Do cars need to be equipped with fire extinguishers?

[VanNadia]

Cars need to be equipped with fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are portable firefighting equipment that contain chemicals inside to extinguish flames. Cars are at risk of fire in hot weather, due to vehicle malfunctions, or short circuits in the wiring. A fire extinguisher can be used to put out flames, ensuring personal safety and reducing losses. How to use a fire extinguisher: 1. Pick up the fire extinguisher and position yourself upwind; 2. Turn the fire extinguisher upside down several times to loosen the dry powder inside; 3. Remove the safety pin, hold the handle with your left hand, grab the nozzle with your right hand, and turn the fire extinguisher upside down to stand upright; 4. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flame and spray.

[DelDelilah]

Equipping cars with fire extinguishers is crucial for safety, especially in critical moments to prevent fires. Many regions have laws requiring new cars to come with fire extinguishers. For example, China's traffic regulations mandate certain commercial vehicles to carry them, while private cars, though not compulsory, are strongly advised to do so. From my years of experience in automotive safety, small ABC-class fire extinguishers are the top choice as they can handle various fire sources like electrical or fuel line issues. The best placement is near the driver's seat or in an easily accessible spot in the trunk, avoiding high-temperature areas like under the hood. Regularly check the pressure gauge and expiration date, ideally once a year. Statistics show that early fire suppression can reduce vehicle fire accidents by 80%. Even without legal requirements, I believe a small investment of a few dozen dollars far outweighs potential losses—you wouldn’t want to see your beloved car smoking without any means to help, would you?

[MariaLee]

I've been driving for over 20 years and always keep a small fire extinguisher in my car. Once on the highway when I saw smoke coming from a vehicle, I quickly helped put out the initial flames - without it, the whole car might have burned. It's not expensive, just a ten-yuan purchase from the supermarket is sufficient. I check it every six months to ensure proper pressure. I keep it in a corner of the trunk for easy access. While not legally required, experience tells me this little thing gives me much more peace of mind while driving, especially during summer heat or long trips when engine and wiring risks are higher. I consider this basic responsibility - protecting my own vehicle while being able to assist others too. If there's any abnormal noise or spark in the engine compartment, you can address it immediately before a small issue becomes a major disaster.

[DelJustin]

As a rookie driver who just bought my first car, I asked the salesperson whether a fire extinguisher was necessary before purchasing. He explained that while not mandatory, it's practical—just spend a few dozen bucks to get a standard type and keep it in the car. Avoid placing it in overly hot spots; I chose the drawer under the driver's seat. Checking it is simple—replace it if the pressure gauge changes color. I feel that new drivers often overlook safety, so having one on hand can prevent emergencies like fires caused by short circuits in charging devices. It's not a big expense but makes driving more reassuring.

[BarrettMarie]

After years of family road trips, I firmly believe every car should carry a fire extinguisher. Place it within easy reach in the passenger seat or trunk. Choose an ABC-class fire extinguisher of moderate size. Check the pressure regularly—I take a glance every month. It's low-cost but life-saving in critical moments—imagine an engine fire during traffic congestion, where you can promptly extinguish it to protect your children. Statistics show most family car fires are caused by aging wiring, and having a fire extinguisher prevents most risks. This isn't just a personal choice; it's an act of care and protection.