If you've ever caught a whiff of something burning inside your car or noticed a flicker in the dash lights, it might’ve crossed your mind—can my car actually catch fire from something electrical? The answer is yes, it can. Electrical shorts are one of the leading causes of vehicle fires, especially in older cars or those with wiring damage, DIY modifications, or neglected electrical systems.
While not every short circuit will lead to flames, all electrical issues should be taken seriously. A little warning sign can turn into a bigger, more dangerous problem if ignored.
What Exactly Is an Electrical Short
An electrical short happens when electricity takes an unintended path through the wiring—often due to damaged insulation, corroded wires, or faulty connections. This causes excess current to flow, which creates heat. If that heat builds up near plastic, upholstery, or other flammable materials, you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fire.
Many shorts start small, with flickering lights or blown fuses. But if the system isn’t protected by functioning fuses or relays, the heat can grow quickly—and silently.
Where Shorts Typically Occur in Vehicles
Cars today are packed with complex electronics. With that complexity comes more potential failure points. Some of the most common areas where shorts occur include:
Battery terminals or starter wiring, especially when exposed or corroded
Aftermarket accessories, such as stereo systems, alarm kits, or light bars, when installed without proper fuses
- Trailer wiring, which is often spliced and exposed to the elements
- Under-seat wiring for heated seats, power adjustments, or sensors
- Worn insulation behind dashboards or in door panels where wires rub over time
- Even rodents chewing on wires can create short circuits that are hard to find—until something smells like it’s burning.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Most electrical problems don’t go straight to fire—but they do give off signs before things get serious. If you notice any of these, get your car checked out as soon as possible:
- Burning plastic or electrical smells
- Fuses that blow repeatedly
- Melted insulation or scorch marks near wires or connectors
- Smoke (even a little) coming from under the dash or hood
- Lights flickering or behaving erratically
- Electronics that randomly shut off or stop working
A properly functioning electrical system is quiet and consistent. If yours is doing anything unusual, it’s worth inspecting.
How to Lower the Risk of an Electrical Fire
The key to preventing electrical fires is maintenance and protection. All circuits in your vehicle are protected by fuses or circuit breakers. If you’ve modified your electrical system without proper fusing, you’re increasing your risk.
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Avoid overloading circuits with aftermarket accessories
- Use professionally installed wiring harnesses with correct fuse ratings
- Replace cracked or brittle wiring when found
- Don’t ignore the smell of burnt plastic—it never goes away on its own
- Keep your battery terminals clean and tightly connected
If your vehicle is older, it may be time for a wiring inspection to check for deteriorated insulation or outdated splices.
Act Early
Electrical problems tend to start small—just a flicker here or a smell there. But they don’t go away, and they never fix themselves. Letting a minor short continue can lead to melted wires, dashboard damage, or even full-blown fires that destroy the vehicle.
The cost to track down a short is far less than the cost of repairing electrical fire damage—or worse, losing the entire car.
Protect your car and your peace of mind. Visit Stang Auto Tech in Broomfield, CO for expert electrical inspections and safe, reliable repairs.