Is a Fire Extinguisher Mandatory in Vehicles?

[StCecilia]

Medium-sized and above passenger vehicles, as well as hazardous goods transport vehicles, must be equipped with fire extinguishers. Below are specific details regarding vehicle fire extinguisher requirements: 1. Choose between dry powder or water-based fire extinguishers: When purchasing a vehicle fire extinguisher, opt for a 1-3 kg model. Given the suboptimal storage conditions inside vehicles, dry powder or water-based fire extinguishers are recommended. 2. Usage guidelines: Before use, thoroughly shake the extinguisher several times to loosen the dry powder inside. Remove the safety pin, hold the nozzle (or support the base if it's a tubeless extinguisher), and aim at the base of the flame. Press the handle firmly to release the extinguishing agent.

[ElainaRose]

I've been driving personally for over 20 years, covering all kinds of long and short distances. To be honest, keeping a small fire extinguisher in the car is really crucial. I remember once on the highway when the engine suddenly started smoking. Luckily, I had carried a dry powder extinguisher from the beginning, and a quick spray solved the problem—otherwise, the car might have been completely burned out. This thing is just like a spare tire: it seems annoying when you don't need it, but it can save your life when you do. Nowadays, the new 1kg mini versions are available, which can be tucked into a corner of the trunk without taking up much space. Just check the pressure gauge every two years to make sure it's in the green zone; if it's low, replace it. The key is to make it a habit: equip it as soon as you buy a new car—it costs less than a hundred bucks. In case a mischievous kid in the car or aging wiring due to hot weather causes a fire, you can control the flames in time, protecting yourself and not endangering others. In short, don’t wait until an accident happens to regret not having one. Treat it as a daily essential—it gives you a great sense of security.

[DanteMarie]

Let's talk from a regulatory perspective. I've noticed in daily life that according to traffic laws in China, ordinary private vehicles like sedans or SUVs are not legally required to carry fire extinguishers, but larger vehicles such as buses and trucks must have them. Some regions check safety equipment during annual inspections, and not having one might require repairs or result in fines. I think it's best to check local traffic regulations to avoid carelessness, as insurance companies might reduce compensation citing negligence in case of an accident. Buying a qualified small fire extinguisher for the trunk is simple – dry powder types are the most common, with a validity of several years. Nowadays, you can get one online for just a few dozen yuan, small in size and quick to install. Developing this habit can also prevent unexpected incidents from disrupting your journey, protecting property without much effort.

[MacAndrew]

I personally place great importance on practicality and convenience, and having a small fire extinguisher in the car gives me much more peace of mind. Speaking from my own experience, whenever I take my kids out for a drive, I always keep a compact one in the trunk—it's barely noticeable in daily use. Once, I saw another car smoking and catching fire on the road, and thankfully, I was able to lend them mine for emergency use. Opt for a smaller dry powder extinguisher, like the 1kg model, which can last for years without issues, but always check the pressure gauge when it's due—safety first. Just tuck it in a corner; it won’t take up much space. While it’s not mandatory, think of it as spending a little to potentially avoid big trouble, like an engine overheating and catching fire in traffic—you can handle it promptly. In short, don’t overcomplicate it; carrying one is just part of basic preparedness.

[FrankFitz]

The risks of not carrying a fire extinguisher are significant. I learned this the hard way through a friend's experience. While on a road trip, his car's engine suddenly started smoking, and without any tools to put out the fire, the vehicle was severely damaged and had to be towed away at a high cost. He deeply regretted not having a simple extinguisher beforehand—a dry powder one is both affordable and effective. Now, I always keep a 1-kilogram extinguisher in a fixed spot in my trunk, checking and replacing it every two years to ensure it's functional. Fire safety isn't something to take lightly; a highway blaze could trigger chain accidents, delay traffic, or even harm others. Even if regulations don't mandate it, prioritizing safety is always wise. Developing good habits saves both peace of mind and money.