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What to do when there’s a car fire
- Pull over as soon as you can do so safely.
- Turn the engine off.
- Get everyone out of the car and stay at least 100 feet away.
- Don’t open the hood. Flames could flare up.
- Call 9-1-1.
- Don’t go back for phones or anything else.
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How to prevent a car fire
- Keep up with scheduled maintenance and annual inspections.
- Make sure you use only approved replacement parts and modifications.
- Don’t park in grass tall enough to touch parts of the car that heat up.
- Be careful with gasoline. Use only approved containers, don’t carry it in the passenger area if possible, and never store it in your car.
- If you must carry gas in the passenger area, only buy a small amount, seal the can, and keep car windows open.
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Fix these car fire danger signs now
- Damaged or loose wiring.
- Fuses that have blown more than once.
- Loud noises from the exhaust system.
- Rapid changes in fuel level, oil level, or engine temperature.
- Spilled oil after an oil change, a missing oil cap or one that doesn’t fit.
- Worn out or loose hoses.
- The smell of burning rubber or metal.
- Smoke coming from the engine or brakes.