Cars are very prone to catch fire. There is always a chance of exploding when a car is on fire. Many of the car fires happen due to lack of basic maintenance. Car contains many types of flammable substances which include volatile fuel (gasoline), oil, solid combustibles like upholstery and explosive materials in safety devices (airbags).

Modern Electric and hybrid cars are more susceptible to fire as they comprise batteries which have the hazard of electric shock and even explosion. Whereas these cars also have in-built safety devices that provide prior indication to the driver such as smoke detectors, temperature sensors, and overcharge protection. Specially designed car bumpers with "crush zones" when heated release sulfuric acid and causes electric shock.

Generally the fire begins in the engine compartment. While in most of the vehicles the passenger compartment is installed with a device called firewall. The firewall is designed to provide safeguard to the passenger compartment which is anticipated only to give passengers an option to escape. However, this will not help them to defend against poisonous fumes or the detonation. Eventually, the powerful heat will source a discharge and the fire will stretch to the passenger compartment.

Safety steps to avoid car fires:

• Try to park the car in safe place and remove the ignition key no matter how fast you would come back.
• Do not forget to close all windows and even the sunroof.
• Maintenance is the most important factor to consider. Regular checks up of electrical wiring should be done. Be cautious of dreadful connections and fragile insulation.