Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: As the summer season peaks, incidents of cars catching fire have been on the rise in the city, keeping the fire services and cops busy. About a dozen incidents have already been reported so far this year. While there was a casualty in Monday night’s incident, in other cases, the drivers managed to get out of the vehicle in time.
The frequent incidents do indicate that commuters should be more careful with their cars in this heat, as any negligence can not only cause the loss of one’s favourite car, but also endanger the lives of the occupants.
Automobile experts highlight the need for getting the car, particularly the air-conditioning unit, serviced. They pointed out that one should be watchful of loose wirings that may lead to electrical short circuits, besides issues like a lack of water in the radiator and fuel leaks.
“During summer, commuters often keep the AC on for extended periods without opening the windows for air circulation, which puts pressure on the system. Additionally, leaving a vehicle parked under the sun for long hours can heat up the engine and electrical systems, increasing the risk of short circuits and fires. Driving continuously for long hours can also overheat batteries, leading to short circuits and potential fires,” said Atul Garg, chief of Delhi Fire Services.
Automobile industry experts attribute vehicle fires mainly to overheating of engines and electrical systems during the summer. To prevent such incidents, they recommend several precautions.
“Car owners should avoid transporting flammable substances like deodorants, sanitisers and lighters. Parking cars in shaded areas, taking breaks during long drives, and avoiding the use of aftermarket accessories that may tamper with the car’s original wiring are also advised,” said Ravi Dwivedi, an automobile enthusiast.
According to Rajesh Chaudhary, a Noida-based engineer, “It is important to get the fuel lines checked regularly for any leakage, as the highly flammable liquid can lead to cars catching fire. One should also check the radiator as it helps in keeping the engine cool.”
A police officer said if there is a burning smell emanating from underneath the car, one should switch off the engine immediately. Vehicle experts also highlighted how people often install aftermarket accessories in their vehicles, which can prove to be dangerous.
According to experts, there are several warning signs to watch for, including blown fuses, loud exhaust sounds, engine temperature fluctuations, and low fluid levels.
“If any of these issues are detected while your car is parked or stopped in traffic, it is crucial to stop and switch off the ignition and engine, move away from the vehicle, alert other vehicles and pedestrians, and contact the fire department and traffic authorities immediately,” said an expert.
Other causes include improper wiring and poor maintenance of the vehicle. “Sometimes, people add accessories from third-party vendors, which can also cause fires in electric vehicles. There is a coolant in the car which keeps the engine cool when it gets heated. In the summer season, the coolant of the car deteriorates quickly,” said another expert.
Mayank Rawat
