Guidelines to keep your car safe in summer

MUSCAT: Exercise caution to avoid car fires this summer, emergency officials warn.

The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance has released a warning detailing the increase in car fires over the last few years, and means to avoid them.

PACDA has noted a steady in- crease in car flaring up over the last three years. In 2016, 730 car fire incidents were registered, up from 652 fires in 2015.

“Incidents of cars catching fire increase in a notable manner during summer, and frequently leads to material and bodily harm. You can avoid the occurrence of these incidents by exercising caution and making sure your car goes through proper maintenance. Make sure to replace any defective or malfunctioning parts, especially with relation to the engine,” the agency said. PACDA listed several leading causes for car fires, including laxity in car service, malfunctioning parts leading to fuel leakage, and smoking inside vehicles.

“Car fires can be a result of continuing to drive the car even when the temperature of the car is too high. If your car registers a high temperature, you should immediately stop to the side of the road,” the agency said. PACDA also explained that installing extra parts for the vehicle can lead to an increase in electrical load on the car engine, and result in fire.

They listed several guidelines to keep safe from fires, including: “Do not use spare parts that are cheap and low in quality, especially relating to the car cooler, or any electrical wiring. Make sure to go through car service frequently, and replace any defective parts with new parts of high quality. Only deal with professionals regarding the maintenance of your car.”