Modifying electricals in cars can lead to fires

Some car owners are paying the price for their tendency to modify the features of their vehicles as it could result in a fire.

According to fire officials, some people connect wires directly from the battery and add gadgets like CD players, chargers, cigarette lighters, video players and other equipment in low end cars which do not have the capacity to handle the load.

“This draws more power from the vehicle and leads to a fire,” said fire officer Srinivas Reddy. Old wiring in the vehicle should be serviced from time to time as the insulation on the wires wears and could cause short circuits. People even install assembled batteries in expensive cars as they cost less but these damage the wiring and cause fires, they added.

Youngsters have a tendency of filling up the fuel tank of their vehicles to the brim; however, a 60-liter tank should be filled up to 55 litre and the free space in the tank is essential to prevent fire.

Mr Srinivas Reddy said “The current generation likes going on long drives with friends and family. They should halt at regular intervals to ensure that the engine does not heat up. If it overheats, it could catch fire. Most cases we received this year were due to this.”

He added, “Oil coolants and radiators maintain the temperature of the vehicle within safe limits and care should be taken to ensure their proper functioning. One should keep checking the temperature regularly to prevent overheating.”

Mr Srinivas Reddy said every vehicle should have a portable fire extinguisher so that small fires can be put out immediately, before firefighters arrive.