In some accidents, cars can catch fire or begin to smoke, and the damage caused by this can vary greatly. To help Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomington drivers better assess the damage caused by fire and smoke to a vehicle, we’ve brought you this guide.
Our team at Andy Mohr Collision Center is here to help with all your collision service needs. That’s why we want to help you stay informed about how we can work to keep your vehicle running in fantastic condition.
What Damage Is Caused by Fire and Smoke
If your car catches fire after an accident, it’s important to note that your vehicle may not be as damaged as you think. Depending on the size of the fire, damage caused to your vehicle may be minimal. It’s best to turn off the engine and call emergency services as soon as possible to deal with the fire quickly.
In general, when your vehicle experiences any damage from fire or smoke, most of the damage will be to your upholstery. Repairs to your vehicle may be replacing the seats and removing any smoke odor left behind. The extent of the damage really depends on how long the fire lasts and where it spreads.
Another place where you might see damage is within your electrical system. Electrical damage involves things like your gauge cluster and your infotainment system. It may be necessary to replace your computer’s internal computer system if the fire reaches electrical equipment.
What Do I Do if My Car Catches Fire?
The best thing to do in the event that your car begins to smoke or catch fire is to remain calm. In most cases, fires will originate under the hood where they begin due to a fuel line malfunction.
First, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and get everyone out of the car. Be sure to turn off your engine to cut off the flow of fuel. Get as far away from your car as possible—at least 150 feet away—and try to contact first responders as soon as possible.
Is My Car Totaled if it Catches Fire?
The short answer for this question is probably not; however, it does again depend very much on how long the fire burned and how big it got. In most cases, though, if your upholstery and electronics are what received most of the damage, your car should be fine.
What you want to be wary of is the possibility that your car’s frame may have gotten damaged. In the event of a large fire, your car’s frame may become warped or deteriorate and that damage may be more than can be reasonably fixed.
Repair Fire and Smoke Damage at Our Collision Center
If your vehicle has recently experienced fire or smoke damage, we can help you. Our body shops are well-equipped to get your vehicle back together with replacement parts and high-quality detailing services. Our team is proud to help Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomington drivers keep their car in great condition.
Are you looking to bring your car in for collision service? Schedule an appointment with Andy Mohr Collision Center online or over the phone today!
