Should a car be equipped with a fire extinguisher?

[DeJack]

For safety reasons, it is recommended to have one. Here are the relevant details: 1. According to the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles," vehicles should be equipped with a compliant triangular warning sign; medium-sized (and above) passenger vehicles and hazardous goods transport vehicles must carry a fire extinguisher and firefighting equipment within their validity period, securely installed and easily accessible. Violators will be warned or fined 20-200 yuan. 2. Currently, China has mandatory regulations for public transport vehicles such as buses, taxis, and hazardous material vehicles—which are either passenger-intensive or prone to fire—requiring drivers and relevant personnel to carry a fire extinguisher. There is no such strict regulation for private cars, but during annual inspections, a fire extinguisher must be present in the vehicle; otherwise, the inspection will not pass. For safety reasons, it is still advisable to have one.

[GageRose]

After driving for so many years, I truly believe keeping a fire extinguisher in the car is essential. Last summer during extreme heat, my neighbor's car nearly caught fire due to aging wiring—fortunately, he had a small extinguisher in the trunk to control it in time. While car fires aren't common, risks like engine overheating, oil leaks, or post-accident hazards are always present. A simple, portable car fire extinguisher, preferably one suitable for gasoline and electrical fires, costs just a few dozen bucks and should be placed within easy reach, like near the driver's seat. Regularly check its expiration date and pressure gauge every year or two. Don't underestimate it—this small device can prevent major losses or even save lives, especially during long trips or when driving older vehicles. Putting extra thought into safety is absolutely worth making this a habit.

[MacLaura]

With decades of driving experience, I've witnessed countless road accidents and always advise friends to keep a fire extinguisher handy. Once, during a highway traffic jam, the engine of the car in front started smoking, and the panicked owner was running around in circles. If they hadn't pulled out a fire extinguisher from their bag to put out the small fire, it could have been disastrous. Car fire extinguishers are affordable, compact, and can easily fit under the passenger seat—opt for an ABC-class one to handle common fire sources. Avoid storing it in the high-temperature depths of the trunk to prevent it from becoming ineffective. Using it is straightforward: just pull the safety pin and press the handle to spray. Although it's not mandatory for private vehicles to carry one, why not have peace of mind? Spending a little money for prevention is far better than regretting it later.

[LaHeidi]

From a cost-benefit perspective, I recommend keeping a fire extinguisher. A car-mounted one costs just a few dozen yuan, is compact in size, and won't take up space when placed in the door pocket. Do the math—if a fire occurs, the potential repair costs or greater losses make this investment extremely worthwhile. Choose a reputable brand to ensure quality with a validity period of about five years, and regular checks aren't troublesome. Prevention is better than cure; spending a small amount for great peace of mind is undeniably economical and practical.

[LaJameson]

I've discussed this in car enthusiast groups. In some regions, like for trucks, carrying a fire extinguisher is mandatory, but for private cars it's more voluntary. Still, I recommend keeping one - safety first. Car fire extinguishers are easy to find; when purchasing, choose the right model and store it by the driver's seat for quick access. They're simple to use, just be careful not to crush them or store in high temperatures. Just because it's voluntary doesn't mean it should be ignored - putting in a little effort can prevent potential disasters.

[DeMarley]

I often remind my family to keep a fire extinguisher in the car and teach them how to use it. In case of a fire, first stop the car and pull the handbrake, then quickly pull out the safety pin of the extinguisher, aim at the base of the fire, and press the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. Choose a small, car-specific fire extinguisher, and avoid cheap, inferior products. Store it in a cool, shaded place near the passenger seat, away from heat and light. Regularly check the pressure gauge to ensure it works properly, and replace it every four to five years. Prevention is key—develop good habits and prioritize safety.