Abu Dhabi authorities urge motorists to service cars to avoid fires

Police and civil defence say most car fires happen due to lack of regular maintenance

Two cars on fire in a residential area in Al Reef. Vehicles contain several flammable liquids and materials, and once a fire starts spreading it can quickly escalate, so stand well clear and call the emergency services.

A car gutted by fire on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Cars can catch fire for a variety of reasons, but experts say as soon as there is even a hint of smoke, the driver and passengers should exit the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Photo: Dubai Civil Defence

Dubai firefighters extinguish a fire resulting from a multi-car accident on Al Soufah Road near Knowledge Village.

Civil Defence clear up equipment after extinguishing a yellow Mini Cooper that caught fire in the basement level of the Shatha Tower, Media City. Antonie Robinson / The National

Leaking fuel systems, faulty or damaged wiring, spilled fluids and underperforming exhaust systems are just some of the avoidable causes for vehicle fires. Photo: Dubai Police

Batteries in electric vehicles are highly volatile, and if damaged can ignite. Photo: Dubai Civil Defence

Lamborghinis, McLarens and some Ferraris have high-exiting exhaust pipes at the back. If the cars are revved, they can spit flames, which can cause fires. Photo: James Vincent

In cars which are used less frequently, seals can become hard and start to crack, and filters can become clogged with dust all resulting in a greater chance of a fire. Sammy Dallal / The National

The summer heat does play a part in car fires, and high winds can fan flames. But really it is the desert environment that causes problems.

The climate causes plastic pipes to become brittle, rubber hoses to perish and electrical wires to fray, even if the car is not regularly used. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Most of the issues can be avoided with annual safety inspections at a reputable automotive service centre. Photo: Abu Dhabi Police

Abu Dhabi authorities have issued a fresh reminder to motorists to carry out a service check on their cars as the hotter summer months approach.

Police and civil defence in the capital said most car fires happen due to the lack of regular maintenance.

“It's important to prevent car fire incidents by carrying out regular maintenance at specialised garages and repair shops,” said Lt Col Eng Salem Al Habashi, director of the public safety department at Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

“Non-specialised workshops and mechanics may repair a malfunction but cause another.”

Main causes of car fires

Major Engineer Adel Al Saqri, head of the fires section at Abu Dhabi Police’s forensic science department, listed five main causes of car fires.

“These include unnecessary modifications that do not meet approved specifications, leaving liquids that may contain flammable materials in the vehicle, using non-original parts that are not compatible with the electrical system of the vehicle, failure to disconnect electrical devices inside the vehicle, especially during summer, and installing parts in the vehicle by a non-specialised technician.”

Motorists were also urged to keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit inside their vehicles for emergencies.

Experts said maintenance is more essential in cars that are more than five years old.

“A car’s lifespan during which it will show little or no problems is five years, but after this period, malfunctions will begin to clearly appear,” said Khattar Omar, owner of Abu Omar vehicle repair shop in Ajman.

He said fuel leakage, old or loose wires and pipes in poorly maintained cars can lead to fires.

“Cars contain flammable elements such as fuel and oils and internal parts that are made of plastic or rubber, and all of these can easily catch fire,” he said.

The cause of fire in the majority of cars that he has worked on was faulty wires and old pipes.

“The only prevention is to conduct checks for every 100,000 kilometres, whether driven in a day, a month or a year,” he said.