Are Car Fire Extinguishers Prone to Explosion?
2 Answers
Car fire extinguishers are not prone to explosion. Car fire extinguishers are specifically designed for vehicle fire suppression, and the precautions for use include: 1. When extinguishing a fire caused by an electrical circuit, first cut off the power supply; 2. When using a hose, prevent twisting or breaking. Types of car fire extinguishers include: aerosol fire extinguishers, dry powder fire extinguishers, ultra-fine dry powder fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, and water-based fire extinguishers. Precautions for car fire extinguishers: 1. They can only be used to extinguish initial fires. If you detect unusual odors or smoke from your car, use the fire extinguisher promptly; 2. When using the fire extinguisher, aim at the base of the flames; 3. Open the hood and locate the source of the fire as quickly as possible.
I remember when I first started driving, I also wondered if car fire extinguishers could explode. Later, I learned that they are usually designed to be very safe, and I’ve had no issues using them for years. Car fire extinguishers are not prone to exploding due to their internal pressure control systems and sturdy container materials—for example, dry powder extinguisher cylinders can withstand high temperatures. However, extreme situations should be handled with care, such as when the car’s interior temperature soars above 50°C in summer. Poor-quality products or improper storage may cause excessive internal pressure, leading to rupture. I once saw a case where a fire extinguisher malfunctioned due to rough disassembly, but that wasn’t a typical explosion—it was more of a powder leak. So, I recommend regularly checking the extinguisher’s pressure gauge and expiration date, replacing it if expired, and avoiding direct sunlight exposure to minimize risks. Safe driving includes these details—I always keep my car’s fire extinguisher in a cool corner of the trunk.
