How Likely Are Car Engine Fires?

Introduction

Car engine fires are a serious hazard, and they can cause significant damage to your vehicle and even lead to injuries or death. However, the risk of a car engine fire is relatively low, and there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk even further.

What Causes Car Engine Fires?

There are a number of different things that can cause car engine fires, including:

Electrical problems
Fuel leaks
Overheating
Turbocharger failure
Arson

How Likely Is a Car Engine Fire?

The risk of a car engine fire is relatively low. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were an estimated 174,000 vehicle fires in the United States in 2018. Of these fires, only about 15% were engine fires.

The risk of a car engine fire is even lower for newer vehicles. This is because newer vehicles are equipped with a number of safety features that can help to prevent fires, such as:

Automatic fire extinguishers
Fuel cutoff switches
Improved electrical systems

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Car Engine Fire

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of a car engine fire, including:

Keep your vehicle well-maintained. This includes regular oil changes, tune-ups, and brake inspections.
Fix any electrical problems immediately. Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of car engine fires.
Avoid driving with a low fuel level. When your fuel level is low, the fuel pump can overheat and cause a fire.
Be careful not to overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can put strain on the engine and increase the risk of overheating.
Park your vehicle in a safe place. Avoid parking your vehicle near heat sources, such as barbecues or campfires.

What to Do in the Event of a Car Engine Fire

If your car engine catches fire, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps:

Pull over to the side of the road and stop your vehicle.
Turn off the engine and get out of the vehicle.
Call 911.
If you have a fire extinguisher, try to put out the fire. However, do not put yourself at risk.
Wait for the fire department to arrive.

Conclusion

Car engine fires are a serious hazard, but the risk of a fire is relatively low. By following the tips in this article, you can help to reduce your risk even further.