What causes a car to randomly catch fire?
So I was on the highway on my way home from work when I noticed a car on fire. It wasn't in a accident or hit anything just parked on the side of the road while the owners and the police watched helplessly burn. It kind of made me sad thinking what if that were me. Then I started freaking out thinking my car could do that. The car that was on fire was a newer Ford Explorer (like 2012-15 ish). That really made me freak out because I drive a 2014 Ford Focus. I know it could have been a lot of things but it made me terrified of my car for some reason (which is fine and not on fire).
Midgets
Usually a fuel leak.
Low coolant levels, over heating, not caring for an oil leak, not changing the oil frequently, overall neglect. Gasoline doesn't usually catch fire in an engine, it explodes. Gasoline may be partially to blame, but more likely an overheated engine, causes wires to melt short circuit, spark and ignite oil that is caked or pooled around the engine. A combination of the above are likely causes.
A well cared engine is not likely to catch fire - the car might, inside, due to a short circuit, but that rarely travels to the engine.
A mechanic could leave a oily rag near the exhaust. A fuel line can split. Oil overflows on to the exhaust.
Anything could happen at any time to anyone in any situation anywhere. Thousands of people die every day on the highways of America. Are you going to freak out about that now?
Electrically fires are common, does not happen often, but it happens.
Random addition of flames?
Car fires are not very common, but when they do occur the most common causes are a leak of a flammable fluid (e.g. Engine oil, brake fluid, power-steering fluid) onto a hot component (exhaust system, turbocharger), or an electrical fault.
Electrical fault, fuel leak or a brake or clutch fluid leak
Brake fluid is very flammable.
Exhaust not correctly fitted so too close to the body.
Overheating bearings.
Lots of causes.
Mine was the starter motor did not disengage and being driven by the engine caught fire.
I stopped and disconnected the battery and saved the car with only electrical damage.
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