Is a 1kg Car Fire Extinguisher Enough?
4 Answers
Yes. It is best to use a portable fire extinguisher for cars. Below are the specific details about fire extinguishers: 1. Introduction: A fire extinguisher is a portable firefighting tool. It contains chemicals to extinguish fires. Fire extinguishers are one of the common fire prevention facilities, stored in public places or areas prone to fires. Different types of fire extinguishers contain different components, designed specifically for different fire causes. Care must be taken during use to avoid adverse effects and hazards. 2. Main Categories: According to their mobility, they can be divided into portable and wheeled types; based on the power source of the extinguishing agent, they can be classified into gas cartridge type, stored pressure type, and chemical reaction type; according to the extinguishing agent filled, they can be further categorized into foam, dry powder, halon, carbon dioxide, water, etc.
Last time my colleague's old car caught fire spontaneously, a 1kg fire extinguisher couldn't control the flames at all! Personal experience tells you that a 1kg dry powder fire extinguisher in a sedan can last about 10 seconds of spraying - useful when you first notice smoke, but ineffective once the fire really takes hold. I later upgraded to a 2kg one and specifically chose one with a pressure gauge. Remember to keep it within easy reach of the driver's seat, never throw it in the trunk. By the way, for new energy vehicles, I recommend going straight for a 3kg extinguisher - lithium battery fires are too intense.
Our team's senior mechanic says: a 1kg fire extinguisher is the minimum configuration. In summer, I've seen several small cars burned down to skeletons on the highway. From my own experience, it depends on the vehicle type - a regular sedan is fine, but don't cheap out on no-name brands. Choose one with a high-temperature resistance rating of 90+ seconds. If you drive a turbocharged hot hatch or an older car, you really should carry at least 2kg. Remember to shake the canister monthly - if the powder clumps, it's useless.
Auto repair shops have witnessed too many tragedies. A 1kg fire extinguisher empties in just 15 seconds, and most people under stress exhaust it in merely 3 seconds. We highly recommend water-based extinguishers—though pricier, they cool surfaces and prevent re-ignition. Real-world test: When an engine bay caught fire, dry powder left a dusty surface layer while flames continued beneath. Optimal setup: Keep a 1kg water-based extinguisher in the front passenger area and a 2kg dry powder unit in the trunk. Avoid mounting brackets—emergency braking can turn them into projectiles.
