Official Guidelines to Prevent Car Fires in Hot Weather: Forbidden Items Inside Your Vehicle

With the significant rise in temperatures during the summer season, the General Administration of Civil Protection has renewed its warnings to drivers, urging them to follow a number of preventive measures that help reduce the risks of sudden fires or breakdowns while driving, in order to protect lives and property.

Why Heat Increases Fire Risk

The administration confirmed that high temperatures can increase the likelihood of damage or ignition of some vehicle components, especially in the presence of electrical faults, fuel leaks, or neglect of routine maintenance.

Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection

Civil Protection called on drivers to conduct a thorough vehicle inspection regularly, ensuring the integrity of electrical connections and the absence of exposed or damaged wires that could cause a short circuit. It also stressed the importance of checking fuel hoses for any leaks, as well as inspecting the cooling system to ensure the radiator and coolant levels are functioning properly to prevent engine overheating.

Forbidden Items Inside the Cabin

The administration advised against leaving flammable materials inside the car, such as perfume bottles, lighters, alcohol bottles, sanitizers, or spare batteries, especially when parking the vehicle for long periods under direct sunlight. It also emphasized the importance of having a functional fire extinguisher inside the car, checking its validity periodically, and knowing the correct way to use it in emergencies.

Warning Signs and Emergency Procedures

Recommendations included stopping immediately upon noticing any burning smells or smoke coming from the vehicle, turning off the engine, moving away from the car, and contacting the relevant emergency authorities when needed. Civil Protection also advised against overloading the vehicle beyond its permissible weight and urged drivers to monitor tire pressure constantly, as high temperatures increase pressure inside the tire, raising the risk of a blowout while driving.

The administration confirmed that adhering to routine maintenance and simple preventive measures represents the first line of defense for maintaining vehicle safety and reducing the risks of fires and accidents during the severe heat waves the country experiences in the summer.