Auto expert explained the reasons for frequent car fires in winter

With the onset of winter, the risk of a car fire increases. Nikita Rodionov, technical director of Fit Service, an international franchise network of car service centers, told Rossiyskaya Gazeta on November 21 that there are several main causes of car fires.

According to the expert, with the first frosts, the number of seasonal problems with the car is growing: various rubber parts are blowing, plastic tubes are cracking and breaking, clamps are weakening, materials are shrinking. Leaks eventually appear, and any spark can cause a fire. While driving, drops of engine oil or brake fluid can get on the heated metal elements.

"Quite often the cause of a car fire is a short circuit. Electrical problems occur for a variety of reasons. First, the colder it is, the greater the load on the car's electrical system. We turn on the heater and seat heating, the autostart runs continuously, the lights run longer. Secondly, the electrics may not be generally maintained in a timely manner. Third, abnormal equipment is used," explained the specialist.

The risk of fire increases due to the installation of various equipment for remote car warming not in professional services. Errors in technology can lead to short circuits, melting, heating of wires. Also poor quality can be installed and abnormal seat heaters, audio systems. It is not recommended to use auto blankets for the engine, said Rodionov. Also dangerous are grandfather methods of defrosting the car with gas burners, electric stoves and other household heating devices, he added.

November 19, it was reported that the spending of Russians to prepare the car for the winter season in early November compared to last year increased by 16% and amounted to an average of 17.8 thousand rubles. Thus, for this money you can buy a battery, a set of wiper blades and non-freezing liquid, as well as use the services of tire fitting and car service center for seasonal maintenance.

On November 18, auto expert Dmitry Nikolaevich told that the main stage of preparing a car for the winter season is to check the battery. It is it that provides starting of the engine in cold season. But low temperatures significantly slow down chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its capacity and ability to provide the necessary starting current.