General Motors launched an investigation into what may have caused fires in its Chevrolet Volts after a federal crash test, and the manufacturer may have found a culprit. Experts believe that the fires may have been started by a coolant leak that managed to puncture the battery case, USA Today reports.

The first signs of trouble occurred several weeks ago, after the plug-in vehicles were tested by federal officials. Two of the cars experienced a fire days after the tests while a third one's battery heated up considerably. GM has addressed the issue by offering the estimated 6,400 Volt owners with a free loaner until the matter is resolved.

"It's just kind of a detective game to say, 'Is there something we can do to protect from this situation?'" GM product chief Mary Barra told the publication.

The fires come after already-disappointing sales for the electronic vehicle. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company will likely fall short of its goal of 10,000 cars sold this year – instead analysts estimate they will likely sell about 8,000. Still, despite the fires and the low sales figures, those who have purchased the car are standing behind it and officials are confident.

"There is no question in my mind that the Volt is safe. We are doing everything we can to make sure that it is even safer," GM CEO Dan Akerson told the Journal last week.

Whether electric or gas-powered, regular auto-maintenance is a must to keep cars running smoothly. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides motorists with its Total Car Care Center, which not only can perform general upkeep but also offers repairs on other fixes to the general public.