What should I do if my car catches fire?

Turn off the engine, walk away from the vehicle, call 995 for assistance, say experts

- Fatimah Mujibah

If you hear unusual sounds while driving, such as loud popping or banging noises from the exhaust, your vehicle may be in danger of catching fire, an expert said.

There were five reported cases of vehicle fires in the first week of March, with a man killed in one such blaze after an accident on Nicoll Highway on March 2.

In its latest statistics report, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there were 220 vehicle fires in 2024, up from 215 in 2023. Only one incident involved an electric vehicle (EV).

Here are some things you should know about vehicle fires.

Q What are some common causes of such fires?

A The primary cause of vehicle fires in Singapore is an ignition source, such as overheating and electrical faults within the vehicle. This can happen with electrical short circuits caused by defective or improper insulation, said a spokesman for the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS), a motoring group offering roadside assistance.

"Vehicle fires (can also) occur due to leakage in the vehicle fuel system, where wear and tear or improper installation result in leakages of flammable fluids.

"As the vehicle contains flammable liquids as well as combustible materials, the fire can escalate quickly," AAS said.

Vehicle accessories such as poorly installed sound systems and dashcams can start fires too, said Mr Teng Dao Xiong from 1 Car Service Workshop, adding that this can also happen if their cables are faulty.

Q How can I tell if my vehicle is in danger of catching fire?

A Motorists should not drive their vehicle if they detect a burning smell, smoke or petrol, notice fluid leaks or a rapid drop in oil and coolant levels, AAS said. Other telltale signs include unusual sounds, such as loud popping or banging noises from the exhaust.