Could Maintenance Neglect Be Behind a Recent Uptick in Hawaii Vehicle Fires?
Improper vehicle maintenance practices may be the cause behind a recent uptick in vehicle fires in Hawaii, reports KHON2.
The Honolulu Fire Department has responded to at least four vehicle fires on Oahu’s major highways, and has responded to at least 15 vehicle fire calls since Oct. 1 of this year.
Vehicle fires have seen a bump this year in Hawaii. Nov. 18, 2022–Nov. 17, 2023 saw 63 fires on highways, 69 on residential roads/streets/driveways, 21 in commercial areas, and 24 in vehicle parking areas. This year, between Nov. 18, 2023–Nov. 17, 2024, those numbers increased to 74 fires on highways, 72 on residential streets/roads/driveways, 36 in commercial areas and 35 in vehicle parking areas.
KHON2 visited with Won Pak, owner and partner at Punahou Auto Service in Honolulu, to hear his thoughts on what potential causes of these fires may be.
Pak noted that 74 fires on highways was an especially high number, but faster speeds on the highway can often accelerate the rate at which engine oil could leak.
“The faster the car is going, you add more pressure on the lines, there is more fuel coming in, and your engine oil would be leaking faster if you had a leak,” said Pak.
In the event of a vehicle fire, HFD will only investigate the cause behind it in the event of a death or if asked by Honolulu Police. However, HFD added that the causes behind fires are largely a mix of intentional or accidental, such as vehicle recalls, driver neglect, or mechanical failures.
This aligns with Pak’s belief that an uptick in vehicle fires could largely be credited to these aging parts that aren’t being maintained. While parts like gaskets should be routinely checked after about a decade of use, Pak has encountered many customers who say they don’t have the time or money for a safety inspection. But in the event of a fire caused by subpar maintenance, it will be too late.
“I’ve seen cars come in with no oil in the engine and that friction would also start a fire if you drive it long enough,” shared Pak.