What to do if your car catches on fire?

It’s rare for your car to catch fire, but if it does, it can be a terrifying ordeal. A car fire can be a life or death situation and most people would not know what to do if this happened to them.

What causes a car to catch fire? What should a motorist do if this were to happen to them?

What could cause your car’s engine to catch fire?¹

In most cases, cars would catch fire if there is an electric wiring fault or a fuel system leak or a cigarette that blew back into the car. Some vehicles would also catch on fire if it were to get into an accident.

But what could be an early warning sign?

Repeatedly blown fuses.
The smell of burnt rubber or plastic.
Spilt oil in and around the engine bay.
Oil and other fluid that has leaked under the car
Old electrical wiring that is left in a bad condition.
An exhaust system that backfires.
A change in engine temperature or fuel and oil levels.
Missing oil filler cap.
Worn and broken hoses.

This can all be potentially avoided with regular maintenance to your car. Maintaining your vehicle can also help you save money and fuel.

What to do if your car is on fire?¹

A car can catch on fire in other places and not just your engine compartment. It’s good to recognize where the flames are coming from, and then to take action.

Try and pull your car off the road.
Once the car has stopped, turn off the ignition.
Stay calm.
Get out of the vehicle and if you have passengers, help them get out as quickly as possible.
Do not go back and try and retrieve personal items from your car.
Move away from the vehicle. Stand at least 30 metres away from the car and keep bystanders back as well.
Call the emergency services such as 10177 (reporting a fire) or 112 (for any emergency). If you are injured call 082 911 (Netcare 911) or 084 124 (ER24).²
Try and alert any other approaching vehicles.
Do not try to put the fire out yourself.
When opening the car, bonnet or doors this could create an air supply, which could speed up the fire.

When the fire is put out from your car, then you can contact your insurer. You would also ask the firefighter if it is possible to retrieve any personal items from the vehicle if possible.

How could a car fire be potentially avoided?¹

Service your car regularly by a professional mechanic. A vehicle that is routinely maintained is less likely to give a problem or catch fire. Be sure that your mechanic teaches you how to read your car’s oil levels and engine levels correctly to avoid future complications.

Do not carry spare petrol in your car. If you need to make sure that you transport it in small amounts and that you keep your car’s windows open. Do not never transport gas or petrol cans in the passenger compartments.

What if you are in an accident and can’t get out immediately?³

Unlock your car door or try and roll down your windows
It can maybe help if bystanders get you out of the car if you are not able to if your door is unlocked.
Take your seatbelt off immediately to avoid it being melted into place at the buckle.
Make sure the metal buckle isn’t very hot, if it is use something to protect your hand as not to get burnt.
If you can’t get the seatbelt loose, put the shoulder strap behind you and try climb out of the seatbelt.
If you are unable to get the door open, try and kick a window out. This will not only help you escape but will also let the trapped smoke escape the car.

Please be mindful of these tips when you are driving your car and always maintain your vehicle appropriately as per its manufacturer’s requirements. Stay alert while you drive. Stay safe and happy motoring.

Car insurance can provide you with added peace of mind, which could cover the loss or damage of your car if it catches on fire. Are you interested in buying affordable car insurance? Consider getting affordable car insurance with PMD, which offers unique benefits like premiums that don’t increase* and a reduce to zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.

This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.