Teaching a teenager to drive takes a lot of time and patience. Most parents make sure their teen driver learns the rules of the road, how to pump gas, and why regular car maintenance matters. But there is one important topic many families forget to discuss: what to do after a car accident or roadside emergency.

Many teen drivers panic when something goes wrong because they simply do not know what steps to take. A breakdown, flat tire, or accident can feel scary, especially for a new driver. Preparing your teen ahead of time can help them stay calm and make smart decisions.

One great idea is to create a simple emergency guide that stays in the glove box. This guide should include important phone numbers, insurance details, and easy step-by-step instructions.

What Teen Drivers Should Do After a Car Accident

If your teen is involved in an accident, remind them to stay calm and focus on safety first.

Here are some important steps every teen driver should follow:

Call the Police

Even in a small accident, it is smart to contact the police. An official report can help protect everyone involved.

Take Photos of the Scene

If it is safe, your teen should take pictures of the vehicles, damage, license plates, and surrounding area before the cars are moved.

Gather Important Information

Your teen should collect:

• Driver’s name and phone number
• Driver’s license number and state
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Insurance company and policy number

Write Down What Happened

It is important to record:

• The time and date
• The location of the accident
• Weather and road conditions
• A short description of what happened

Contact the Insurance Company

The accident should be reported as soon as possible so the claims process can begin.

What to Do During a Roadside Emergency

Breakdowns can happen at any time and without warning. Teach your teen to pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and call for help. If the vehicle does not feel safe to drive, it should be towed to a trusted repair shop for inspection.

Keeping an emergency kit in the car with water, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a phone charger can also help your teen stay safe while waiting for assistance.

Prepare Your Teen Driver Before an Emergency Happens

The best time to prepare teen drivers is before they face a stressful situation on the road. Talking through emergencies now can help build confidence and improve safety later. A well-maintained vehicle and a clear emergency plan can help reduce panic and improve safety during stressful situations.

If your vehicle needs maintenance or repairs before your teen hits the road, contact your trusted local auto repair shop in Gresham today. A safe and reliable vehicle helps give both parents and teens peace of mind.

The post Preparing Your Teen Driver for Accidents and Emergencies appeared first on All About Automotive.

In this guide, you’ll learn the most common causes of car fires, warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take to keep your vehicle safe.

What Causes Car Fires?

Vehicle fires usually start because of mechanical or electrical failures. Here are the most common causes:

1. Fuel System Leaks

Gasoline and diesel are highly flammable. Even a small leak in the fuel line or injector system can ignite if it contacts hot engine components.

2. Electrical Problems

Damaged wiring, blown fuses, overloaded circuits, or poorly installed aftermarket accessories can create sparks that lead to fires.

3. Overheating Engines

Engines that run too hot can ignite leaking oil, coolant, or debris trapped under the hood.

4. Oil Leaks

Motor oil dripping onto hot engine parts like the exhaust manifold is a major fire risk.

5. Accidents and Collisions

Crash damage can rupture fuel lines, batteries, or electrical systems.

6. Poor Maintenance

Neglecting routine inspections increases the chance that hidden problems will become dangerous.

Warning Signs of a Potential Car Fire

Pay attention to these warning signs before they become serious:

• Burning smell inside or outside the car
• Smoke coming from under the hood
• Electrical issues or flickering lights
• Blown fuses repeatedly
• Fluid leaks under the vehicle
• Engine overheating
• Unusual popping or crackling noises
• Strong fuel odor

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop driving and inspect the vehicle immediately.

10 Ways to Prevent Car Fires

1. Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the best defense against vehicle fires. Follow your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule for:

• Oil changes
• Cooling system checks
• Fuel system inspections
• Belt and hose replacements
• Electrical diagnostics

A mechanic can spot leaks, worn wires, or overheating issues before they become dangerous.

2. Inspect for Fluid Leaks

Check beneath your car regularly for:

• Oil leaks
• Fuel leaks
• Transmission fluid
• Coolant leaks

Even small leaks can become hazardous if they contact hot engine surfaces.

3. Watch Engine Temperature

Never ignore an overheating engine. If the temperature gauge climbs unusually high:

1. Pull over safely
2. Turn off the engine
3. Allow the vehicle to cool
4. Check coolant levels after cooling

Driving while overheated significantly increases fire risk.

