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Published on October 3, 2007

The Jor Sor 100 radio programme called me to comment on the events. I said that if the fire had broken out in the cabin, then the probable cause was short-circuiting - that is, a fuse failed to blow, perhaps because its resistance was too high, allowing the wiring to heat up and catch fire.

But if the fire broke out in the engine compartment, then you need a careful check to establish exactly where. Although most of the time engine fires are caused by fuel leaks, there is also a chance that they are started by a short circuit.

Meanwhile, if the fire started from the wheels, it could be because the brakes were jammed and friction caused overheating and the subsequent fire.

However, most of the time fires come from short circuits, especially in vehicles older than 10 years - and those whose wiring has never been checked. They can also happen in vehicles equipped with a large number of electrical accessories, such as anti-theft alarm, A/V system, spotlight or bright headlights.

With additional accessories, the wiring must take up a higher load and, if the mechanic doesn't increase the size of the wire or isolate it, there is a chance that it could heat up when the appliance is in use. The heat could cause the insulation to melt and catch fire.

So if you want to add any accessories to your car, make sure you get a mechanic who knows what he's doing. And if possible it is wise to set up a new circuit for the additional equipment - avoid including it with the standard equipment.

Just think about the electrical sockets in your house, which have been designed to take up a limited load. When you connect extensions (like a three-way socket) to the socket and plug in many electric appliances to only one outlet, it is easier for the wiring to heat up. Well, the same thing happens in your car.

A large number of motorists think the headlights of their cars are not bright enough, especially with older cars since the plastic covers are not as clear as those of a new car. Instead of changing the covers, which is the correct thing to do, they decide to raise the wattage of the headlights, such as 100 watts for the high beam and 70W for the low beam. This is actually illegal, since the law permits only 50W for both high and low beams.

So apart from breaking the law, the next mistake is that the brighter lights disturb other motorists on the road. The third mistake is that the higher current usage will cause more heat, and if the headlights are switched on for a long time, there is a chance of fire. It also shortens the life of the battery.

In order to prevent fires from breaking out in your car, regularly inspect the fuel line as well as the wiring. Most owners never check the wiring in their cars, not even once. If the electrical equipment works, then the wiring is forgotten for the life of the vehicle.

But most wiring comes with plastic insulation, which doesn't last longer than five years. Heat from the engine and from the environment, as well as chemicals like petrol or diesel, engine oil and brake fluid, all contribute to shortening the lifespan of the insulation. So for cars older than 10 years, it is recommended to check or replace the wiring system, or at least part of it.

The fuel pipe is also usually overlooked by owners and mechanics and is never replaced throughout the life of the car, despite the fact that it could well end up being the cause of a fire. The piping and the tightening belts should be replaced every five years.

Every fuse should be checked annually and replaced after five years. If the fuse doesn't fit properly in the slot, consider changing the fuse box too, since it is very cheap to do so - especially compared to the damage that could be caused by a fire.

E-mail your motoring questions to Pattanadesh@nationgroup.com.

The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.