Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B Practice Test

What causes vehicle fires?

1. Only short circuits

2. Spilled fuel, improper use of flares, and under inflated tires

3. Careless driving

4. Road conditions

The correct answer is: Spilled fuel, improper use of flares, and under inflated tires

Vehicle fires can be caused by a variety of factors, and one of the key contributors is indeed spilled fuel, improper use of flares, and under-inflated tires. Spilled fuel can easily ignite from a spark or high heat, leading to a significant fire. Improper use of flares can create hazardous situations if they are not placed correctly, potentially resulting in a fire if they come into contact with flammable materials or if they are ignited in an inappropriate area. Under-inflated tires can overheat during operation, leading to failures that might produce sparks, which can ignite any flammable substances present. This combination makes the choice about spilled fuel, improper use of flares, and under-inflated tires the most comprehensive and accurate in terms of identifying causes of vehicle fires. Other factors like short circuits, while they can contribute to fires, are not the only causes and are more specific. Careless driving and road conditions, while potentially dangerous in other ways, are less directly associated with causing fires compared to the factors mentioned.