Motorists in UAE warned against modifying vehicles amid rise in fires

Regular maintenance checks can help curb the risk of car blazes, expert says

Two cars on fire in a residential area in Al Reef. Vehicles contain several flammable liquids and materials, and once a fire starts spreading it can quickly escalate, so stand well clear and call the emergency services.

A car gutted by fire on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Cars can catch fire for a variety of reasons, but experts say as soon as there is even a hint of smoke, the driver and passengers should exit the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Photo: Dubai Civil Defence

Dubai firefighters extinguish a fire resulting from a multi-car accident on Al Soufah Road near Knowledge Village.

Civil Defence clear up equipment after extinguishing a yellow Mini Cooper that caught fire in the basement level of the Shatha Tower, Media City. Antonie Robinson / The National

Leaking fuel systems, faulty or damaged wiring, spilled fluids and underperforming exhaust systems are just some of the avoidable causes for vehicle fires. Photo: Dubai Police

Batteries in electric vehicles are highly volatile, and if damaged can ignite. Photo: Dubai Civil Defence

Lamborghinis, McLarens and some Ferraris have high-exiting exhaust pipes at the back. If the cars are revved, they can spit flames, which can cause fires. Photo: James Vincent

In cars which are used less frequently, seals can become hard and start to crack, and filters can become clogged with dust all resulting in a greater chance of a fire. Sammy Dallal / The National

The summer heat does play a part in car fires, and high winds can fan flames. But really it is the desert environment that causes problems.

The climate causes plastic pipes to become brittle, rubber hoses to perish and electrical wires to fray, even if the car is not regularly used. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Most of the issues can be avoided with annual safety inspections at a reputable automotive service centre. Photo: Abu Dhabi Police

The number of vehicles catching fire in the UAE is on the rise, with mechanical failures, modified cars, fuel leaks and overheating engines among the main causes of the blazes.

Figures released by the Ministry of Interior showed Dubai had the highest number of vehicle fires last year with 327, followed by Abu Dhabi with 265. Sharjah reported 232 vehicle fires, while Al Ain recorded 196.

Ajman reported 109 vehicles blazes, while there were 103 in Ras Al Khaimah, 86 in Fujairah, 46 in Al Dhafra and 32 in Umm Al Quwain.

There were a total of 1,396 incidents across the country last year, marking a 23 per cent increase from the 1,134 reported in the previous year.

"Common causes include mechanical failures, such as faulty electrical systems, fuel leaks and overheating engines," said Sam Malins, chief executive of Reacton Fire Suppression, which specialises in protecting vehicles in the UAE. “Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to mitigate these risks.”

The fires caused extensive damage to 965 cars, 154 lorries, 96 light transport vehicles, 35 motorbikes and 23 buses.

Other types of transport were also damaged by fires, including eight ships, three caravans, eight tankers and seven boats. Various items such as wood, kitchen appliances and cables were also included in the reports.

The incidents varied from month to month, with some peaks in May (139), June (138) and November (155).

Collision can also cause vehicles to catch fire – a significant risk on highly congested roads, Mr Malins said.

"Making sure vehicles are equipped with safety features and that drivers adhere to road safety rules can help reduce incidents," he added.

He referred to November's surge in accidents, when 155 were recorded, as evidence of the risks on congested roads. “During summer, there might be fewer fires because many people are on vacation, reducing the number of cars on the roads by 30 to 40 per cent," Mr Malins added.

"Modified cars are also more prone to fires due to changes outside the manufacturer’s specifications. This can lead to faulty wiring, short circuits, and improper installations."

Maintaining safety

Another expert spoke about his experience trying to repair fire-damaged vehicles. “Two main reasons were behind the fires in the cars that came to my shop: electrical problems and poor or non-existent routine checks and maintenance,” said Khaled Tahboub, owner of Off-Road RS Automotive, a car repair and maintenance shop in Dubai.

He explained how poor maintenance could include installing low-quality wires or electrical parts and neglecting oil leaks.

Regarding electrical problems, he said car owners often neglected regular checks, or if they did have them done, they might replace damaged or faulty parts with the cheapest option, rather than the parts required.

The remains of a Lamborghini Aventador that caught fire in Dubai Marina in 2015. Photo: James Vincent

“If parts or wires used in maintenance do not match approved specifications, they can cause further issues that might lead to the car bursting into flames,” he said.

In cases of neglected oil leaks, he said, the oil can reach the exhaust pipe, and with high temperatures this can cause a fire. “Faulty wiring, short circuits, and improper installations can also lead to electrical fires," Mr Tahboub said.

Ensuring all electrical components are installed correctly and inspected regularly can prevent such occurrences, he added.

Authorities in the UAE issue regular warnings to urge vehicle owners to take precautions. These include conducting regular inspections and maintenance, addressing any mechanical or electrical issues promptly, and avoiding overloading a vehicle, which can strain mechanical components.

Owners are also told to ensure their vehicles have fire extinguishers and to learn how to use them.