Proper upkeep key to preventing vehicle fire

People should keep their vehicles in proper shape by conducting regular maintenance work in order to prevent fires that may occur during the summer months, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said.

Fires in cars can result in significant human and material loss and the chances of such incidents increase during hot weather and in the absence of proper maintenance, it is observed.The ministry has issued an advisory on its Facebook page with the aim of raising public awareness on the issue, providing tips to motorists on how to keep vehicles safe and prevent fires. The advisory has stressed the need to ensure that a vehicle is regularly checked and all necessary maintenance works are carried out, including those on electrical components and wires. Besides, they have to make sure that the fuel tank does not have a leakage and the fuel pump works properly. The cooling system of the vehicle should also function properly at all times. Components such as the radiator need to be filled with the adequate amount of coolant to avoid overheating of the engine, the post notes.The MoI has advised people to follow safety measures while refuelling at petrol stations. These include switching off the engine and not smoking. Further, motorists should not stop their vehicles in the vicinity of generators and flammable materials.The advisory has also stressed the importance of keeping a fire extinguisher in good working condition in a vehicle at all times, ready for use if and when needed. Any negligence in this regard can be considered dangerous, threatening the safety of the driver and passengers, according to a related advisory available on the MoI's website.Many fire accidents are triggered by minor factors, which could be effectively dealt with if proper a fire extinguisher is available in a vehicle, it adds.The MoI has reminded motorists to call 999 in case of an emergency.