4. Repair Electrical Problems Quickly

Electrical failures are one of the leading causes of vehicle fires. Have your car inspected if you notice:

• Flickering headlights
• Burning plastic smell
• Battery problems
• Frequent fuse failures
• Dashboard warning lights

Avoid DIY wiring unless you fully understand automotive electrical systems.

5. Avoid Cheap Aftermarket Accessories

Poorly installed electronics like stereos, remote starters, lighting kits, or chargers can overload wiring systems.

Use high-quality parts and professional installation whenever possible.

6. Keep the Engine Bay Clean

Leaves, grease, oil buildup, and debris under the hood can ignite from engine heat.

Periodically clean the engine compartment carefully and remove flammable materials.

7. Store Flammable Liquids Properly

Do not keep gasoline containers, propane tanks, aerosol cans, or oily rags inside your vehicle for long periods.

Heat buildup inside parked cars can create dangerous conditions.

8. Carry a Fire Extinguisher

A small automotive fire extinguisher can prevent a minor fire from becoming catastrophic.

Choose an extinguisher rated for:

• Class B fires (flammable liquids)
• Class C fires (electrical)

Store it somewhere easily accessible.

9. Check for Recalls

Manufacturers sometimes issue recalls for fire-related defects involving:

• Fuel systems
• Batteries
• Electrical wiring
• Engine components

Search your VIN regularly for active recalls.

10. Drive Safely After an Accident

Even minor collisions can damage fuel or electrical systems. After an accident:

• Inspect for leaking fluids
• Watch for smoke or unusual smells
• Avoid restarting heavily damaged vehicles

Have the car professionally inspected before driving again.

What to Do If Your Car Catches Fire

If you suspect a vehicle fire:

1. Pull over immediately
2. Turn off the engine
3. Get everyone out of the vehicle
4. Move a safe distance away
5. Call emergency services
6. Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is very small and contained

Never open the hood fully during an engine fire, as oxygen can intensify flames.

Final Thoughts

Car fires are frightening, but most are preventable with proper maintenance and quick attention to warning signs. Regular inspections, repairing leaks, monitoring electrical systems, and driving responsibly can dramatically reduce your risk.

Taking a proactive approach to vehicle safety not only protects your car — it can also save lives.

In 2022, a child died in Virginia after being run over by the vehicle she was seated in – unrestrained. When the door was opened by another passenger, the young child fell out of the vehicle. According to the news reports, the police said the driver “immediately got out of the vehicle while the SUV’s transmission was still in drive, causing it to roll over the child.” This is an unfortunate situation that could have clearly been prevented from the start.

The Evidence is Clear: Proper Child Restraints Can Save Lives

The bottom line is that consistent and correct use of proper child restraints in vehicles reduces the risk of injury and death. This includes car seats, booster seats and so on!

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, almost 50% of children are put at risk from negligence just on this topic alone. It has been estimated that 95% of families install their newborn’s seat incorrectly and up to 75% face their baby’s car seat in the incorrect direction. Their report showed various factors that increase the chance of death of a child in a car accident based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report looked at 18,116 children under the age of 15 that were involved in fatal car crashes from 2010 – 2014. Of those 18,116 children, around 16% of them died in a car crash. 43% of those children who died were improperly restrained or not retained at all.

Arizona Car Accident Trends Need to Change

Arizona also saw a 1% increase in fatal crashes in 2018 when compared to 2017. Furthermore, in 2018 alone, 3,134 children under the age of 14 had serious injuries in motor vehicle crashes. Of those, 34 ended in death and the crashes cost the state around $19 billion, nothing close to what those lives were worth saving.

We urge all parents to take the time to install car seats correctly and to use proper child restraints in vehicles – they CAN save lives!

• Start by knowing the laws and regulations – what seat your child should be using now as well as when to change to a different seat. This is so important!
• Have a local law enforcement officer or a certified car seat installer check to see if you are using the proper restraints and if they’re installed correctly.
• Recycle old or expired car seats or those that have been in accidents.

We hope this reminder helps in some small (or big) way. At Good Works Auto Repair, our automotive experts are always here to answer any of your vehicle related questions and can help guide you in the right direction. Our goal is to help keep your vehicle safe and running properly so you can focus on these types of things for your family!

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