What to do if your car catches fire while driving

If you suspect your car is on fire while driving, pull over safely, turn off the engine, evacuate everyone immediately, move at least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind, call emergency services, and do not attempt to open the hood or re-enter the vehicle. Car fires escalate rapidly and produce toxic smoke; acting quickly and keeping distance saves lives. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide and essential context to help you respond decisively and safely in this high-risk situation.

Immediate actions while the vehicle is moving

When you first notice smoke, flames, a burning smell, or warning lights while driving, you have only moments to reduce risk. The goal is to stop the vehicle in a safe place, cut off fuel and electricity, and get everyone out before the fire grows.

1. Signal, steer to a safe location, and stop: Move to the right shoulder or an exit ramp if possible, away from traffic, dry brush, fuel pumps, or buildings. Avoid tunnels and bridges if you can reach open air quickly.
2. Shift to Park and turn off the engine: Cutting power reduces fuel flow and electrical load. Leave the key in the car; for push-button ignitions, confirm the vehicle is fully off.
3. Activate hazard lights: This warns other drivers as you and your passengers evacuate.
4. Evacuate immediately: Unbuckle everyone, help children and anyone needing assistance, and move at least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind and uphill if possible.
5. Keep bystanders away and call emergency services: Dial 911 (US), 112 (EU), or your local emergency number. Provide location, vehicle type (gas, diesel, hybrid, or EV), and any cargo hazards.

These steps prioritize life safety and reduce the chances that leaking fuel, high-voltage systems, or heated components intensify the fire before firefighters arrive.

After stopping: evacuate and communicate

Once you’ve pulled over and shut down the vehicle, time and distance are critical. Toxic smoke and sudden flare-ups are common even when flames are not yet visible.

• Exit and move away quickly: Position people upwind, behind a barrier if available, and out of traffic lanes.
• Warn others: If safe, direct oncoming traffic away vocally or with hand signals from a distance; avoid flares due to ignition risk.
• Call for help and stay off the roadway: Provide clear details—location, whether flames are visible, and if the vehicle is an EV or hybrid.
• Do not return to the car for belongings: Fires can intensify abruptly, and airbags, struts, and pyrotechnic components may deploy explosively.

Maintaining distance and clear communication protects both your group and approaching motorists until first responders secure the scene.

Using a fire extinguisher: when it’s appropriate and how to do it

Only consider using an extinguisher if the fire is very small (incipient), you have a suitable extinguisher, a clear escape path, and you can stay a safe distance. If there’s any doubt, back away and wait for firefighters.

• Choose the right type: A Class ABC or BC extinguisher is appropriate for car fires involving solids, liquids, and electrical components.
• Approach cautiously from upwind and stay low: Heat and smoke rise; maintain a minimum 6–10 feet (2–3 meters) distance.
• Do not open the hood or trunk: Cracking it open feeds oxygen. If flames lick from gaps or the grille, aim suppressant through those openings.
• Use the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of flames, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side-to-side.
• Retreat if the fire grows or you feel heat on your face/hands: Your safety comes first.

Extinguishers are for very small, early-stage fires. Larger or re-igniting flames require professional firefighting and copious water, especially in electric vehicles.

Special guidance for electric and hybrid vehicles

High-voltage battery fires behave differently and can re-ignite hours or days later. Public safety guidance continues to evolve, but several rules are consistent for drivers.

• Shut the vehicle down fully and move the key fob at least 50 feet (15 meters) away: This helps ensure the high-voltage system remains de-energized.
• Do not attempt to extinguish a battery fire yourself: Lithium-ion thermal runaway requires large volumes of water and firefighter tactics to cool and contain.
• Expect re-ignition risk: Even if the fire appears out, batteries can flare again; firefighters may monitor and cool for extended periods.
• After an incident, have the vehicle towed and isolated outdoors: Keep it at least 50 feet (15 meters) from structures and other vehicles while awaiting inspection.

Treat any EV or hybrid fire—or suspected battery damage after a crash—with heightened caution, distance, and prompt notification to emergency services.

What not to do

Certain common reactions can make a car fire dramatically worse. Avoid the following to reduce risk of injury and escalation.

• Don’t drive further “to the next exit” once you suspect fire: Pull over immediately at the first safe spot.
• Don’t open the hood or trunk: You’ll feed the fire oxygen and risk a flashover.
• Don’t use water on fuel or electrical fires: It can spread flammable liquids and conduct electricity; leave suppression to firefighters.
• Don’t use road flares: They are ignition sources near leaking fuel vapors.
• Don’t re-enter the vehicle for items: Conditions change unpredictably; smoke is toxic.

Avoiding these actions keeps you and others out of harm’s way and preserves the scene for safe firefighting.

Warning signs your car could catch fire

Many vehicle fires are preceded by symptoms that drivers and passengers can detect. Pull over safely and investigate if you notice any of these warning signs.

