Car on fire: what to do and how to get out in time
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A car fire almost always starts with discreet signs: a smell of burning plastic, smoke under the bonnet, a warning light. In those moments, every second counts. Here are the moves to know, in the right order.
Car on fire: the 5 reflexes
- Stop as soon as possible, on the hard shoulder or the roadside, away from petrol stations and buildings.
- Switch off the engine and turn on the hazard lights.
- Get everyone out immediately, children and pets included. Leave your belongings.
- Move at least 50 metres away, behind the safety barrier if you are on a motorway.
- Call 112 and give your exact location (road, direction, marker, exit).
Never open the bonnet if smoke is coming out: fresh air feeds the flames instantly.
Can a car on fire explode?
The spectacular explosions seen in films are rare. The real danger is the toxic smoke from plastics, the very fast spread of fire inside the cabin and some parts bursting from the heat (tyres, tailgate struts, airbags). That is why you move away quickly and never go back.
Why does a car catch fire while driving?
- A fuel or oil leak onto a very hot part.
- An electrical short circuit, often after a badly fitted accessory.
- Engine or brake overheating, especially downhill.
- After a crash, when a pipe or the battery is damaged.
Regular servicing and a quick check of any unusual smell remain the best prevention.
How to get out of a burning car if the door is jammed
After an accident, a deformed door or a jammed seatbelt can hold you back. In that case, you need an immediate plan B:
- Unbuckle or cut the seatbelt with a seatbelt cutter.
- If no door opens, break a side window in a lower corner, never the windscreen. Our guide explains the move: how to break a car window in an emergency.
- Get out through the window while protecting your hands and face, then move away.
Electric car on fire: what changes
An overheating battery can reignite several hours later. The reflexes stay the same (get out, move away, call for help), but tell the fire brigade it is an electric or hybrid vehicle. If the electric door handles no longer respond, read electric car: how to get out if the doors will not open.
A tool so you never stay trapped
SafeCore Pro combines a spring-loaded window breaker and a seatbelt cutter with a protected blade. Fixed in the console with its mount, it stays within the driver's reach, even with the seatbelt on.
