Last year, in August 2023, Kia followed in the footsteps of Hyundai and made sweeping recalls of vehicles using oil pumps that may get very hot and then catch on fire. It is but the latest recall by the Korean automakers this calendar year, which has issued successive alerts over defective parts that can cause fires. Kia recalled Soul and Sportage vehicles from model year 2023.
The company said it received reports of six component overheating and melting. Hyundai also verified four “thermal incidents,” but neither company said there were any injuries associated with the defects.
The KIA Oil Pump Fire has become a significant crisis for the Korean company and its consumers in last year. However, the company has only issued repair recalls for consumers in certain specific countries. In this article, we will explore solutions to address the KIA Oil Pump Fire crisis and issue in Dubai, the UAE, and Middle Eastern countries.
Can Engine Oil Catch on Fire?
Yes, engine oil can catch on fire, but doing so usually requires very high temperatures or some sort of mechanical failure. Several precautions should minimize the risk of engine oil becoming a fire hazard. Store oil safely and handle it with much care to avoid accidents. Storing oil is recommended in a tight plastic container, with proper labeling, and then stored in a dry and clean place. Keep oil away from heat sources or open flames to prevent accidents. The flashes of oil, if it reaches its flash point, may ignite it.
Is Used Engine Oil Flammable?
While used engine oil does not have any flammable tendencies whatsoever, keep in mind that it contains a bunch of residues from a variety of byproducts. If dirty oil persists inside the engine, these burnt particles could cause it to overheat excessively. Proper disposal and periodic maintenance thus become very important to prevent most used-engine-oil fire hazards.
This recall and associated risk highlight the importance of periodic vehicle maintenance and timely attention to manufacturer-initiated recalls. Keeping oneself current and proactive on vehicle safety can help immensely in avoiding such hazardous incidents.
Motor oil is not flammable in a technical sense, but it will burn if subjected to the proper set of circumstances. Bear in mind that motor oil won’t start a fire, but certainly can feed one if conditions permit. It should, however, be close to an ignition source that is highly heated to burn. You do not have to worry about the engine oil catching fire while you are driving. At its flash point, the vehicle’s engine heats the oil, releasing vapors. The ventilation system in the engine ensures these vapors do not accumulate enough to ignite. Once released from the engine, vapors evaporate. This way, the occurrence of fire is totally eliminated.
Motor oil flash point
Since motor oil is not flammable, very high temperatures are required to break down the molecules to form vapors. This high temperature is referred to as a flash point—temperatures at which a liquid ignites. In the case of motor oil, the flash point is around 200 degrees Celsius, equivalent to about 392 degrees Fahrenheit. From this, a conclusion can be drawn that there is a very slim chance of engine oil catching fire under normal conditions of operation.
Potential Fire Risks and Safety Measures on KIA Oil Pump Fire
Due to the nature of the recent recalls, car owners should be able to know the potential risks of fire and take precautions in preventing them. While the oil itself is not very potential in terms of igniting, some components within the engine, such as the oil pump in some Hyundai and Kia models, can often malfunction and increase the risk of overheating, thereby leading to fires. Vehicle owners should, therefore, frequently look out for recall notices and ensure that their cars are serviced regularly.
Steps to Take if You Have a Recalled Vehicle
If you are an owner of a 2023 model year Kia Soul or Sportage, it is very important to check how the recall may affect your vehicle. Head to Kia’s website or visit your local dealer for info. If affected, schedule a service appointment ASAP, so the faulty oil pump can be replaced. Not doing so could result in serious damage, such as an engine fire.
Solution for KIA Oil Pump Fire Issue in Dubai and the Middle East
If you encounter this issue with your KIA vehicles in Dubai, the UAE, or the Middle East, you can easily contact our support team and order the necessary KIA engine spare parts online as quickly as possible. At Arsintrading, we offer the best original Korean parts for KIA and Hyundai vehicles online. We have made it possible for you to purchase KIA oil pumps in Dubai, the UAE, and other parts of the Middle East.
Preventive Steps to Prevent Fire Hazards
Apart from the recall notices, following are some of the preventive measures that will help reduce your risk of fire:
- Regular Maintenance: Provide regular servicing to your vehicle and replace any defective or worn-out parts with new ones whenever necessary.
- Safe Storage: Store the engine oil in an air-tight and tightly sealed container, properly labeled, and outside sources of heat or open flames.
- Proper Disposal: Used engine oil has to be disposed of properly to prevent possible ignition.
- Monitoring the Engine Temperature: This is done through the temperature gauge to show that your vehicle’s temperature never gets too high.
Conclusion
The recent recall by Kia and Hyundai of a huge quantity of vehicles fitted with faulty oil pumps, which may overheat, catch fire, and result in accidents, demonstrates that vehicle maintenance and safety are quite serious.
While engine oil may not be highly flammable per se, some faulty parts sometimes may cause hazardous situations. Motorists should always be well informed about recalls and should know all necessary safety measures against fire. This is how you ensure that your vehicle is safe and dependable while running on the road.
You can go to Kia’s corporate website or contact a local dealership for more detailed information on these recalls and to find out whether or not your vehicle is affected. The risk of a KIA oil pump fire is quite lower in case these easy steps on safety measures are followed, ensuring your safety and that of your passengers.
