Tips to keep your car from becoming a "heat bomb" on hot days

During the hot summer in the northern provinces, the heat radiating from the asphalt roads combined with the urban effect can make the temperature outside the road reach 50-55 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of car fires causing great damage to property and constantly affecting the lives and health of people. Drivers need to have basic knowledge to prevent car fires and prevent damage from occurring.

Scene of a car fire on National Highway 1. (Photo: Traffic Police Department's electronic information portal)

According to the Traffic Police Department, drivers should pay attention to the following to prevent the risk of vehicle fires:

1. Limit electrical modifications

According to statistics, most car fires are caused by electrical short circuits. This has many causes such as poor quality electrical wires, deterioration due to a period of use and especially because the electrical system has to bear the additional load from "modified" accessories such as lights, sound, cameras, etc.

On the other hand, during the "modification" process, many sections of electrical wires will have to be cut, connected, wrapped, etc., causing the electrical system to deteriorate very quickly, especially when exposed to high temperatures. In addition, the process of inexperienced workers, short-circuiting electrical wires without fuses or using poor quality wires, incorrect wiring methods... That is part of the cause of fires and explosions in cars.

Therefore, car owners should minimize the installation of unnecessary electrical equipment on their cars.

2. Regular maintenance

Maintenance, oil changes, and checking electrical locations on the vehicle that are at high risk of fire and explosion (connections, wiring harnesses, etc.) are essential to having a good vehicle. Proper maintenance and oil changes also help reduce risks, including vehicle fires and explosions.

One of the common causes of car fires is fuel leaks. Fuel lines are made of rubber, so over time, heat from the engine causes these lines to lose elasticity, causing cracks and fuel to drip out, increasing the risk of fire or explosion. These errors can also be fixed during maintenance and repair.

3. Check and use coolant properly

Coolant is an extremely important part in regulating the temperature of the car. If there is a lack of coolant or using substandard coolant, it will cause your car to overheat, reducing the performance of the car.

Sudden increase in temperature in the engine compartment combined with fuel leakage during movement can lead to the risk of fire or explosion.

To ensure safety, before each long trip, the driver should take 1-2 minutes to check the vehicle, paying special attention to the coolant.

4. Ensure standard fuel

Many experts believe that many car fires are caused by poor quality gasoline. When a car uses poor quality gasoline, it not only makes the engine run sluggishly but also increases the temperature in the engine compartment.

Therefore, drivers should fill up their gas tanks at reputable locations.

5. Clean the engine compartment regularly

Trash, dry leaves, scraps of paper, rags and some flammable materials can be caught and hidden in the corners of the engine. During long hours of operation plus hot weather, the temperature of the engine compartment can reach several hundred degrees Celsius, very easy to catch fire when encountering the above materials.

Therefore, to protect your car, open the hood and clean it whenever possible.

6. Do not leave perfume, air fresheners, or lighters in the car.

When a car is left outside in the sun, the temperature inside the cabin can reach 65-70 degrees Celsius. Items such as perfume bottles, air fresheners and especially gas lighters can explode when exposed to such high temperatures. Therefore, these items should not be left in the car.

7. Do not smoke while driving

This may seem simple, but many drivers have the habit of smoking while driving. The burning cigarette butts can fly anywhere and start a fire. Drivers should also note that the gas tank cap must always be tightly closed to prevent leaks.

8. Let the car rest when traveling long distances

On hot days, the car has to endure a large temperature reflected from the road surface. Therefore, if you go far, let your car "rest" every 70-100km. When the car is turned off and parked in a shady place for about 20 minutes, the temperature of the engine compartment, exhaust pipe, brake discs, tires... will all decrease. This not only makes the car more efficient but also reduces the risk of fire and explosion, and helps the driver stay more alert on long trips.

9. When the engine compartment is smoking, do not open the hood.

When unfortunately while moving, your car has a phenomenon of smoke coming from the engine compartment under the hood, at this time absolutely do not open the hood because then you accidentally provide a certain amount of oxygen causing the fire to flare up.

At this time, calmly cool the car with a fire extinguisher, sand, soil or other non-flammable materials. At the same time, quickly evacuate everyone away from the car immediately.

There should be a fire extinguisher specifically for cars.

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/nhung-luu-y-de-o-to-khong-tro-thanh-qua-bom-nhet-ngay-nang-nong-3182399.html