HOW TO PREVENT AND TACKLE CAR FIRES:

Knowing how to prevent and tackle fires when they occur is very crucial, which is why you need to read this to the end.

The chances of a fire outbreak are especially high right now due to the cold-dry, dusty weather aka Harmattan

Car fires are usually related to causes associated with fuel, electrical systems, the exhaust system and petroleum based fluids.

Most all of the vehicles fires could be avoidable if we just perform proper maintenance.

To minimize risks for vehicle fires, have your car checked out at every oil service,

If you smoke in your car, be careful with your cigarettes and dispose of them properly when you're done.

If your car starts to overheat, don’t push it. A car engine is already at an extremely high temperature, add high outdoor temperatures plus overheating and a fire could start pretty fast.

So, there’s a car on fire – what to do? Don’t be a hero.

Turn off the car and get out.

Remember, vehicle fires erupt fast, and include a myriad of toxic fumes that can overcome you in as little as two breaths.

Just get out of the car, and don’t go back in. Your purse, cell phone, wallet etc. just aren't worth your life.

What about using a fire extinguisher? Everyone should have a first alert auto fire extinguisher in their car, if you can easily get to it, do so and try to put out the fire from a safe distance.

And, if the fire is near the front of the car, or under the hood, lifting the hood is the absolute worst thing you can do because you are introducing more oxygen to the fire and you are potentially exposing yourself to extremely toxic fumes and sparks.

if your car ever catches on fire and you're not equipped to handle it just get out. A car is replaceable, your life isn't.

Share this with someone who could use this tip.

Wikipedia.org