After a dry winter across most

After a dry winter across most of of the country and rising temperatures, risk of veld fires brings real risk for drivers and their vehicles. Drivers rarely think of their vehicle as a fire risk, yet a hot exhaust or a failing catalytic converter can be enough to start a veld fire.

A catalytic converter can reach temperatures of over 648⁰ Celsius within minutes of driving and dry grass can ignite at temperatures far lower than that. Parking or idling over dry vegetation, even briefly, allows that heat to transfer straight into the grass beneath the vehicle. A smoulder can begin and remain unnoticeable until after the driver has already left, which makes it easy to underestimate.

Build-up of dry grass around an exhaust

Most drivers assume a fire risk originates from a spark or open flame. Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, expands: “Many drivers can overlook their own vehicle as a source. A build-up of dry grass around an exhaust or a converter that is starting to fail can be just as dangerous, and the driver may be kilometres away before it becomes visible.”

Drivers should build a few habits into their routine over the next few months to guard against this risk. “Choose tar or paved surfaces over dry grass or verges when stopping will remove one of the biggest risk factors.

Visit a professional for regular checks for exhaust

Visit a professional for regular checks for exhaust leaks, loose heat shields and any build-up of dry material around the exhaust system to help catch problems early. Tyres and brakes deserve attention too, since a dragging brake or an underinflated tyre running hot can generate enough heat to ignite dry ground.

Prevention only covers part of the picture, since drivers can just as easily find themselves caught in a fire that started elsewhere. “Knowing how to safely respond in the moment matters just as much as maintaining a vehicle correctly.

The instinct for many may be to try outrun thick smoke or push to get through it faster. This is where most of the danger lies. Visibility can drop to almost nothing in seconds. Drivers who continue at normal or higher speed risk colliding with vehicles or obstacles they cannot see or running off the road entirely.

If stopping becomes necessary drivers should look

Slow down immediately if visibility drops. “If visibility is near zero rather turn back and find another route rather than driving through dense smoke. If stopping becomes necessary, drivers should look for a clearing with low vegetation, switch off the ignition and keep hazard lights on.”

Staying inside the vehicle offers more protection than trying to move on foot, and windows and vents should stay closed while the fire passes. “Should conditions inside the car become unbearable, moving to ground that is already burnt is safer than unburnt vegetation.

“A vehicle gives far more protection from heat and smoke than people expect. The safest response is to always stay calm, stay low, and let the fire pass rather than trying to beat it,” says Herbert.