Car Fires

It took just under 10 minutes from the time we first heard a strange clicking noise in the engine whenever my sister accelerated above 50mph, to the three of us standing in shock and disbelief watching as our car turned into a fireball and its windows shattered out on to the tarmac. - Tasmin Hemingray

Two weeks ago while commuting home, I passed a car that was on fire. Now I've seen a few accidents in my time but this was the first time in real life (not TV) that I've seen a car on fire on a busy road.

If you smell smoke while driving your car pull over to a shoulder ASAP, turn off the car and get out. If you see flames get out of your car immediately no matter where it is (don't try to reach the shoulder). As you flee the car, try not to get killed by passing traffic. A small flame can become a fireball when it reaches the gasoline in your engine and the car becomes a death trap. See http://www.ehow.com/video_4448154_what-do-car-catches-fire.html or http://living.morethan.com/2008/07/03/what-to-do-when-your-car-catches-fire-on-the-way-to-glastonbury/

Don't stand near the car. If it explodes you want to be far away. Don't run back to the car to rescue a purse, ipod, etc. It's not worth your life.

In rare cases a quick escape is hampered by a stuck seatbelt (you are following the law and good safety advice and wearing a seatbelt, right?) Or the fire has shorted the electrical system and your door won't open and the window won't roll down. For these rare events it is useful to have a lifehammer (knife/hammer, $15-$30) safety device available at auto stores, Wal-Mart and the like. It can smash the window and cut through a seat belt.
http://www.lifehammer.com/
http://www.autogeek.net/inausaeq.html?gclid=COHgr-GHxpkCFYVM5QodKXD7ug

Bottom Line
Car fires are extremely serious. Get far away, fast!