Where is the Best Place to Put a Car Fire Extinguisher?
3 Answers
Fire extinguishers can be placed in the following locations: Location 1: The car fire extinguisher can be directly fixed under the driver's seat, which is also the most advantageous position, allowing for quick retrieval and use in case of a vehicle fire; Location 2: Under the passenger seat, this position is essentially equivalent to Location 1, just slightly less convenient when retrieving; Location 3: Inside the glove compartment in front of the passenger seat, this location has certain limitations and is suitable for some more compact and miniature fire extinguishers. Types of fire extinguishers: Dry powder fire extinguisher; Foam fire extinguisher; Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher; Water fire extinguisher; Simple test fire extinguisher.
After driving for over a decade and experiencing several minor accidents, I've found that the best location for a fire extinguisher is either under the driver's seat or secured with a bracket beside the seat. Why? Because in an emergency, you can reach it instantly with lightning speed. If you store it in the trunk, and the front of the car catches fire, those few seconds spent running back could allow the fire to grow. Additionally, the placement must be stable to prevent it from moving due to vehicle vibrations—using a dedicated mounting bracket or wedging it into a tool compartment gap works well. Remember to choose a dry powder extinguisher, ensure it hasn't expired, and check the pressure gauge annually. Balancing safety and convenience, keeping it near the cockpit is the golden rule.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long trips, keeping a fire extinguisher in the trunk has its advantages. The trunk offers ample space, so storing a fire extinguisher there doesn't get in the way, and it avoids exposure to high temperatures in the cabin or being tampered with by children. I installed a small bracket to secure it, preventing it from sliding during sudden braking. However, quick access is crucial, so the trunk door should be designed for easy opening, and it's best not to block it with heavy clutter. Make it a habit to check that it hasn't shifted after emergency braking and regularly inspect the expiration date to ensure it's still valid. By the way, choosing an ABC-class fire extinguisher is more effective for handling various types of vehicle fires.
