; just go to “Settings,” “Software,” “Software Update,” “Advanced,” and opt in.

As Consumer Reports writes, seeing a mechanic regularly will also help curb any possible fire hazards.

What to do if your vehicle catches fire

If your engine does start fuming — or you smell burning rubber — you should pull over immediately and turn off the engine to stop the flow of fuel. Do not stop to grab any personal possessions and be careful not to open the trunk or hood, which may only worsen the fire with more air exposure. (NFPA recommends disconnecting any proximity key or moving it at least 5m away from the vehicle, which may trigger the car to start.)

You should move at least 30m away from the car, caution anyone in the immediate vicinity, and stay clear of moving traffic. Ideally, if you’re parked on the side of the road, you’re far back enough that any possible collision with your vehicle won’t injury you or anyone around you — again, stay clear of active traffic.

If you still have your phone, you should call 000 or have another driver make the call. If you have an extinguisher on hand, you should not put out the fire unless you have direct access to the fire and know how to operate the extinguisher. (As Consumer Reports writes, you should only use an extinguisher intended for Class B or C fires, used for flammable liquids or live electrical equipment. A Class A extinguisher, intended for fires with wood, paper or plastic might not be effective.)

Electric cars have batteries that remain hot well after a fire is already extinguished. As we’ve mentioned, they can also re-ignite, meaning you do not want to touch the battery (or try to drive it) under any circumstance.

Whatever you do, it’s essential to remember to keep far away from any ignited car until emergency services arrive on the scene. Remain at a safe distance and caution those around you to do the same.