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What causes electrical fires in cars?
Cars today are so advanced, it sometimes feels like you’re driving a computer. This has me concerned about potential fires in the car’s electrical system. What causes these types of fires in cars?
Lisa Steuer McArdle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You’re totally right. Car technology is advancing in ways we wouldn’t have dreamed of just a few years ago. Electrical system failures are actually one of the most common causes of fires in vehicles.
That’s because there are many different ways an electrical fire can start in a vehicle, and because the electrical system is present throughout the whole car, not just under the hood. Wires run through car doors, entertainment systems, and seats.
An electrical fire in a car could be caused by something as simple as a loose wire anywhere in the car, and/or a source of ignition near the battery. A battery’s charging cycle causes flammable hydrogen to build up around the engine. A loose or worn wire in this area could cause the explosive hydrogen to ignite.
This all sounds scary, but don’t panic! As a whole, car fires are pretty rare. But the second you think your car could be on fire, pull over, turn off the engine, and get out of the car.
It’s also important to regularly maintain your vehicle, so that any mechanical issues that could eventually lead to a fire are fixed before they cause a problem.
It’s all a good idea to make sure you have a good car insurance plan in case, in the unfortunate event you are the victim of a car fire.
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