Car caught fire!!!

[Matt Cupra R]

Glad you are fine.

It is one of those scenarios that I have always thought that if it happened to me, in some ways it would be better if it did go all the way, rather than putting out the fire and risk having it given back to you. I would have been tempted to stand back and watch it go up.

By all means, it sounds as though you have invested a lot of time in yours so I don't blame you for trying to save it.

 

[edmong]

In some European countries YOU have to by law carry extinguishers and first aid kits when on ther roads. Ive got a first aid kit that I carry for work but maybe I'll go and buy an extinguisher now cos mines a 55 plate.

Might be worth, once you've got a def on what started it, to get in contact with the Vehicle Safety Branch at VOSA in Bristol. Might be a common fault and could induce a recall. You can then give the info to your insurance company.

 

[stpete]

I will never go out in my car or wifes without an extinguisher again!

 

[cuprablue]

On M606 this morning something under bonnet let go, pulled onto hard shoulder to look under bonnet and saw FLAMES!!! Thought hard about p***ing on it but called 999 and brigade put it out! not a write off but bad!!!!
Think it was Turbo that went but not sure, oil caught fire! AA have recovered and insurance inspector os out on friday to look at it! Car has only done 15k miles all serviced etc!! Any one any ideas why turbo would go if it has?
Also I've just learned hard way to carry an extinguisher, this could have been put out by me had I carried one!!! Stupid not to!!! Not sure if Seat or insurance will pay but hope somebody does!!!

In some countries they require an extinquisher to be carried in the car by law. Not sure why we don't here (though admittedly I don't have one !!).

cuprablue

eidted to add - darn beaten to it, that'll teach me to watch the telly !!

 

[traumapat]

ive a mate with an fto. it came with a fire extinguisher ... possibly the law in japan too.

i wonder tho.. how is it best to put out an engine fire? would opening the bonnet make it worse?

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/carfires.php

has the answer! dont open the bonnet just release

 

[The MoffMeister]

thats it isnt it opening it up feeds it with oxygen which worsens the fire suppose its a risk you take or use it through the grills

 

[stpete]

I was told by brigade that i did right thing, when i saw flames, i closed bonnet but left it on catch so they could use hose into gap to dampen then when safe open to kill fire completely! if using extinguisher just open to catch, jet through gap till empty then await brigade, dont open bonnet!

 

[stpete]

 

[stpete]

Small update, the insurance assesor came out today and we started car for first time since fire, it sounded like a bag of bolts, in his and my opinion it has thrown a rod!! The car will have to be stripped partially to confirm but if so then engine is a warranty job but insurance will cover rest of damage! Not sure whether Seat will replace whole engine or just a rebuild but since it lost all its oil and water on side of the road and lowloader I wouldnt think much of the head or turbo now!!! All opinoins gratefully received!!

 

[The MoffMeister]

they should when my engine went bang they replaced it but it was under warrenty

 

[h17och]

i never did understand why my car didnt catch fire.

i snapped a rod and made a hole the size of my hand in my block and all the oil when straight onto my exhaust which was about 900deg at the time!!!

the only thing i can think of is the heat wrap stopped the main temperature getting to the oil....

 

[stpete]

Luckky lucky man, oh cept for rod! was it a warranty job and was whole engine replaced?

 

[Willie]

I'm surprised the assessor asked you to start the engine. Even if things were okay before then surely starting the engine with no oil init was a very bad idea.
I'd insist that a new engine was fitted to the car solely due to starting the car with no oil.

 

[ibizacupra]

antifreeze can also combust... i did'nt believe this until i saw a car in flames cos it spat its coolant out onto the exhaust...

 

[jamiebennett81]

reading this I am really worried now, as my car has a few modifications

moving forward with this, I have just looked on ebay for some fire extinguishers.....

can anyone recommend a good one

I have found these ones? £10.99 - sounds a little cheap to me

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RACING-CAR-FI...ryZ40199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

EDIT - really sorry to hear about your car, thats a very unusual case for that to happen

 

[Smart22186]

This might sound strange but maybe if you contact your insurance company and inform them of you new mod (a fire extinguisher) and maybe it will LOWER you premium.. although it will prob just put it up!! as its combustible (edit i mean pressurised) .. you should also get a pressurised container sticker on you car if you get 1.

 

[h17och]

my car was tuned (340 bhp) so its my fault.

i bought a very low mileage engine and currently stregthening it up

 

[h17och]

as for fire extinguisher make sure it has a pressure guage. i got one in mine since i blew it up as it scared me the thought of it on fire

 

[stpete]

The engine still shows as having oil in on dipstick? but also lost pints on flatbed? Still not 100% on rod theory but not a lot else fits? I thought these 1.8t were made of stronger stuff!!

 

[m0rk]

where's it lost the oil from?