Is a Fire Extinguisher Required for Cars on Highways?

[Rowan]

It is advisable for private cars to carry a fire extinguisher. Highway traffic police generally do not conduct special inspections on whether small vehicles are equipped with car fire extinguishers. However, for buses, tourist vehicles, school buses, and hazardous chemical transport vehicles, there is a focus on checking whether they are equipped with onboard fire extinguishers, warning triangles, and other equipment, and whether the fire extinguishers are expired. The types of onboard fire extinguishers are as follows: 1. Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher: The principle of this extinguisher is chemical suppression, which interrupts the chain reaction of combustion. It has a high fire extinguishing level, comprehensive functionality, and rapid extinguishing capability, with electrical insulation properties and good low-temperature performance, making it particularly suitable for use in factories, warehouses, and outdoor settings. The drawback is that dry powder extinguishing agents are not resistant to re-ignition, and users must undergo specialized technical training. Due to its price advantage, most vehicles are equipped with portable pressurized dry powder fire extinguishers. 2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher: The extinguishing mechanism is suffocation, achieved by reducing the oxygen concentration around the burning material. Carbon dioxide, as a fire extinguishing agent, has good insulation properties. However, its disadvantages include a high extinguishing concentration, resulting in a low fire extinguishing level, making it suitable for use in relatively confined spaces. It has poor resistance to re-ignition, and carbon dioxide is a moderately toxic substance. When the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air reaches 2%, it can cause discomfort. 3. Aqueous Film Forming Foam Fire Extinguisher: The extinguishing mechanism is cooling and isolation, with a high fire extinguishing level and minimal water damage during use. It neither has the secondary pollution of dry powder nor the toxicity of carbon dioxide. However, the biggest drawback of domestically produced aqueous film forming foam extinguishing agents is their poor stability after dilution, making them unsuitable for long-term storage. For a practical fire extinguishing agent, storage stability is one of its most important performance indicators.

[StKimberly]

To be honest, I always carry a fire extinguisher when driving on highways. Although the law doesn't mandate small passenger vehicles to carry one, I witnessed a car spontaneously combust at a service area two summers ago. If the driver had a fire extinguisher, they could have at least controlled the fire from reaching the fuel tank. Just buy a 1kg dry powder extinguisher and place it under the front passenger seat - remember to replace it every 3 years. Emergency vehicles take too long to arrive on highways, and this little thing can be lifesaving in critical moments. Repair costs are far more expensive than a fire extinguisher. Nowadays I also carry a window breaker - you can't rely on luck when it comes to safety.

[PresleyMarie]

When driving long distances myself, I pay special attention to the safety equipment in the car. Although traffic regulations do not explicitly require private cars on highways to carry fire extinguishers, it is mandatory for buses and trucks. Last time I took a break at a service area, I saw traffic police specifically checking the pressure gauges of fire extinguishers on buses. I recommend choosing a water-based fire extinguisher, which is compact and doesn't leak powder. I usually wedge it in the gap next to the driver's seat for easy access. If you notice smoke from the tires or smell burning, the first thing to do is to pull over and pull the safety pin of the fire extinguisher. After all, highway speeds are fast, and by the time the fire truck arrives, the entire vehicle might already be burned down.

[WalkerMarie]

I used to think carrying a fire extinguisher took up too much space, but then my friend's car started smoking due to a short circuit on the highway, and it was only thanks to a truck driver lending his extinguisher that a major accident was avoided. Now, every time I go on a long trip, I secure one under the passenger seat. When buying a fire extinguisher, make sure to check for the 3C certification mark and ensure the pressure gauge is in the green zone to be effective. Don't buy one that's too large; 1 kilogram is sufficient. They're available at highway service stations for around 80 yuan, which is much cheaper than towing fees. Remember not to store it in the trunk—if a fire breaks out, you won't have time to retrieve it.

[LeVincent]

I often see traffic police inspecting fire extinguishers on large trucks at highway service areas, requiring them to be securely mounted in visible locations. Although private vehicles aren't checked as strictly, I recommend everyone carry one. Last year when I was stuck in traffic on the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, black smoke suddenly billowed from the hood of the car in front, and the driver promptly extinguished it with the onboard fire extinguisher. Just choose a small extinguisher within its validity period, and be especially careful to avoid direct sunlight in summer. Fire extinguishers also have an expiration date—when the pressure gauge needle drops into the red zone, it's time to replace it with a new one.

[SanManuel]

Once I witnessed a car spontaneously combust on the highway, with flames leaping sky-high. Since then, I've made it a habit to always carry a fire extinguisher in my vehicle. I recommend getting an eco-friendly type that won't damage the car's paint or leave marks. Keep it within easy reach under the driver's seat, not in the trunk where you'd have to scramble for it during an actual fire. Remember to check the pressure gauge every winter, as low temperatures can affect the seal. Although the law doesn't mandate carrying one, this small investment can potentially prevent a disaster, giving you peace of mind.