You might think that car fires are rare, but they are actually quite common. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there is a car fire reported 33 times every hour in the United States.
If you have ever experienced a car fire, you know they can be scary. On top of that, they can be extremely dangerous. Because of this, it’s important to know how to prevent car fires and what to do if your car catches on fire.
Maintenance is Key
Regularly maintaining your car is one of the best things you can do to prevent a car fire. If your mechanic is looking under the hood every 3-6 months, they will be able to tell if something is starting to go wrong. If they diagnose the problem quickly and fix it, you can better avoid your car catching on fire.
Buy a Fire Extinguisher
Having a fire extinguisher in your car can really come in handy. While it might seem like overkill to have a fire extinguisher in your car at all times, it can be extremely helpful if your car catches on fire. It can also be useful if you come across someone whose car has caught on fire.
Pull Over Immediately
If you see or smell smoke, pull over right away and turn off the engine. Be sure to pull to the side of the road safely. It doesn’t do you any good to get into an accident while trying to avoid a potential fire. The best way to prevent a fire from starting or spreading is to turn off the engine. If there is a gas leak of some kind, this can help prevent more gas from being pushed out of the leak.
Get Out of the Car
If your car is smoking or you see visible flames, once you are in a safe place to do so, get out of the car. You will have to use your best judgement as to whether you think you should try to put out the smoke or just get away from the car. We recommend getting as far from the car as possible, at least 150 feet. This is to protect you in case the car explodes.
Call 911
Once you have pulled the car over safely and gotten you and your passengers safely 150 feet away, call 911 to notify them of the situation. While you wait for the fire department to arrive, be sure to stay away from the car and keep others away from the car too.
Experiencing a car fire can be very dangerous and can be frightening as well. If you have been in a car fire and you believe it’s not your fault, please give us a call at 949-7000-4960. We can help you determine what options you have.