• Smell of burning plastic, rubber, or insulation; visible smoke from vents or engine bay.
• Electrical malfunctions: flickering lights, erratic gauges, repeatedly blowing fuses, or hot-to-the-touch charging adapters.
• Fluid leaks: puddles or drips of fuel, oil, or transmission fluid; hissing or popping sounds.
• Overheating indicators: temperature gauge climbing, steam from the radiator (note: steam is white, smoke is darker and acrid).
• After a collision: damage near the battery, fuel tank, or high-voltage cables (for hybrids/EVs).

Early recognition and a prompt stop can prevent small issues from becoming dangerous fires.

Reduce your risk: prevention checklist

Regular maintenance and safe habits greatly reduce the odds of a vehicle fire. Use this checklist to keep your car safer day-to-day.

• Fix fluid leaks and address burning smells immediately; keep the engine bay clean of oil and debris.
• Stay current on recalls and technical service bulletins, especially for fuel systems and battery components.
• Avoid aftermarket wiring shortcuts: use proper fuses, quality parts, and professional installation for stereos, lights, and inverters.
• Don’t overload power outlets or run multiple high-draw devices simultaneously.
• Secure cargo: aerosols, propane, gasoline cans, and lithium batteries can become hazards in heat.
• Keep a small ABC extinguisher accessible and maintained; know how to use it.
• For EVs/hybrids: follow manufacturer charging guidance, use certified equipment, and avoid damaged cables.

These measures minimize fire risks stemming from mechanical failures, electrical faults, and unsafe accessories.

Aftermath: insurance, towing, and reporting

Once the scene is safe and emergency responders have cleared you, there are important next steps to protect your finances and comply with procedures.

• Do not drive the vehicle: Even a small fire can compromise brakes, steering, wiring, and structural components.
• Arrange professional towing to a secure, outdoor area: Follow firefighter guidance, especially for EVs/hybrids with re-ignition risk.
• Notify your insurer promptly: Provide the incident report number, photos if safely taken, and details from responders.
• Request a fire report: It can aid claims, recalls, or defect investigations.
• If injuries or property damage occurred, document medical visits and notify affected parties as appropriate.

Careful documentation and proper handling after the incident streamline insurance claims and support any needed technical investigations.

Summary

If your car catches fire while driving, pull over safely, shut off the engine, evacuate immediately, get at least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind, and call emergency services. Only attempt to use an ABC extinguisher on a very small fire with a clear escape path—otherwise, stay back and let professionals handle it. Never open the hood, re-enter the vehicle, or use flares. For EVs and hybrids, keep the key fob well away, expect possible re-ignition, and ensure the vehicle is towed and stored outdoors. Prevention—through maintenance, recall compliance, and safe electrical practices—remains the best defense.

What to do if a car catches fire while driving?

• Stop the Vehicle : If you’re driving, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine.
• Evacuate : Ensure all passengers exit the vehicle and move to a safe distance away from the fire.
• Call Emergency Services : Dial emergency services to report the fire.
• Use a Fire Extinguisher
• Smother

Why would a car catch fire while driving?

A car can catch fire while driving due to fuel leaks igniting on hot engine components, electrical system failures causing sparks or overheating, engine overheating from issues like low coolant, and problems with the catalytic converter or exhaust system that get extremely hot. Other causes include design defects, poor maintenance, and even flammable debris like dried leaves or rodent nests accumulating in the engine compartment or near the exhaust.
 
Fuel-Related Causes

• Fuel System Leaks: Gasoline is highly flammable. A leak from a fuel line or faulty connector can drip onto a hot engine part or exhaust manifold, providing both fuel and an ignition source. 
• Oil Leaks: Similar to fuel, oil leaks onto hot exhaust components can also ignite. 

Electrical Issues

• Faulty Wiring: Degraded or damaged wiring can short circuit, creating sparks that ignite nearby flammable materials. 
• Malfunctioning Batteries: A faulty battery can cause electrical issues that lead to fires. 
• Improperly Installed Parts: Poorly installed or low-quality aftermarket accessories can introduce electrical faults and spark fires. 

Overheating 

• Engine Overheating: Opens in new tabOverheating engines can trigger a fire, especially if they encounter a spark or ignite leaking fluids. Causes can include low coolant, a faulty radiator, or a broken cooling fan.
• Catalytic Converter: Opens in new tabThis part can reach extremely high temperatures and set flammable materials like grass on fire, or it can overheat and ignite other things if it becomes clogged.

Other Factors

• Poor Maintenance: Opens in new tabLeaking fluids, a missing oil filler cap, or other neglects can increase the risk of fire. 
• Design or Manufacturing Defects: Opens in new tabSome cars may have manufacturing flaws, such as metal shavings in the engine oil, that increase the chance of fire. 
• Flammable Debris: Opens in new tabAccumulations of flammable material, such as dried leaves or spilled oil, under the car can easily ignite if they come into contact with a hot exhaust or catalytic converter. 
• Rodent Damage: Opens in new tabRodents may chew through wiring insulation, leading to electrical shorts. 

Should you open the hood if your engine is on fire?

Turn the engine off. Get everyone out of the car and stay at least 100 feet away. Don’t open the hood. Flames could flare up.

Does insurance pay if your car catches fire?

If your car catches on fire while driving due to a car accident, you can file a claim under your collision coverage. If it catches on fire outside of an accident, you would file a comprehensive claim instead.