What Type of Fire Extinguisher Should a Car Be Equipped With?
2 Answers
It is better for a car to be equipped with a dry powder fire extinguisher or a water-based fire extinguisher. Below is an introduction to these two types of fire extinguishers: 1. Dry powder fire extinguishers extinguish fires quickly and are low-cost, but they are polluting and corrosive. The fire extinguishing mechanism of dry powder fire extinguishers is chemical inhibition, which interrupts the chain reaction of combustion. They have a high fire extinguishing level, comprehensive functionality, rapid extinguishing capabilities, electrical insulation properties, and good performance in low-temperature conditions. 2. Water-based fire extinguishers cannot extinguish Class D metal fires but can extinguish other types of flames. They are non-polluting, harmless to humans, and most effective in extinguishing Class B liquid fires, making them particularly suitable for engine and car fires. However, they are difficult to store and expensive.
Personally, I think the ABC dry powder type is the best choice for car fire extinguishers, specifically those green canisters weighing around 1 kilogram. These are quite practical—not only can they put out electrical fires in vehicles, but they can also handle situations like burning tires or interior materials. As seasoned drivers who are often on the road, we all know that small canisters are easy to store; you can simply wedge them under the seat. The key point is to check the pressure gauge—the small needle must be in the green zone to ensure it’s ready for use at any time. Additionally, it needs to be inspected every two years; don’t assume it will last seven or eight years just because you bought it. When placing one in the trunk, make sure it’s not blocked by other items—being able to access it quickly in an emergency is more important than how expensive the extinguisher itself is.
