Under Hood Temperature Measurements

In addition to gasoline, other automotive fluids such as engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluid are combustible and if exposed to an ignition source can ignite and result in a vehicle fire. Ignition sources may include sparks, flames, or hot engine or exhaust components.

Under normal vehicle operating conditions these fluids are well contained and do not pose a fire threat. However, the risk of fire increases if the fluids are spilled or released in a collision.

In-vehicle temperature measurements were conducted to identify operating engine and exhaust temperatures under various driving conditions ranging in speed from 48 to 112 km/h (30 to 70 mph).