DriveSmart
Car Fire

A total of 266,500 vehicles burst into flames on our highways in 2005. These fires claimed 520 lives, caused 1,300 injuries and almost a billion dollars in property damages, according to a new report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Culprits
"The size and seriousness of the vehicle fire problem in the United States is prompting AAA to advise all motorists to be alert to vehicle maintenance issues that can cause fires, and to know what actions they should take if their vehicle is involved in a fire," said Dave Skaien, Auto Club-approved auto repair program development manager.


The AAA representative noted that drivers seem to believe that vehicle fires are the result of highway collisions or rollovers. Not actually so, according to NFPA. More than two-thirds of highway vehicle fires are caused by mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions. Collisions or rollovers—although responsible for 57 percent of deaths in vehicle fires—caused only three percent of these fires.

Care
The AAA and the NFPA are urging all vehicle owners to carefully follow the manufacturers' maintenance schedules and to schedule annual comprehensive maintenance inspections of their vehicles. As part of those inspections, technicians should pay particular attention to damaged wiring and loose electrical connections, worn or blistered fluid lines and leaking connections, severely worn brake components and damaged heat shields, particularly those protecting catalytic converters, exhaust manifolds and other high-temperature sources of heat.


Consumers should watch for telltale signs of maintenance problems between annual checkups. These include: fluid leaks under the vehicle, cracked or blistered hoses, or wiring that is loose, has expo-ed metal or has cracked insulation.

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009



 
Related Photos More Photos...
Head on Crash Test Saftey Organizations
Head on Cras...
Headlight technology
Headlight te...
Gas Pump Safety and Dangers
Gas Pump Saf...
Side Airbag Safety
Side Airbag ...

Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian S...



Related Articles
Auto Safety Systems and the Law
Head Restraints: Comfort Vs. Safety
Crash Testing for Safety
Virtual Backseat Parents
Side Impact Airbag Mandate


autoMedia Car Blog
Toyota Announces Unintended Acceleration Fix
In a safety drama that has unfolded since summer, when a high-profile case of unintended acceleration brought floor mat issues to national prominence, ... more...

Sneak peek: 2011 Kia Amanti
Kia unveiled its all-new K7 sedan in Korea today, offering the world a sneak peek at a car known as Cadenza in the Middle East and Amanti in North Ame ... more...

Koenigsegg Hits Brakes On Deal to Buy Saab
Koenigsegg Group has walked away from a proposed purchase of Saab from General Motors. The conglomerate lead by supercar-maker Koenigsegg had previous ... more...


Forum Highlights
oldsmobile -TCC
 I have a 1998 oldsmobile, achieva,  v6, auto transmission, 135,000 miles, it seemed to be missing , after changing plugs and wires, throttl ... more...

Re: Aluminum wheels and a flat tire
I am sure you have your tire changed by now, but this is a common problem when using aluminum wheels.  Once you realize you have a problem, hitti ... more...

Re: Chevy 3.8L Engine cutout
 I would call it in intermediate job.  You will need some special tools to do it, but if you have some experience doing repairs, and not jus ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!
Zip Code

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2009 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.