Parking on grass can cause a fire

Grassy areas that sometimes serve as parking spaces near beaches or at concerts can turn into dangerous traps during hot summer days, safety experts warn. Parts of a car's engine and exhaust system can become hot enough to cause a fire under the vehicle.

In a test conducted by the German organization Dekra, the hot catalyst caused a fire in just a few seconds, and it soon spread to the entire car. The problem can occur when you park in dry meadows, but also on the side of the road, when there is tall grass combined with high air temperatures.

A small distance between the lower part of the vehicle and the ground or an uneven surface further increases the risk of fire. That is why it is recommended to avoid parking in tall and dry grass during the summer.