Cases of vehicles bursting into flames in the middle of highways have been on the rise in the country, igniting a debate on what might be the reason behind the trend.
As most car enthusiasts try to get to the bottom of the issue, manufacturers and mechanics have pointed accusing fingers at Kenyan motorists for such accidents.
But as global manufacturers argue, there is no single cause for car fires. A blaze can only be caused by a combination of things including human error, mechanical issues, and other chemical issues which in most cases can be prevented.
A combination of those factors and motorists' errors leave them counting losses and endangering the lives of other road users. Without comprehensive insurance coverage, most of these motorists are forced to start over or even make huge compensations.
Data by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reveal that fire accounts for almost 30 per cent of motor accidents in the country, making it relevant to understand what are some of the most common causes.
Kenyans.co.ke has compiled a number of common mistakes that leave motorists exposed to igniting fires in their automobiles.
Fuel System Leaks
Most vehicles in Kenya use either diesel or petrol. When either diesel or petrol leaks, it exposes motorists to the dangers of fire. This is because fuel is highly flammable and a fuel system leak would ignite a fire quickly.
Mechanics and manufacturers advise motorists to subject their cars to frequent maintenance to address this problem.
Electrical System Failures
Failures in the electrical system in a vehicle is also among the most ignored issue but leads to car fires. This mostly stems from battery-related issues.
Mechanics argue that a typical car's standard lead acid battery charging cycle can easily cause the explosive hydrogen gas to build up in the engine bay and this easily ignites a fire.
It is, therefore, advisable to check the battery always and other electrical wiring systems in the car.
Overheating Engines
Kenyan motorists often ignore overheating engines, especially when covering long distances. A car engine can overheat and make the fluids like oil and fuel reach high temperatures and begin to spill out of their designated circulation areas.
They may drip to the exhaust system and thus ignite fires. This happens mostly for long-distance drivers including those on trailers who ignore overheating engines.
Generally, an overheating just requires immediate mechanical attention.
Poor maintenance
The most common cause of a car bursting into flames is poor maintenance. Motorists who fail to subject their vehicles to frequent diagnosis risk mechanical failure that can contribute to a car fire.
Vehicle owners who perform regular preventative maintenance on their vehicles can avoid faulty hoses, leaky seals, excessive engine temperature, and worn out electrical wiring that can ultimately lead to a dangerous fire by allowing flammable fluids to leak onto hot exhaust manifolds.
Design Issues
Some cars come with design flaws while others develop the issues through modification. In Kenya, most motorists tend to modify some parts of their vehicles.
Some pimp them by adding extra exhaust pipes, some boast the car's torque while others just re-wire the entire engine system to fit their preferences.
Those modifications end up clashing with the car's original design. When overworked, a vehicle may simply bursts into flames.
Before making any modification to the car, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer or car expert.
Arson
Arson cannot be ignored among the causes of fires in vehicles. This is where a car is intentionally set on fire by either a foe or someone who intends to cause damage.
This is not preventable as it is something premeditated.
However, compensation can be sought through a court process or when comprehensively covered by the insurance firm.
Car Crash
Depending on the impact site, a car crash can spark a fire. Most vehicles' crumple zones are designed pretty well, so the body and frame absorb the force of a blow and protect internal, dangerous spots like the engine, the battery, and the fuel tank. But a hard enough hit is likely to cause fluid leaks and spillage, as well as heat and smoke. As we know, high heat and spilled fluids create perfect conditions for a fire.
Since it is hard for occupants of a crashed vehicle to see the extent of the damage while they are still trapped inside, the threat of a fire might not be immediately apparent.
