Where should a car fire extinguisher be placed?
3 Answers
Car fire extinguishers should be placed under the seat, and can also be placed in: 1. the glove compartment inside the car; 2. beside the seat; 3. the trunk. The storage environment temperature for car fire extinguishers should be within the range of -10 degrees to 45 degrees Celsius, and the place where the fire extinguisher is placed should be kept dry and ventilated to prevent the fire extinguisher from getting damp and corroding. It is recommended to replace car fire extinguishers once a year, as the powder inside a dry powder fire extinguisher may explode if it expires. Car fire extinguishers are specifically designed for car fires and include two main types: non-pressure storage hanging ultra-fine dry powder automatic fire extinguishing devices for vehicles and miniature pressure storage hanging ultra-fine dry powder automatic fire extinguishing devices for vehicles.
I think car fire extinguishers are best mounted next to the driver's seat or by the door, so you can grab them immediately in case of an engine or interior fire. I've seen some accidents where the extinguisher was buried deep in the trunk and couldn't be retrieved in time during an emergency, wasting precious moments. Nowadays, I strongly recommend using dedicated brackets to install them under the seat or in the center console area, ensuring they don't obstruct driving operations. Also, don't forget to check the type of extinguisher—dry powder is most common—and regularly inspect its expiration date and pressure. Avoid exposing it to high temperatures or moisture to prevent failure. For safety, prioritize quick and easy access when choosing a location, and don't just stash it in the glove box for convenience. By the way, practicing the retrieval motion a few times can also be helpful to improve reaction speed.
I've been driving for many years and always keep the fire extinguisher in the storage pouch under the front seat or next to the floor mat, so it's within easy reach without having to get up. If it's in the trunk, you have to stop and open the box to get it, which is too much hassle, especially on the highway or in an emergency. Choose a small car-sized one and secure it with Velcro to prevent it from moving around; it's simple to operate. I also pay attention to maintenance, such as checking the pressure gauge every six months and cleaning the nozzle to prevent clogging. Legally, some places require a fire extinguisher in the car, and it just needs to be placed in an easily accessible location. Overall, the choice of location directly affects efficiency, and keeping it as close to the driver as possible is the most reliable.
