Which of the following can lead to fires in vehicles?

The correct response to the question about what can lead to fires in vehicles is the scenario involving overheated engines. An overheated engine can cause components to exceed their safe temperature limits, potentially igniting flammable materials located nearby. When engines work harder than they should or when coolant systems fail, excessive heat can build up and lead to fires.

Under-inflated tires can create excessive friction due to increased rolling resistance and could lead to tire blowouts or other mechanical failures, but they are not a direct cause of vehicle fires. An empty gas tank does not create a fire risk. While it can leave a vehicle stalled, it does not inherently cause combustion. Defective brakes can lead to overheating but typically cause mechanical failure rather than immediate fire risk.

Understanding the mechanics of how these components operate is essential in vehicle maintenance and safety.