According to recent reports, there were approximately 189,500 highway auto fires in 2019— which is 8,000 more fires than in the previous year. That’s right; despite the improved vehicle safety measures, car fires still happen. This is why it's critical to understand how car fires get started so you can protect yourself. Here are the common leading causes and key risk factors of auto fires.
Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of problems, one of which is car fires. The impact of a car accident can cause heat and fuel leakages—creating the perfect conditions needed for ignition and combustion to take place. A car fire after a collision can be fatal if the occupants are not quick enough to escape.
Overheating Engines
A malfunction in the cooling system can cause your car engine to overheat. A rise in the temperature can cause the engine fluids to leak. And since engine fluids are highly combustible, they can lead to a raging fire when they come in contact with the already hot surfaces.
Common causes of an overheating engine include a damaged radiator fan, a bad water pump, or a coolant leak. In addition, an overheating engine could be due to engine design defects.
Battery Defects
Your car battery contains toxic chemicals, many of which are highly flammable. If the battery is worn or broken, its contents will leak. And a fire hazard could occur if they come into contact with just one little spark.
Electric System Failure
A defective vehicle electric system can cause a spark and start a catastrophic fire or explosion.
Fluids Leak
Your car contains highly flammable fluids such as gasoline, engine oil, and transmission fluids, which could go up in flames when something goes wrong. Even the smallest leak of these fluids can cause a catastrophic explosion with a faulty electric system.
Overheating Catalytic Converters
The catalytic converter usually runs at 1,200 to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. And it can get even hotter if your engine is not in good condition. If not addressed, it could burn road debris, leading to a fire that could spread throughout the vehicle.
If your car catches fire, you should generally pull over, turn off the engine, and get out of the car immediately. Once you're out and at a safe distance, call for emergency first responders.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in a car fire because of someone else's negligence? At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have a team of experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers with over 20 years of experience. Give us a call today to discuss the events that led to your vehicle fire, your injuries and learn how we can help you pursue compensation.
Call (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.
Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of problems, one of which is car fires. The impact of a car accident can cause heat and fuel leakages—creating the perfect conditions needed for ignition and combustion to take place. A car fire after a collision can be fatal if the occupants are not quick enough to escape.
Overheating Engines
A malfunction in the cooling system can cause your car engine to overheat. A rise in the temperature can cause the engine fluids to leak. And since engine fluids are highly combustible, they can lead to a raging fire when they come in contact with the already hot surfaces.
Common causes of an overheating engine include a damaged radiator fan, a bad water pump, or a coolant leak. In addition, an overheating engine could be due to engine design defects.
Battery Defects
Your car battery contains toxic chemicals, many of which are highly flammable. If the battery is worn or broken, its contents will leak. And a fire hazard could occur if they come into contact with just one little spark.
Electric System Failure
A defective vehicle electric system can cause a spark and start a catastrophic fire or explosion.
Fluids Leak
Your car contains highly flammable fluids such as gasoline, engine oil, and transmission fluids, which could go up in flames when something goes wrong. Even the smallest leak of these fluids can cause a catastrophic explosion with a faulty electric system.
Overheating Catalytic Converters
The catalytic converter usually runs at 1,200 to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. And it can get even hotter if your engine is not in good condition. If not addressed, it could burn road debris, leading to a fire that could spread throughout the vehicle.
If your car catches fire, you should generally pull over, turn off the engine, and get out of the car immediately. Once you're out and at a safe distance, call for emergency first responders.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in a car fire because of someone else's negligence? At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have a team of experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers with over 20 years of experience. Give us a call today to discuss the events that led to your vehicle fire, your injuries and learn how we can help you pursue compensation.
Call (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.