Preventing Vehicle Fires
Proper auto maintenance is crucial for preventing car fires, keeping your family safe, and avoiding claims on your auto insurance. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it is a good idea to have your auto thoroughly inspected at least once a year for any potential hazards that could cause a fire or other problems.
Some potential vehicle fire hazards include fluid leaks, cracked hoses, loose wiring, or wiring with exposed metal. These kinds of hazards may warrant an immediate trip to your Long Island auto repair professional. Changes in the way your vehicle runs or sounds may need to be investigated too. Loud exhaust tones, smoke coming from the tailpipe, or backfiring could be signs of trouble that may cause a vehicle fire. It is important to have these kinds of problems repaired right away. Your insurance policies for your auto may not cover damage done to your vehicle from simple lack of maintenance.
Should your auto catch on fire, the NFPA recommends you pull immediately off the road, put the car in park, turn off the ignition, put on the emergency brake, get yourself and all passengers out, and stand at least 100 feet away from the vehicle. It may be dangerous to open the hood as more oxygen may feed the fire, and cause you injury. It may be better to call 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive. Once the fire is out and you observe the damage, you may need to contact your auto insurance agent for help in filing a claim.
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