What Type of Fire Extinguisher Should Be Used for Vehicle Fires?
2 Answers
For vehicle fires, it is recommended to use dry powder fire extinguishers and water-based fire extinguishers. Dry powder fire extinguishers are fast and effective, with a wide range of applications. Water-based fire extinguishers primarily contain RO purified water, featuring advantages such as no dust, anti-suffocation, excellent fire suppression effects, and being non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Vehicle-mounted fire extinguishers are specifically designed for car fires and include two main types: non-storage pressure suspension-type ultra-fine dry powder automatic fire suppression devices for vehicles, and miniature storage pressure suspension-type ultra-fine dry powder automatic fire suppression devices for vehicles. Currently, most fire extinguishers used for automotive fire protection are portable types. The main types of vehicle-mounted fire extinguishers available on the market include dry powder fire extinguishers, ultra-fine dry powder fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, and water-based fire extinguishers.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, I must emphasize that a dry powder fire extinguisher should be your first choice in case of a vehicle fire, as it's essential for tackling fuel or electrical fires. ABC-class dry powder is particularly versatile, capable of handling oil fires, solid material fires, and even electrical fires. Never use water to extinguish a fire, as it can intensify gasoline flames. It's best to keep a 1-2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher in your car, placed under the driver's seat or in a corner of the trunk for easy access. Regularly check the expiration date to ensure it's still effective. When using it, aim at the base of the fire and spray evenly, maintaining a safe distance of at least one meter. If the fire is small and controllable, give it a try, but if the flames grow or smoke becomes thick, retreat immediately and call emergency services at 112—your safety comes first. For prevention, pay close attention to oil leaks or aging wiring in your vehicle, as reducing fire risks is more important than anything else.
