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SEARCHState Farm offers advice on how to spot warning signs of vehicle fire risk, and the National Safety Council provides tips on what to do if a fire starts while you're driving.
A tow truck operator prepares to tow away a fire-damaged car from a California freeway. Automotive Fleet photo.
A tow truck operator prepares to tow away a fire-damaged car from a California freeway. Automotive Fleet photo.
In 2015, firefighters responded to 174,000 car fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Since Oct. 8-14 is National Fire Prevention Week this year, now is a good time to review the warning signs of potential fire risk in vehicles.
State Farm recommends that drivers look for these red flags:
Fuses that blow repeatedly
Spilled oil under the hood left over from an oil change
Oil or other fluid leaks under the vehicle
Cracked or loose wiring, or wiring with exposed metal
Very loud sounds from the exhaust system
Rapid changes in fuel level, oil levels or engine temperature
A missing cap from the oil filter
Broken or loose hoses.
The National Safety Council recommends these measures if you smell smoke or see flames coming from your vehicle while you’re driving:
Signal and immediately move to the closest safe place to stop, whether that’s a side lane or a median.
Stop the vehicle and turn off the ignition.
Get every person out of the vehicle, and don’t allow anyone to go back to retrieve personal items.
Move far from the burning vehicle to avoid the flames and toxic fumes — at least 100 feet — and also keep bystanders back.
Call 911.
Alert oncoming traffic if possible.
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