What should I do when my Tesla catches fire?

It all starts with Lithium

Uses for lithium in the past have been for psychiatric medications and ceramic cookware. It is also being used more now in the form of lithium-ion batteries for cell phones, laptops, and electric cars. The element is light and silver-white in colour and is the least dense of all metals. When exposed to air, it tarnishes quickly to a dull silvery grey.

It is the 33rd most abundant element on Earth but is relatively rare in the Universe. Lithium has a very low melting point so it can easily be alloyed with other metals. Alloying it with aluminium increases strength; while adding copper increases conductivity. These alloys are used in aircraft construction and other high-strength applications.

Lithium metal is used in batteries because of its high electrochemical potential, which is about half that of sodium. When combined with other metals like aluminium, manganese, or cobalt, it forms lithium-ion batteries, which are used in cell phones and laptops. Electric cars also use these types of batteries, but on a much larger scale.

The main drawback of using lithium metal in batteries is that it can be unstable and catch fire if damaged or exposed to water. This has led to some high-profile incidents, like the recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone in 2016 and now footage of Teslas fizzling away.

Despite the risks, lithium-ion batteries are still the most popular type of battery on the market today. And as electric cars become more common, we're likely to see even more demand for this important metal.

While Teslas are known for being some of the safest cars on the road, fires can still happen. If this happens, it's important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others. Here are a few tips on what to do in the event of a fire:

1. If you see flames coming from your car, pull over immediately and turn off the power.

2. Use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, if possible.

3. Evacuate yourself and your passengers from the car as quickly as possible.

4. Do not try to drive away from the fire; call for help instead.

5. Once you are safe, call the Australian Tesla Roadside Assistance line at 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752) so that we can help.

When it comes to Tesla fires, prevention is always the best policy. Here are a few tips on how you can keep your Tesla safe from catching fire:

1. Keep your car clean and free of debris.

2. Regularly check the electrical wiring and components in your car.

3. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and in good condition.

4. Do not leave loose objects lying around inside the car.

5. Never allow anyone to smoke inside the car.