One of the most popular mechanics on YouTube has shared what drivers should do if they encounter a certain smell when inside their vehicle.
Scotty Kilmer has been a mechanic for several decades and often posts videos to his YouTube channel where he gives tips that can help viewers avoid expensive repair bills.
In a recent video, Scotty warns of the most common cause for vehicle fires, stating that a petrol leak is usually behind it.
He explained: “Have you seen all those videos of cars catching fire? I’m going to explain why cars start on fire and what you can do about it. Now, with conventional gasoline [petrol] vehicles, fires are generally started because of fuel problems, the gas starts the fire.
“If you’re driving around in your car and you smell gasoline, find out where it’s coming from and fix it. If you see gasoline leaking under your car, fix it immediately. If you open the hood [bonnet] and smell gasoline, fix it – see if a fuel line is leaking.”
In most cases, car fires are started becuase one of the fuel lines has been ruptured and is leaking the flammable liquid into places it was never designed to go.
This is particularly the case in older vehicles, with the rubber lines gradually perishing over time if they are not regularly checked, or those that have had fuel line repairs completed badly.
Whilst driving these vehicles could pose a serious risk, it is likely that drivers will smell the leaking petrol or diesel first. As a result, Scotty recommended that motorists should not take a chance and get their vehicle inspected before any damage can take place.
With around 100,000 vehicles catching fire in the UK each year, drivers should also be mindful for any electrical faults their car has recently developed.
Whilst the number of fires that were caused by electrical faults is falling as regulations tighten, older cars with worn-out components could still be at risk.
Studies have shown that electric vehicles have a much lower risk of catching fire, however the number of cells they use mean it is particularly difficult to extinguish one.
In the event of a car fire, drivers should stay as calm and possible whilst acting quickly to avoid smoke from blocking their view or getting into their lungs.
As soon as it is safe to do so, motorists must pull over, switch off the enigne to limit further spread of fuel, and get themself and all other passengers as far away from the vehicle as possible.
It is vital that they do not return to the vehicle for any possessions, with the large amount of fuel creating a risk of explosions. Finally, occupants should call 999 or, if their phone is still in the vehicle, flag down help from another road user.
