Addressing concerns about vehicle safety in Qatar, the Ministry of Interior has tackled the issue of cars catching on fire during the country’s hottest months.

The most recent high-profile example of that was an SUV that burst into flames after Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Imam Muhammad Abdul Wahhab (State) Mosque.

In a post on Facebook yesterday, the MOI said:

“These accidents occur increasingly in the summer days due to high temperatures and the neglect of vehicles as well as because of not checking the vehicles on a regular basis. Most of these accidents happen in the front side of the car.”

To safeguard against such incidences, the ministry offered this advice:

• Check fuel tanks regularly for any gasoline leaks;
• Take vehicles in for periodic maintenance and ensure electrical wiring is not damaged;
• Don’t park near generators or flammable materials;
• Refrain from smoking inside the vehicle and at the petrol station;
• Inspect your vehicle’s engine, tires and bottom of the car before starting it; and
• Ensure the vehicle has a fire extinguisher.

Other motorists have also advised residents to be careful about leaving their cars running unattended for long periods of time.

What tips would you add? Thoughts?