Is it necessary to equip a fire extinguisher in the car?
3 Answers
It is necessary to equip a fire extinguisher in the car. The following are the relevant regulations: 1. Medium and above passenger vehicles and dangerous goods transport vehicles should be equipped with fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment within the validity period. Although there are no mandatory requirements for private car fire extinguishers, during the annual inspection of the vehicle, a fire extinguisher must be placed in the car, otherwise the inspection cannot be passed. For safety reasons, it is recommended to equip a fire extinguisher in the car. 2. The fire extinguishers in the car include dry powder fire extinguishers and water-based fire extinguishers. The dry powder fire extinguishers are fast and effective in extinguishing fires and have a wide range of applications; water-based fire extinguishers are divided into water-based clean water fire extinguishers, water-based foam fire extinguishers and water-based water mist fire extinguishers, which have the characteristics of no dust, anti-suffocation, good fire extinguishing effect, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
I think it's very necessary to have a fire extinguisher in the car, especially from a safety perspective. After driving for a long time, problems may occur with the engine, wiring, or fuel lines, potentially causing small fires. If there's a fire extinguisher in the car, you can quickly put out the initial fire source, preventing the fire from spreading and avoiding more serious explosions or vehicle fires. I remember last time on a long-distance trip, the hood of a car in front started smoking. Fortunately, someone helped by spraying it with a fire extinguisher a few times, resulting in only localized damage and no injuries. It's advisable to buy a small dry powder fire extinguisher and place it in a fixed position in the trunk for easy access. Also, regularly check the pressure gauge and expiration date, generally once a year. The cost is low but it safeguards lives, making it absolutely worth the investment.
From a regulatory perspective, it is reasonable to carry a fire extinguisher in a vehicle. Many regions have mandatory requirements for commercial vehicles, and while not compulsory for private cars, it is strongly recommended. Without one, disputes may arise during insurance claims for fire-related accidents, as insurers might reduce compensation citing negligence. In my experience handling vehicle repairs, I've seen several cases where minor accidents escalated into major disasters due to the absence of a fire extinguisher, resulting in significant losses for the owners. Choose the appropriate type, such as carbon dioxide extinguishers for rapid cooling or dry powder types for oil fires; avoid placing it near the driver's seat to prevent injury from sudden braking. Regularly check the instructions to ensure even beginners can operate it easily.
