Despite frigid weather and heavy snow across the Youngstown area this week, some drivers found that winter conditions can pose more than just a skidding hazard. While it may seem unusual for a car to ignite in freezing temperatures, investigators and safety experts explain that these fires are often caused by mechanical stress rather than external heat.

Recent incidents in the Mahoning Valley illustrate how quickly a stuck vehicle can become a total loss. On Sunday morning, Youngstown police and fire crews responded to the intersection of Dogwood Lane and Buckeye Court, where they found a 2016 Ford Fusion heavily damaged by fire. According to investigators, the driver had become stuck in deep snow while trying to leave home. To free the car, the driver repeatedly revved the engine and spun the wheels until the vehicle ignited.

A similar incident occurred later that afternoon on Millet Avenue, where a Chevy HHR was found abandoned and burned in the middle of the road. Firefighters determined that the engine had overheated and caught fire because it was under extreme strain while the vehicle was immobilized in the snow.

Automotive researchers explain that this happens because a spinning tire generates intense frictional heat. This friction creates a microscopic layer of water that lubricates the area between the tire and the road, causing the tire to spin even faster. When a driver "floors" the gas pedal in this situation, it places immense pressure on the transmission and the engine. Without the natural airflow that comes from a moving vehicle, the engine and exhaust components can reach temperatures high enough to ignite nearby flammable fluids or debris.

Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows that vehicle fires accounted for 16% of all reported fires in the U.S. between 2018 and 2022. Mechanical or electrical failures are the leading cause of these incidents, especially during high-stress operational periods like winter storms.

Experts also note that older vehicles are at a higher risk. Vehicles that are at least 10 years old are more likely to experience fires started by mechanical malfunctions, as parts wear out and maintenance is sometimes overlooked.

To avoid mechanical failure or fire, safety organizations like AAA suggest a patient, step-by-step approach to regaining traction:

  • Clear the exhaust: Before starting the engine, ensure the tailpipe is free of snow. A blocked exhaust can cause deadly carbon monoxide to build up inside the car.
  • Remove surrounding snow: Use a shovel to dig out snow from the front, back, and underneath the vehicle. If the car is "high-centered" on a snowbank, the tires will not be able to grip the ground.
  • The 30-second rule: Never spin tires faster than 30 mph or for longer than 30 seconds. Excessive spinning can destroy the transmission or cause the tires to fail.
  • The "rocking" method: Shift into a low gear and apply light pressure to the gas to move forward slightly, then immediately brake. Shift into reverse and repeat the process to build momentum. It is vital to wait for the car to come to a full stop before switching gears to avoid breaking the transmission.
  • Add traction: Place floor mats, cardboard, sand, or non-clumping cat litter under the drive tires to provide a surface for the rubber to grip.

If the vehicle does not move after several attempts, experts advise against continuing to force the engine. The cost of a tow is significantly lower than the cost of replacing a destroyed transmission or a vehicle lost to fire. Local authorities recommend calling for professional roadside assistance if these initial steps do not work.

As the region continues to face harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear radiator and avoiding aggressive driving in deep snow remain the best ways to prevent these dangerous and costly engine fires.