Car fires are dangerous and can escalate quickly. Knowing how to prevent fires, responding calmly if one happens, and properly equipping a vehicle can save lives. This guide provides clear, direct advice on prevention, emergency steps, and necessary tools to handle a car fire safely.

Car fires mostly start when a vehicle is running on the road and are often caused by defects in the electrical, engine, or fuel systems. Overheating and electrical faults inside the engine compartment are common ignition sources.

To reduce the risk of fire, it’s important not to tamper with or modify vehicle parts, as unauthorised changes can increase hazards. Regularly servicing your vehicle ensures these systems are checked for defects and helps catch problems early before they lead to fire.

Spotting Early Warning Signs

When checking for fluid leaks, don’t just look at the obvious spots. Many leaks start in places that are hard to see or are easily missed. Pay attention to hidden areas, like under engine covers, around the corners of the valve cover gasket, deep in the engine bay near hoses, at the oil pan corners, near the transmission, and around the axles or rear of the car. Also, standing oil can collect on the subframe or under the shield, so make sure to check underneath as well—not just what’s visible from above.

Placing cardboard under your parked car overnight can help spot drips that might be hidden when looking by eye. Checking these blind spots makes early leak detection more likely and helps keep your car safe from hidden fire risks. Leaks are hazardous because flammable liquids, when mixed with heat, can ignite quickly. Look out for unusual smells or smoke near the engine, especially if you notice certain strong or strange odours.

A rotten egg or sulfur smell can mean trouble with the catalytic converter or a fuel system problem. Burning rubber hints at belts or hoses slipping or overheating. The smell of gasoline points to a fuel leak, and a sweet syrup scent usually means coolant is leaking. Any of these odours, especially sharp, chemical ones, should be taken seriously, as they often point to problems that could lead to fire.

If you notice one of these warning smells, have the car checked immediately and avoid driving until it’s fixed. If you spot any of these signs, have your car checked immediately and avoid driving until repaired.

Practising Safe Habits In Daily Driving

Safe driving and refuelling practices play an important role in reducing fire hazards. Never smoke or use open flames near your vehicle, particularly at petrol stations. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank, as spilt fuel can increase the risk of fire.

If carrying extra petrol, always use approved containers with tight seals. These containers should be placed flat and secured on the floor of your car’s cargo area or trunk; never inside the passenger compartment. For SUVs or station wagons, the cargo area is usually the safest spot. If you have a pickup truck, the truck bed is best, but make sure the container is stable and won’t tip over. Keep the container away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and any fumes.

Ventilate by opening windows. Avoid placing gasoline containers near passengers for safety and to reduce fire risk. Opening windows to ventilate gasoline fumes helps release the harmful vapours from inside the vehicle.

Petrol fumes are toxic and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. If allowed to build up, they can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties. Importantly, petrol vapours are highly flammable and can ignite from sparks or heat, creating a serious fire or explosion risk.

Ventilating by opening windows reduces the concentration of these dangerous fumes, lowering health risks and fire hazards inside the car.

Equipping Your Vehicle For Emergencies

A fire extinguisher rated for fuel and electrical fires (Class B and C) is essential in every car. It can safely put out a small fire if one starts. Knowing how to use it is key: remember the P.A.S.S. technique—Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames), Squeeze the lever, and Sweep the spray from side to side to cover the fire area.

When using it, keep a safe distance of about 6 to 8 feet (around 2 meters) from the fire to protect yourself in case of sudden flare-ups or explosions. Position the extinguisher where you can quickly reach it: common places include under the driver’s seat, in the passenger footwell, or mounted in the rear cargo area.

If the fire grows large or gets near the fuel tank, evacuate immediately and call emergency services. In Singapore, the emergency number is 995. Your safety comes first; no amount of property is worth risking your life.

Responding To A Fire On The Road

If a fire starts while driving, safely pull over to the side of the road or the road shoulder as soon as possible. Turn off the engine and evacuate all passengers quickly. Move to a safe distance, ideally more than 15 meters away, to avoid inhaling smoke or risking explosion. Never reopen the hood, as this can fan the flames and worsen the fire. Call emergency services immediately at 995. Do not attempt to retrieve belongings from the car once evacuated. Remember, lives matter more than possessions.

Electric vehicles (EVs) require a different response if their batteries catch fire. It is important not to try to extinguish EV battery fires yourself because the batteries contain high-energy lithium-ion cells. These cells can go through “thermal runaway,” a chemical reaction that causes rapid, intense heating and releases toxic, flammable gases.

EV fires can burn at very high temperatures of over 1,000°C, and may reignite hours or even days after appearing to be out. Trying to put out an EV battery fire without proper equipment and training is dangerous because of the risk of explosion, toxic smoke, and re-ignition. The safest action is to evacuate immediately and call emergency services right away.

The Role of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent car fires. Have your vehicle inspected by certified professionals every six months or at least twice a year. Focus checks especially on the electrical system, fuel lines, and the engine.

Replace worn-out parts promptly, and inspect for loose or damaged wiring, blown fuses, and unusual engine noises during these visits. Sudden changes in oil or fuel levels, like rapid drops, can signal leaks or other problems, so keep a close eye on these and address leaks, missing oil caps, or damaged hoses immediately to reduce fire risk.

Final Advice

In summary, preventing a car fire depends on sound maintenance, safe driving and refuelling habits, and avoiding unauthorised modifications. Being prepared with a fire extinguisher and knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. If a fire starts, stop, evacuate, keep a safe distance, and call for help. Do not take risks by trying to fight large fires or going back to the vehicle for items.