What are the fire extinguisher requirements for private vehicle annual inspections?
3 Answers
Here are the detailed requirements for fire extinguishers in private vehicle annual inspections: 1. Must not be expired: The fire extinguisher in the vehicle must not be expired. 2. Essential in-vehicle item: Carrying a fire extinguisher is for safety purposes, and the owner must learn how to use it to extinguish small fires in the car. If the engine compartment catches fire and the hood cannot be opened due to heat, the dry powder from the extinguisher can be sprayed through the gaps in the engine bay to control the fire and prevent it from spreading. 3. Regular inspection: The fire extinguisher's expiration date and pressure value should be checked regularly. If the pressure gauge needle is in the red zone, the extinguisher needs to be replaced.
The requirements for fire extinguishers in private vehicle annual inspections are quite particular. Having driven for many years and gone through several inspections, I always pay special attention to this. A dry powder extinguisher of 1 kilogram or larger is mandatory, with the ABC-type multi-purpose extinguisher recommended as it can handle oil and electrical fires. It should be securely placed in an easily accessible location in the car, such as the trunk, fastened with straps to prevent it from moving around. The extinguisher must be valid on the day of the inspection—if it's expired or missing, the inspector will reject it outright, forcing you to fix the issue and return for another inspection. The pressure gauge must show a green 'normal' status. I also regularly check for any physical damage and wipe off dust. This isn’t just for passing the inspection—it’s crucial for quickly tackling a fire in an emergency. My advice is to buy a new extinguisher, secure it properly, and not skimp on safety.
The fire extinguisher is a key inspection point for private vehicle annual inspections. I make it a habit to prepare in advance: the fire extinguisher must be a dry powder type with a capacity of 1 kg or more, and it should be a reputable ABC-class brand. It should be securely fixed in place, such as under the seat or in a corner of the trunk, to ensure it doesn't come loose during bumps. The expiration date label must be clearly visible, and it must be within the valid period on the day of the inspection, with the pressure gauge in the green zone. If it's not fixed properly or has expired, the inspection will fail, causing unnecessary trouble. Common issues include placing it in the glove compartment where it's too hidden or using the wrong type, both of which don't meet the requirements. Every time I service my car, I take a moment to check the pressure gauge to ensure it's in good condition. Safety should never be underestimated—having a functional fire extinguisher gives peace of mind on the road and helps avoid panic in emergencies. It's practical to buy one with a bracket for easy installation.
