Car Fires different colors of smoke can mean different things

By David M. Ring | October 12, 2017Hollywood makes it seem like being trapped in a burning car is a regular occurrence, with even the most superficial auto accident leading to a roaring inferno. A recent police chase in South Los Angeles resulted in a car exploding while the suspect fled into the comparative safety of police custody. The car fire closed a major highway for nearly two hours. So car fires are a legitimate concern, and roughly 4 people per week in the US die in a car fire. However, the reasons why a car might emit smoke, and knowing which colors of smoke indicate imminent danger can help drivers make safer decisions, potentially saving lives.Where is the smoke coming from?If the car you are driving is emitting smoke, the first issue is to determine the general source. Smoke from the exhaust is a concern; smoke from the engine compartment is a critical emergency. If you see smoke of any color coming from the engine bay of your vehicle, you should stop driving immediately,...