What do you do first if your engine catches fire while you are driving?

First, pull over and shut off the engine. This stops the flow of fuel. Get yourself and your passengers out of the car as quickly as possible. Make sure to stay a significant distance away—100 to 150 feet or more—and never go back into the vehicle to retrieve personal property, FEMA says.

Is engine fire covered by insurance?

Engine fires caused by a defective engine are covered by your auto insurance. Car accidents are covered by your car insurance, and a fire that results from a car accident is also covered by most basic collision auto policies.

Why would a car catch fire while driving?

Cars catch fire mostly due to electrical or mechanical reasons. Indicators that a car could potentially catch fire are fluid or oil leaks, loose wiring or rapid changes to fuel levels or the engine temperature.

How do you put out an engine fire?

If the car fire is relatively small and in the interior, use your car fire extinguisher. (Closing the doors and windows may also smother the fire.) If there’s a small amount of smoke coming from under the hood, pop the release but don’t lift the hood.

Will a car explode if it catches on fire?

It’s very rare to see a car explode when it catches fire. For a car to blow up, it needs the perfect proportion of oxygen, gas, and fire. Cars run on liquid gas which will typically not explode when set on fire.

Does an engine fire total a vehicle?

Damage is often covered under your comprehensive coverage if your car catches fire. Most fires end up as total losses, because the damage spreads throughout the cars.

Can you pour water on an engine fire?

Do not use water in attempting to extinguish a carburetor fire or other gasoline fire. This merely tends to spread the fire. If the engine backfires, use the starter to turn the motor. If this does not draw the flames into the manifold, use the extinguisher.

Can a car engine explode if it overheats?

If your engine overheats your car may not immediately explode or anything like that, but driving with an overheating engine can cause serious damage to your vehicle.

What should you do if your car catching fire while driving?

If your car catches fire while you are driving, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then follow these steps, which also apply if your car ignites in a parking lot.

What to do if your car burns by the side of road?

Insured or not, watching your vehicle burn by the side of the road is an experience you don’t want to go through. Here are a few common-sense tips that can help prevent vehicle fires, provided by the National Safety Council: 1. If you smell burning plastic or rubber, pull over safely and investigate.

Where does a car fire usually break out?

Recognize that car fires can break out in places other than the engine compartment. They also can occur under the vehicle, near the wheels and brakes, in your dashboard, and even inside the car.

What should you do if a car stops on the road?

Get yourself and all passengers out of the car, and move to a safe place as far away from the car as possible, at least 150 feet away. Call 911. If you have one available, use a signal to let other drivers know your car is stopped on the side of the road.