Is a Fire Extinguisher Required in a Car?

[LeAna]

There are no strict regulations mandating the installation of a dedicated fire extinguisher in cars. Below is an introduction regarding car fire extinguishers: 1. Fire extinguishers as a mandatory requirement for vehicle inspections: During motor vehicle inspections, external inspection personnel state that essential on-board equipment such as fire extinguishers, triangular warning signs, etc., must be present. Some provinces have also issued requirements mandating the installation of fire extinguishers. 2. Reducing fire damage: Many vehicles now undergo modifications and installations of various electrical facilities, such as upgraded headlights, ventilated seats, heated seats, high-power spotlights, etc. These additions increase the load on the original vehicle wiring and also elevate safety risks. Even though the firefighting capacity of small on-board fire extinguishers is limited, they can help delay the spread of fire and reduce damage before firefighters arrive.

[MacSophie]

I remember when I first bought my car, I was also curious about whether to keep a fire extinguisher. After checking, I found that private cars in mainland China are not required to have one, but trucks and buses must be equipped. I keep a small dry powder fire extinguisher in my car, which doesn’t take up much space and fits nicely in a corner of the trunk. I check the pressure gauge once a year to ensure it’s functioning properly, and replace it if the pressure is low. It only costs a few dozen yuan, and in case of a small spark in the engine compartment or a battery short circuit, it can quickly put out the fire, preventing it from escalating and causing damage to the car or injury to people. Safety isn’t something to leave to chance—being prepared early brings peace of mind. You can also find tutorials online on how to use it, and the operation is very simple.

[VanAdaline]

Having driven for over twenty years, I've witnessed too many car fire incidents, which is why I always insist on keeping a fire extinguisher in my car. One summer during extreme heat, smoke started coming from the engine compartment, and I immediately used the extinguisher to spray a few times, preventing the entire car from burning down. Although it's not legally required for private cars to carry one, I strongly recommend everyone to keep one. Small fire extinguishers are lightweight and don't take up much space; choose a dry powder type suitable for car fires. Keep it under the front seat for easy access—don't store it in the trunk's hidden compartment where it might delay use. Regular maintenance is crucial; it's a low-cost measure that could potentially save your life.

[LeMax]

As someone who cares about automotive safety, I believe it's essential to keep a fire extinguisher in the car. While regulations don't mandate it for private vehicles, I recommend equipping a small dry powder type within a budget of 100 yuan. Store it in a fixed position to avoid damage from bumps. Learn the basic usage: first pull the safety pin, then aim at the base of the fire source when spraying. Regularly check to ensure normal pressure. In case of electrical short circuits or oil leaks causing ignition, it can quickly control the situation and prevent disaster escalation.