Motorists in Bahrain have been warned to take the necessary precautions to avoid having their vehicles burst into flames in the heat of the summer.
Car fires become notably more common during the scorching summer months in the kingdom, prompting annual nationwide awareness campaigns from the authorities.
Fire incidents are driven primarily by extreme engine temperatures, poorly maintained electrical systems, and leaving pressurised or flammable items inside parked vehicles.
The Interior Ministry released the following guidelines on social media urging people to take steps to protect their vehicles as the temperatures continue to rise:
* Your first form of defence if a fire breaks out in your car is an extinguisher.
* Make sure you have a working extinguisher inside your vehicle in an easy-to-reach place.
* Avoid leaving any flammable materials in the car that could catch fire due to extreme heat.
* This includes perfumes, colognes, hand sanitisers, disposable lighters, aerosel cans, power banks and phones.
* Glass lenses or clear water bottles left in direct sun can focus light rays like a magnifying glass and ignite nearby upholstery.
* Do not leave the engine on for long periods of time unnecessarily to avoid it heating up and risking a fire breaking out.
* Finally, for your safety, perform regular maintenance and checks on the vehicle and ensure that all precautions have been taken.
Car fires can start for a variety of reasons, including ageing or worn-out wiring short-circuiting under high heat stress, cooling system failures, low coolant, or overworked engines during peak afternoon temperatures.
Ignition of degrading fuel lines or oil leaks coming into contact with hot engine components can also increase the risks.
In order to minimise the chances of a fire breaking out in a car, it is recommended to regularly inspect cooling systems, hoses, fluid levels, and electrical connections.
* Remove all pressurised containers, electronics and flammable materials from the dashboard and seats and leave windows cracked open slightly when parked in the shade to reduce trapped cabin heat.
* If the car catches fire while driving, it is recommended that drivers pull over safely, turn off the engine, and get everyone far away from the vehicle immediately. Leave belongings behind and call emergency services on 999.
* Do not open the bonnet as it lets in fresh oxygen and can make the fire flare outward instantly. Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small, contained, and you know how to use it safely.
The GDN reported last year that motorists were warned by a top expert against leaving flammable items such as perfumes, hand sanitisers and lighters in their cars as soaring summer temperatures increase the risk of vehicle fires.
Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar revealed that there were around 800 cases of cars catching fire in 2025.
He listed negligence and complacency as the main reasons for most of the cases in the country.
He stated that some people neglect to perform periodic maintenance, which could and up being critical in protecting their property.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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