A car catching fire after a routine oil change is a distressing and alarming ordeal. The suddenness of such an event not only poses a threat to the car but also instills fear and concern for your safety.
If you’ve encountered this harrowing situation, it sure is unsettling, and understanding the causes behind it helps to know what could have gone wrong and how to avoid it in the future.
Here’s why your car caught on fire after an oil change:
1. Spilled oil
A car can catch on fire after an oil change because of an oil spill.
Spilled oil during an oil change can pose a fire hazard if it comes into contact with hot engine components or the exhaust system.
Even a small amount of spilled oil can lead to combustion when exposed to high temperatures.
During an oil change, if oil spills onto engine components or the exhaust system and isn’t properly cleaned, it can adhere to these surfaces.
As the engine operates, these components heat up, and the spilled oil, acting as a flammable substance, can ignite upon contact with the hot surfaces.
When the temperature reaches a critical point, the oil can ignite spontaneously due to the intense heat.
Signs of spilled oil:
- Oil smell: A strong odor of burning oil when the engine is running or shortly after turning it off.
- Smoke from engine compartment: Smoke emerging from the engine bay, especially after driving for a while.
- Visible oil residue: Any visible oil spots or residue on engine components, under the hood, or around the oil filter and drain plug areas.
To prevent fire hazards from spilled oil after an oil change, it’s important to thoroughly clean any spilled oil from engine surfaces, the engine bay, and the exhaust system to prevent it from accumulating and potentially igniting.
The mechanic must inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil residue or leaks, and address them immediately to prevent a buildup that could lead to a fire hazard.
Related: Car feels sluggish after oil change (Explained)
2. There may have been electrical issues
Electrical issues in a car can potentially lead to a fire hazard after an oil change due to the generation of heat or sparks that can ignite flammable substances like leaked oil or other fluids.
Faulty wiring damaged electrical components, or exposed/frayed wires can cause short circuits or excessive heat buildup in the electrical system.
If these issues occur near oil leaks or other flammable materials in the engine bay, the heat generated can ignite these substances, leading to a fire.
Also, electrical arcing, caused by poor connections or damaged components, can create sparks. If these sparks come into contact with combustible materials, such as leaked oil, they can ignite, potentially causing a fire.
Signs of electrical issues:
- Frequent blown fuses: Repeatedly blown fuses or a need to replace fuses often.
- Dimming or flickering lights: Lights inside or outside the car that flicker or dim unexpectedly.
- Burning odor: A noticeable burning smell, particularly when using specific electrical systems or while the car is running.
- Erratic behavior of electrical components: Malfunctions in electrical systems, such as power windows, lights, or the radio, behaving erratically or failing to work correctly.
To prevent the risk of fires caused by electrical issues, regular inspection and maintenance of your car’s electrical system, including wires, connections, and electrical components is necessary.
This helps to identify any signs of damage or wear and the repair of identified problems.
3. Overheating of components
A car may also catch fire after an oil change due to overheating parts in a car, especially in the engine bay.
When engine components reach excessively high temperatures due to malfunctions or issues with the cooling system, the heat generated can ignite leaked oil or other flammable materials present in the engine compartment.
When driving your car in high-temperature environments or in heavy traffic conditions where the engine operates at higher temperatures for prolonged periods can contribute to overheating.
Combined with leaked oil, this scenario poses a greater risk of a fire hazard.
Signs of overheating:
- Temperature gauge reading high: The temperature gauge on the dashboard shows higher than normal temperatures.
- Steam or smoke from the engine: Visible steam or smoke emanating from the engine bay, especially when the car is stationary or shortly after turning off the engine.
- Burning smell: An odor of burning materials, especially when the engine is running or shortly after turning it off.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the cooling system components, including the radiator, water pump, hoses, and coolant levels, as recommended in the car’s maintenance schedule should be done to prevent fire hazards.
Always keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge and address any indications of overheating including by pulling over, turning off the engine, and allowing it to cool down before continuing.
Oil leaks or spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent accumulation and potential ignition when combined with high temperatures.
Related: Car acting weird after oil change (Explained)
4. Existing exhaust system problems
A car catching fire after an oil change can also be due to exhaust system problems due to the extremely high temperatures reached by components in this system.
Issues within the exhaust system such as cracked or damaged components, especially when combined with leaked oil, can create a fire hazard.
A cracked exhaust manifold, catalytic converter or other components within the exhaust system can expose hot gases to surrounding materials. If leaked oil comes into contact with these hot surfaces, it can ignite, leading to a fire.
The exhaust system generates intense heat as it expels gases from the engine. If there’s an oil leak near these hot components or if the exhaust system isn’t functioning properly, the high temperatures can cause leaked oil or other flammable materials to catch fire.
Signs of exhaust system problems:
- Louder than usual exhaust noise: Any sudden increase in exhaust noise might indicate a leak or damage in the exhaust system.
- Rotten egg smell: A strong sulfuric or rotten egg-like odor, which can signal a failing catalytic converter.
- Visible damage: Visible signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or holes, on the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, or exhaust pipes.
To prevent hazards from exhaust system problems routine inspection of the exhaust system for signs of damage, leaks, or rust is important.
Any signs of oil leaks near the exhaust system should be addressed immediately to prevent oil from coming into contact with hot exhaust components.
Ensuring that the exhaust system components are in good condition, properly installed, and free from leaks or damage is also necessary.
Regular maintenance and inspections also helps to prevent potential fire hazards.
5. Improperly installed parts
Improperly installed parts in a car, particularly within the engine or essential systems, can increase the risk of a fire hazard after an oil change.
Poorly installed or damaged seals, gaskets, or components such as oil filters, drain plugs, or other engine parts can cause leaks.
If these leaks involve flammable fluids like oil and come into contact with hot surfaces, they can ignite and potentially cause a fire.
Also, aftermarket modifications or alterations that interfere with the original design and function of the car’s components can cause malfunctions.
These alterations might lead to overheating, electrical issues, or fluid leaks, increasing the risk of a fire.
Signs of improperly installed parts:
- Visible leaks: Any visible signs of fluid leaks, such as oil or coolant, beneath the car or around engine components.
- Abnormal engine behavior: Unusual noises, vibrations, or performance issues immediately after repair or maintenance work.
- Burning odor: An odor of burning materials when the car is running or shortly after turning it off, especially after recent maintenance work.
To prevent potential hazards from improperly installed parts:
- Ensure that repairs, maintenance, or installations are performed by qualified professionals with expertise in handling car components.
- When replacing components, genuine or high-quality parts recommended by the manufacturer should be used to ensure proper fit and function.
- After any maintenance work or repairs, always thoroughly inspect the car for leaks, abnormal sounds, or odors to identify any potential issues resulting from improper installation.