What is the best location to place a car fire extinguisher?
2 Answers
Car fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible locations such as beside the driver's seat, in the center console, or in the glove compartment of the passenger seat. The purpose is to quickly grab the extinguisher in case of a fire, as every second counts during fire suppression. If the extinguisher is placed in the trunk, the response time will be significantly delayed. Although the car fire extinguisher should be within easy reach, it is strictly prohibited to place it directly on the dashboard. This is because the extinguisher can roll freely, and if it falls off the dashboard while driving and rolls onto the accelerator or brake pedal, the situation can become extremely dangerous. The car fire extinguisher must be securely fixed to prevent it from rolling around inside the vehicle. Types of fire extinguishers and their usage: Currently, portable fire extinguishers are commonly used for automotive fire protection. The main types of car fire extinguishers available on the market include dry powder extinguishers, ultra-fine dry powder extinguishers, carbon dioxide extinguishers, and water-based extinguishers. To use the extinguisher, carry it to a spot near the fire, stand upwind, pull out the safety pin, hold the nozzle with one hand and the handle with the other, aim the nozzle at the base of the flames, and sweep from side to side.
I often drive long distances, so the location of the car fire extinguisher is very important to me. I usually fix it in the pocket of the driver's side door or under the seat. This way, if the engine catches fire or there's an unexpected blaze, I can grab it and spray immediately, saving the time of rummaging through the trunk. Never place it near the engine hood or on the dashboard exposed to direct sunlight, as high temperatures can cause the materials inside the extinguisher to degrade and fail. I secure it in the car with Velcro straps to prevent it from rolling around and causing injury due to vehicle vibrations. Every time I wash the car or during maintenance, I take the opportunity to check the extinguisher's pressure gauge and expiration date. Having it in the right place is a safety guarantee—after all, safety comes first!
