HEATWAVE WARNING – PREVENTING VEHICLE FIRES IN HOT WEATHER

Extreme heat not only affects driver health but also increases the risk of vehicle fires if proper precautions are not taken. To ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers, Viettra recommends the following important safety measures:

• 1. Perform a thorough check before every trip

  • Tires: Ensure proper tire pressure to avoid blowouts caused by friction and high road temperatures.

  • Cooling system: Check coolant levels to prevent engine overheating or radiator boil-over.

  

2. Clean the engine compartment regularly

Remove dry leaves, debris, and flammable materials that may ignite under high temperatures.

3. Never leave flammable items inside the car

Avoid placing the following items inside the cabin, especially on the dashboard or areas exposed to direct sunlight: Bottled wate; Sunglasses; Glass ornaments; Perfume, air freshener sprays; Lighters

🚫 Temperatures inside a parked car under the sun can rise to 65–70°C (149–158°F). At this level, pressurized containers or lighters can explode unexpectedly.

4. Do not smoke inside the vehicle

Even a small spark or cigarette ash can cause serious fires in enclosed spaces.

5. Park in shaded or covered areas

Whenever possible, park your car under trees, in garages, or use sunshades to reduce interior temperatures.

👉 Helpful tip: Before starting the engine after parking under the sun, open all windows and doors to release trapped hot air and cool down the cabin faster.

6. Respond calmly to emergencies

If you see smoke from the engine compartment, DO NOT open the hood, as this may cause the fire to flare up due to sudden oxygen exposure.
Instead, use a fire extinguisher, sand, or non-flammable materials to control the fire and evacuate all passengers to a safe distance.