Every once in a while, you will see on the news images and videos of cars catching fire and, sometimes, exploding. Whenever it happens, it always strikes fear in those who witness it. matka It is terrifying to think that the vehicle which many people around the world rely on to bring them safely to their respective destinations can spark, potentially trapping its passengers inside a flaming hell. It poses danger not only to those inside but also to the people around.

How Often Do Cars Catch Fire, Explode

With how car explosions are depicted in movies and television shows, one would think that it happens frequently. In reality, it is a rare occurrence. Although it can happen at any time to anyone, it is not an experience that everyone will have at some point in their lives.

However, it is still a threat. A car can explode because of various reasons. If it does happen to you, it will never be like how it is depicted by Hollywood. There would be signs that your life is in danger and you will be able to run.

A vehicle catching fire, on the other hand, is more common. In the United States, around 267,600 incidents were reported every year from 2003 to 2007. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one in every eight fires attended by the fire department is a highway vehicle fire. It causes 345 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and around $1.1 billion in damages annually.

The occurrence of vehicular fires has declined since the ‘70s and the ‘80s when it was more common. Since then, manufacturers have made changes in the designs of modern cars to reduce the likelihood of vehicular fire accidents.

Moreover, there are ways to prevent it from happening.

Your Fuel System Requires Vigilant Monitoring

While fuel is highly flammable, vehicles do not combust spontaneously. There are safeguards installed in order to prevent the fuel from causing a fire that will endanger the lives of passengers. However, fuel is still the most common reason why cars catch fire. When there is a gas leak, there is a possibility that the fuel will catch fire if even a single drop is exposed to a hot surface or a spark.

That is why drivers should regularly bring their vehicles to their mechanic’s service shop for a check-up. Leaks happen when the fuel tank is old. It, too, is subjected to rusting over time. Eventually, the fuel tank would need to be replaced. Sometimes, the fuel tank may also sustain damage, especially after a crash.

It is easy to notice when there is a problem with the fuel system. If there is a leak, it will smell. Gasoline has a very distinct and strong scent. If you are far from a gasoline station and still can sniff the smell of gasoline in the air, call your mechanic and set an appointment ASAP.

Car Crashes: Fire as an Immediate Concern

Accidents can damage the fuel tank which can lead to a leak and then a fire. Nowadays, many vehicles are protected from fire caused by car crashes. Manufacturers have designed a way to protect the fragile internal systems of the car, including the fuel tank, during a collision.

However, there is still a possibility that a fuel leak may happen after a car crash. If you get into an accident, get yourself and everyone out of the vehicle. If a fire does happen, move as far back as possible in case of an explosion. And, do not forget to call emergency hotlines to report the incident.

Do Electric Cars Have Lower Risk of Catching Fire?

It has been mentioned that fuel makes vehicles a fire risk. Now that electric cars are plying the highways, consumers are asking whether they will be safer by driving a vehicle powered not by fuel but electricity.

According to Tesla, vehicles that run by burning fuel are 11 times more likely to catch fire than their electric cars. However, ConsumerNotice.org, a group that aims to inform the public about the health and safety of various products in the market, it is still too early to tell whether electric cars are less of a fire risk compared to fuel-powered cars. So far, electric cars make up a small percentage of vehicles in the nation. There is not enough data currently to say whether the vehicular fire will be less of a threat when electric cars rule the highways.

Even if there is less likelihood of experiencing vehicular fire and explosion, drivers should always be careful. They should follow road laws religiously and regularly check that their cars are in proper working condition to prevent any unwanted incidents.