when does it explode?

Question

If the engine of your car sets on fire, would it explode or is that only if the petrol tank is on fire? Do you have time to stop the car get and run?!

Answer 1

It wouldn't always explode, it is only when it gets to the petrol tank and then, because petrol is flammable, it would explode. If the brakes are disabled when your car goes on fire, you would be able to get out the door but injure yourself because the vehicle would be moving.

Answer 2

If the fire reaches the petrol tank you may get a small explosion - but nothing like you see in films - they need to put explosives on the car to get those effects.

If you have a diesel car, a fire is less likely, and an explosion will only occur if there is something else explosive in the car - the fuel won't explode. If you drop a lighted match on a bucket of petrol, there'll be a fireball before the match reaches the liquid. If you drop a lighted match on a bucket of diesel, the match will probably go out as soon as it hits the liquid.

Answer 3

A car engine will not explode if it catches fire. It is made of metal which is not explosive. The worst that can happen is that any plastic/rubber components will burn. The only part of a car that could explode is the fuel tank and if it got to the stage where that was likely you'd have burnt to death anyway if you were still in the car. Despite what the movies would have us believe cars almost never explode.

Answer 4

Pull over to a place of safety (Hard shoulder of motorway, side of road) as soon as practicable. AVOID overhanging trees, building and fuel stations.

Stop your vehicle turn off the ignition, get all passengars out of the vehicle do not stop for ANYTHING. Walk away from the vehicle call the emergency services, send competent persons to stop traffic flow past the vehicle in either direction.

The fuel in the tank is not a danger immedialty there is a fire, it will tend not to explode as it is fuel in it's liquid state. It's vapour may burn off through the filler cap, but will only "explode" if the fire get's to engulf the entire vehicle and it evaportates the fuel fast enough to rupture the fuel tank it.... this is unlikely as the heat from the fire will be under the bonnett.

Do not approach the vehicle again under any circumstances unless directed to do so by the senoir fire servie persnell. Remember to give the firemen the vehicle keys they may need them.


Best way to avoid this situation.... Drive a diesel. Diesel does not burn so readily and is much safer in it's liquid form then petrol.

Answer 5

The engine compartment will probably not explode,but may flare up very quickly, but as long as the engine is running the gas will continue to flow into the fire which will spred rapidly putting everyone in danger. Turn off the ignition asap and exit the vehicle. No explosion unless the fire reaches the tank.

Answer 6

Usually an engine will not explode. If there is a fire in the engine it may build up pressure and blow the heads off but not explode. The fuel tank on the other hand will when it catches fire. If you have wrecked bad enough for the fuel tank to catch fire then you are not going to "run" anywhere.

Answer 7

Yes you're right. you have time to escape if the smoke from the cabin doesn't get you first. Get away from the car just in case. If the fire is not extinguished right away it can spread to the gas tank and explode.

Answer 8

Sounds like the car your driving sometimes catches on fire or acts like it!

Instead of worrying about it exploding, get yourself another car or take the taxi until you can.

Answer 9

ya, as long as the fire is in the engine. the explosion will be only be a minor if any. but still get out asap!! I f its near the petrol tank though,---> UR FUCKED!!

Answer 10

The engine won't explode under normal circumstances, but if you really want it to, add a few explosives and a detonator to the mix under the bonnet, that should do the trick!!!