Car Fire Safety Tips: How to Put Out a Car Fire

 Practical Safety Tips on How to Put Out a Car Fire

While car fires are not an everyday occurrence, understanding the most common triggers can help you prevent them. Being prepared with the right knowledge, and the right equipment, can make all the difference in such a high-stakes situation.

In this guide, we’ll cover essential car fire safety tips, how to put out a car fire safely, and where to place a fire extinguisher in your vehicle for quick access.

Common Causes of Vehicle Fires

1. Electrical System Failures: Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics. Damaged wiring, faulty batteries, or malfunctioning alternators can spark a fire. 
2. Fuel System Leaks: Petrol and diesel are highly flammable. Even a small leak near hot engine parts can ignite quickly. 
3. Overheating Engine: Excessive engine heat can cause fluids like oil or coolant to combust. 
4. Accidents and collision: A severe impact from a road accident could potentially  rupture the fuel tank or damage electrical components, increasing fire risk. 
5. Poor Car Maintenance: Neglecting routine car servicing can allow small issues to become major hazards. 

How to Notice Signs of a Car Fire

Recognising the early warning signs can give you crucial seconds to act:

• Smell of burning plastic, rubber, or fuel.
• Smoke coming from under the bonnet or inside the cabin.
• Sparks or visible flame.
• Sudden loss of power or stalling.
• Warning lights on your dashboard related to temperature or battery.

If you notice any of these signs, treat them seriously and act immediately. 

What to Do If Your Car Catches on Fire 

If your car ever catches on fire, staying calm and acting fast can make all the difference. Knowing the right steps can protect you, your passengers, and others on the road – and could even save lives. 

Step 1: Pull Over Safely 

As soon as you suspect a fire, signal, and steer your car to the side of the road. Choose a safe location away from traffic and buildings.

Step 2: Turn Off the Engine

Shutting off the ignition helps cut the fuel supply.

Step 3: Evacuate Everyone 

Get yourself and passengers out of the vehicle immediately. Move at least 30 metres away from the car. 

Step 4: Call Emergency Services

Dial your local emergency number and clearly state your location, the situation, and whether anyone is injured. If you’re unsure who to call, use the numbers below based on your situation:: 

Nationwide Police Emergency Response: 10111
ER Ambulance: 084 124 or Nationwide:  10177
AA Emergency Towing:  086 1000 234

Only Use a Fire Extinguisher If it’s Contained

If the flames are small and contained, and you have a car fire extinguisher on hand, you can attempt to put out the fire. But never put yourself at risk. If in doubt, wait for professionals. 

How to Put Out a Car Fire

If you can see that it is safe to act, follow these guidelines: 

1. Choose the right fire extinguisher: For car fires, a dry powder or foam extinguisher rated for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires is ideal. 
2. Stand upwind: Position yourself so that smoke and flames are blown away from you. 
3. Aim at the base of the flames: Use short, controlled bursts to target the source, not the flames themselves. 
4. Keep a safe distance: Maintain at least 1-2 metres from the fire while discharging the extinguisher.
5. Monitor for reignition: Even if the fire appears out, smouldering materials can reignite. 

Where to Put a Fire Extinguisher in Your Car 

Having a fire extinguisher is only useful if you can reach it quickly. The ideal placement depends on your vehicle type: 

Small cars: Under the driver’s seat or in the front passenger footwell – secured but easily accessible. 
SUVs and bakkies: Mounted to the floor or side panels in the cabin.
Commercial vehicles: Mounted near the driver’s seat in compliance with workplace safety regulations. 

Ensure your extinguisher is: 

• Properly mounted with a quick-release bracket.
• Regularly checked for pressure and expiration date.
• Easily accessible to all drivers who use the vehicle. 

Car Fire Safety Tips to Prevent Emergencies 

1. Keep your vehicle maintained: Regular servicing reduces the risk of leaks, overheating, or electrical faults. 
2. Avoid DIY wiring: Incorrect installations for sound systems, lights, or other electronics can cause shorts.
3. Don’t store flammable items in the cabin: Avoid keeping petrol cans, aerosols, or other flammables inside your vehicle.
4. Watch for warning signs: Investigate for unusual smells, smoke, or dashboard alerts immediately. 
5. Carry a fire extinguisher: A small investment like a fire extinguisher for your vehicle can save lives, and potentially, property.

What Not to Do in a Car Fire

While there are ways to manage a car fire, there’s also risks that you need to keep in mind when it comes to the DONTs of a fire: 

• Don’t try to open the bonnet yourself.
• Leave your belongings in the car.
• Don’t use water on fuel or electrical fires. 

When it comes to electric cars: DO NOT attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. EV battery fires release highly toxic smoke, which can be fatal if inhaled. For your safety, keep your distance and contact emergency services immediately.

After a Vehicle Fire: Next Steps

Once the fire is out and the situation is safe, contact your car insurance provider to report the incident. After reporting it and arranging for your car to be towed, have a professional inspect the damage – even if it seems minor. Finally, replace your fire extinguisher, if it has been partially used, have it refilled or replaced. 

Final Thoughts

Car fire safety isn’t just about reacting in the moment, it’s about preparation, prevention, and having the right car essentials on hand. By knowing the signs, acting quickly, and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher in the right location, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. 

Safety is key, especially when you’re out on the road. Should you witness an accident on the road, follow our tips for dealing with road accidents. 

Should you be in an accident, we break down what you can do when it comes to making a car insurance claim.