A car fire can ignite quickly and become uncontrollable within minutes. An electrical failure, a fuel leak, mechanical overheating, or even an accident can be enough to cause a fire.
Knowing the main causes of fire and the right reflexes to adopt can make all the difference.
What are the most common causes?
Vehicle fires can have different origins:
- An electrical failure : short circuit, damaged cable, faulty battery, or modified electrical installation;
- A fuel or oil leak coming into contact with a hot part;
- An engine overheating or exhaust system;
- A mechanical problem causing sparks or an abnormally high temperature;
- A road accident damaging the electrical circuit, fuel tank, or battery;
- A flammable object left in the vehicle, especially when exposed to high heat;
- A damaged lithium-ion battery, mainly in electric or hybrid vehicles.
Even a recent and well-maintained vehicle is not completely safe from a fire.
What signs should you watch for?
Certain signals should immediately attract your attention:
- A smell of burning, melted plastic or fuel ;
- Smoke coming from the bonnet, dashboard or cabin ;
- An abnormally high engine temperature ;
- Unusual electrical warning lights ;
- A sudden loss of power ;
- Crackling or small sparks ;
- A visible leak under the vehicle.
If you notice any of these signs, stop as soon as possible in a safe place.
What to do in case of a fire outbreak ?
The absolute priority remains the safety of the occupants.
- Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place, away from buildings, other cars and traffic.
- Turn off the engine and engage the handbrake.
- Get all passengers out and move away from the vehicle.
- Call emergency services at 112.
- If the fire is still very limited, no significant smoke is coming out and you have an appropriate means of extinguishing it, you may attempt to intervene without putting yourself in danger.
- If the fire spreads, move away immediately and wait for emergency services to arrive.
Never fully open the bonnet when a fire has broken out in the engine compartment. The sudden influx of oxygen could intensify the flames. If intervention is still possible, the extinguishing agent should be directed carefully through a small opening.
In the event of a fire involving the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, do not attempt to intervene yourself. Move away and immediately alert the emergency services, as the battery can produce intense heat and pose a risk of re-ignition.
How to reduce the risks?
A few simple actions can significantly limit the risks:
- Have your vehicle regularly maintained;
- Check the electrical cables, hoses, and any potential leaks;
- Do not ignore warning lights;
- Avoid non-professional electrical modifications;
- Do not leave flammable products in the cabin;
- Quickly check any unusual smell;
- Keep a compact and easily accessible means of extinguishing in the vehicle.
The device should be stored in the cabin, within reach of the driver, and not under luggage or at the back of the boot.
MAUS XTIN Klein: a compact solution for fire outbreaks
To act quickly in the event of a fire outbreak, Rockatz offers the MAUS XTIN Klein, a particularly compact, lightweight, and easy-to-store extinguishing solution in a vehicle.
Thanks to its reduced size, it can be placed in the glove compartment, in a door storage, or fixed in an easily accessible location. Its aerosol extinguishing system allows for quick intervention on a still-limited fire, without having to handle a traditional heavy and bulky extinguisher.
The MAUS XTIN Klein can be particularly useful in the event of certain fire outbreaks involving solid materials, flammable liquids or electrical equipment. It thus constitutes a relevant prevention equipment for a car, a van, a motorhome, a boat or a garage.
However, it is essential to remember that it is designed to intervene at the very beginning of a fire. It never replaces the intervention of firefighters and should only be used if the situation allows for safe action.
With the MAUS XTIN Klein at hand, you have a quick and compact solution to try to control a fire outbreak before it spreads.
For more information or to order your MAUS XTIN Klein, contact Rockatz or check our online shop or the information page here.