Contrary to popular belief, fires after a crash are rare. That's because most fuel tanks and fuel lines are constructed and installed so they are protected from ruptures in a collision, The possibility is still there after a serious accident, but most vehicle fires happen without any crunching of sheet metal. Fuel injection systems that replaced carburetors have greatly reduced the chance of underhood fires. Because many vehicle fires occur in garages, you can not only lose you car, but your home as well.
The biggest cause of vehicle fires are from electrical system malfunctions or leaking fuel lines. Many of the electrical fires result from improper installation of after-market electronics like sound systems. Fusing with the correct amperage fuse and attention to
permanently insulate connections are vital to prevent overheated wiring or jumping sparks that can start a fire.
Periodically, check out fuel lines especially on older vehicles that used older types of rubber hosing. Look for cracking, softness, rubbing, damage and general deterioration. Replace old hose with new rubber that is comparable with today's gasolines that contain hose deteriorating alcohol such as in ethanol. If available, replace with steel or steel braided lines. If you smell raw gasoline, track down the reason and make repairs immediately.
An oil soaked or filthy engine compartment is a fire source looking for a spark. Besides providing fuel for an underhood fire, it is difficult to trace down fuel leaks amongst the dirt and filth. Invest in a professional engine 'detailing', or spend an afternoon doing it yourself.
Batteries are another fore source. Leaking hydrogen gas from battery can explode if ignited by a spark when jumping starting or from a lighted cigarette. Use the proper technique for hooking up jumper cables. First, connect positive posts of both live and dead battery. Then the positive cable to the donor battery. Complete the circuit by attaching the other negative ground somewhat away from the battery like an alternator bracket or a unpainted body part.
If you are a smoker, you have added fire dangers. A glowing cigarette falling onto the carpet or into the MacDonald wrappers 'stored' under the seat can result in a fire. Clean them out.
Fire extinguishers are a very big factor in preventing a vehicle destroying fire. Fire extinguishers should be carried inside the where you can instantly get to them. Between or the front seats or on the panel under the dash next to door are great places to mount them. The key word is "mount" because you might not be a fine a lose extinguisher that has been rolling around in the rear area for months. Likewise carrying one in the trunk is not a good idea. By time you get the trunk open and remove the extinguisher it might be too late. Finally, just don't mount the extinguisher and forget it. Check it for charge and operating condition. A good habit is to check it when you reset clocks for daylight savings or regular time, when you should also replace the batteries in smoke alarms.
As an added incentive to being prepared, according to the insurance industry, while usually collision damage can be repairs, severe vehicle fire damage usually results in a total loss. As a word of caution avoid buying a used vehicle that has been in a fire, Rewiring can be a nightmare and often done improperly. Also a hot enough fire can cause hidden damage by "heat treating' the metal resulting in reduced strength. Also fire buckled body panels are virtually impossible to repair satisfactorily.
