Are Car Fire Extinguishers Prone to Explosion?
3 Answers
The reason why the Camry cigarette lighter has no power is mainly due to a blown fuse in the lighter circuit, which can be resolved by replacing the fuse. The Camry cigarette lighter is located below the center console screen. Simply press down on the lighter's handle to initiate heating, and it will automatically pop out when ready. The fuse for the front cigarette lighter is located in the fuse box above the driver's foot pedal, while the fuse for the rear cigarette lighter is situated in the fuse box on the right side of the trunk. Steps to inspect the Camry cigarette lighter: 1. Before inspection, turn off the vehicle and all power sources. 2. Locate the fuse box correctly and use a pry tool to remove the cover. 3. Remove the fuse box. The position of the cigarette lighter fuse can be seen on the inner side, specifically the second fuse in the first column. 4. Do not remove the fuse immediately. First, test it with a circuit tester. If one end lights up and the other does not, the fuse is likely blown. 5. Use a specialized tool to remove the faulty fuse and replace it with a new one.
I've been driving for over a decade, and people often ask if car fire extinguishers can explode. To be honest, they're very safe under normal circumstances—designed and tested for various scenarios with extremely low explosion risks. However, improper storage, like parking in scorching sunlight where trunk temperatures soar above 60°C, can overpressurize the internal pressure vessel, risking rupture. Additionally, punctures by sharp objects or severe impacts may also cause issues. I've seen cases mainly involving expired extinguishers where aged valves led to pressure failures. For safety, I recommend storing extinguishers in shaded areas, regularly checking the pressure gauge (green zone is safe), and replacing them every two years—don’t overlook expiration dates. In emergencies, these small precautions can be lifesavers during a fire.
From a technical perspective, a vehicle fire extinguisher is a high-pressure container filled with extinguishing agent and propellant gas. Under normal circumstances, manufacturing standards are strictly controlled, making explosions unlikely. However, potential risks exist—for instance, in extreme high-temperature environments (such as vehicle interiors exceeding 70°C in desert regions), thermal expansion and contraction of materials can cause a sudden pressure increase. Alternatively, leakage due to corrosion or damage to the container can accumulate pressure. Remember, safety valves are designed to prevent rupture, but they are not 100% foolproof. I once encountered a case while repairing a car where a driver forgot to replace an expired extinguisher, and due to prolonged vibration, the valve loosened, resulting in uneven pressure that nearly caused an incident. Maintenance is simple: inspect the exterior quarterly for deformations or rust, avoid storing it near heat sources like the engine, and keep it dry and clean. These small habits can prevent most issues.
