Is it necessary to carry a fire extinguisher on the highway?
3 Answers
It is advisable for private cars to carry one. Highway traffic police generally do not conduct special inspections on whether small vehicles are equipped with car fire extinguishers. However, for passenger buses, tourist buses, school buses, and hazardous chemical transport vehicles, they will focus on checking whether they are equipped with vehicle-mounted fire extinguishers, warning triangles, and other equipment, as well as whether the fire extinguishers have expired. The types of vehicle-mounted fire extinguishers are as follows: 1. Dry powder fire extinguisher: The principle of extinguishing is chemical suppression, blocking the chain reaction of combustion. It has a high fire extinguishing level, comprehensive functions, and rapid extinguishing capability. It also has good electrical insulation performance and performs well at low temperatures, 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 an extinguishing agent, has good insulation properties. However, its drawback is that it requires a high extinguishing concentration, resulting in a low fire extinguishing level. It is suitable for use in relatively enclosed spaces but has poor resistance to re-ignition. Carbon dioxide is a moderately toxic substance, and when its concentration in the air reaches 2%, it can cause discomfort. 3. Aqueous film-forming foam fire extinguisher: The extinguishing mechanism is cooling and isolation. It has a high fire extinguishing level and causes minimal water damage during use, with no secondary pollution from dry powder or the toxicity of carbon dioxide. However, the biggest disadvantage 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 extinguishing agent, storage stability is one of its most important performance indicators.
I remember when I first drove on the highway, I really wanted to know if I needed to bring a fire extinguisher. After asking some experienced drivers and checking the regulations, I found that Chinese laws don’t strictly require private cars to carry one, but this thing is really important. If your car catches fire on the highway, it’s tough to handle without an extinguisher. So I’ve made it a habit to check the small car fire extinguisher in my trunk before every trip, looking at the pressure gauge and expiration date. Don’t underestimate its size—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments. For example, once I saw smoke coming from the tires of the car in front of me and quickly stopped to help put out the fire. I suggest everyone spend those few dozen yuan to buy one—just choose a standard-compliant model. Safety comes first, and it might even help others.
From my driving experience, carrying a fire extinguisher on the highway is more of a personal choice than a legal obligation. I've taken many long-distance trips, and once on the highway, I encountered an engine overheating that nearly caught fire. Fortunately, I had a fire extinguisher and handled it promptly, avoiding an accident. In practice, although regulations don't require all vehicles to be equipped with firefighting equipment, I believe every driver should proactively prepare. Checking is simple: buy a small one and secure it in the trunk, replacing it regularly to avoid expiration. Carrying it not only gives peace of mind but also allows you to step up when others are in danger. Highway rescue is far away, and acting quickly yourself is crucial. Developing this habit isn't much trouble at all.
