What is the required weight for a car fire extinguisher?
2 Answers
For ordinary cars, the recommended on-board fire extinguishers are the 1kg dry powder extinguisher and the 1L water-based extinguisher. The detailed analysis is as follows: 1. Introduction: On-board fire extinguishers are specifically designed for car fires and include two main types: non-storage pressure suspension ultra-fine dry powder automatic fire extinguishing devices for vehicles and storage pressure suspension ultra-fine dry powder automatic fire extinguishing devices for mini vehicles. Currently, most car fire extinguishers are portable. The main types of on-board fire extinguishers on the market are: dry powder extinguishers, ultra-fine dry powder extinguishers, carbon dioxide extinguishers, and water-based extinguishers. 2. Car spontaneous combustion: In recent years, reports of car spontaneous combustion have been common. Every year, dozens of car fires occur in medium-sized and larger cities, with even more occurring on highways. Over 80% of car fires result in the vehicle being scrapped or even causing fatalities. The best way to prevent car fires is to install an on-board automatic fire extinguishing device. 3. Type introduction: Dry powder extinguishers work through chemical suppression, interrupting the chain reaction of combustion. They have a high fire extinguishing level, comprehensive functions, and quick extinguishing capabilities, along with electrical insulation properties and good low-temperature performance, making them 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 their price advantage, most vehicles are now equipped with portable storage pressure dry powder extinguishers. 4. Usage method: The usage methods for the two types of extinguishers mentioned above are the same. Bring the extinguisher near the fire site, stand on the upwind side, 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 flame, and sweep.
With over two decades of long-distance driving experience, I have particular expertise in fire extinguishers. The mainstream recommendation in the market today is dry powder or water-based extinguishers weighing 1kg or more—this size strikes the best balance. Lighter ones lack sufficient firefighting capacity, while heavier ones take up too much space and affect the vehicle’s center of gravity. I keep a 1.5kg dry powder extinguisher securely mounted under the driver’s seat, and during inspections, I always check that the pressure gauge needle stays in the green zone. I recommend buying models with 3C certification and avoiding cheap, no-name brands. During car washes, I routinely wipe the canister to prevent corrosion. Before hitting the highway, I give it a couple of shakes to prevent powder clumping, which could hinder performance.
