What safeguard could you take against fire risk to your vehicle?

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Although a 2019 study found that vehicle fires had decreased by 20% since 2011 (Home Office), 100,000 cars still catch fire each year in the UK, posing a serious threat to public safety and causing considerable problems. Given that about 100 people each year pass away in vehicle-related fires, it's critical to understand how to prevent vehicle fires and what to do in the event that you experience one.

Although some car fires are brought on by crashes, many car fires are the result of inadequate electrical wiring, cigarettes left in cars, and unfortunately, a percentage of the time, criminal acts and vandalism. There are some easy steps you can take to reduce the hazards to your health and finances that come with vehicle fires.

Factors like where you park your car overnight or while out for the day at work can be important. Steer clear of dimly lit areas and locations without CCTV since thieves enjoy going unnoticed when they want to inflict damage. Another thing to keep in mind is to never leave your key in the ignition, not even when stopping at the store or home.

When leaving your car, make sure to lock the doors and boot, close all windows, and close the sunroof. Take your keys with you. It's crucial to install anti-theft equipment. Make sure that your car has a functional alarm, and conceal your belongings as you leave your car, such as bags and groceries.

Your car's maintenance is another crucial aspect to take into account if you want to keep it safe from fires. Always inspect electrical wiring and fuel lines on a regular basis for signs of undue wear. It is crucial to exercise caution when inspecting electrical wiring because you should be mindful of improper connections and poor installation. Only a skilled and experienced mechanic should complete any electrical wiring.

Keep a small fire extinguisher in your car just in case, and be ready for anything. Additionally, it's crucial to keep in mind that you should never weld with an open flame next to a fuel tank. Watching out for spilled oil from an oil change under the bonnet. It might potentially pose a fire risk.

Knowing what to do in an emergency situation when you see smoke and flames or smell a fire inside the car can save lives. You must immediately stop and turn off your vehicle at the nearest safe location along a roadside. Release the bonnet without opening it and get everyone out of the car. Call the emergency services on 999. If it is safe, warn oncoming traffic with hazards and an emergency cone.

It's crucial to keep in mind that you should never use water to put out an engine fire; instead, you should use a dry powder or foam extinguisher (BS EN3).

It is crucial that you do not attempt to rescue any belongings from your vehicle because the spread of flames can occur extremely quickly, especially if your car caught fire due to an electrical problem.