Where should the fire extinguisher be placed in a car?
4 Answers
Fire extinguishers should be placed near the driver's seat in a position that is easy to access, such as under the driver's or passenger's seat. The fire extinguisher should not be placed in the trunk, as fighting a fire requires quick action. If the fire extinguisher is placed in the trunk, the rescue time will be significantly delayed. The continuous spraying time of a car fire extinguisher after activation is only 10 seconds, and it can only be used to extinguish small fires or control the fire. When smoke starts coming from the engine compartment, it indicates a small fire. In this case, quickly open the vehicle's hood and use the car fire extinguisher to put it out. If the fire is large, it is recommended to pull over and stay away from the fire source to avoid endangering life safety due to an explosion.
In the car, I usually place the fire extinguisher under the driver's seat because it's the most accessible, especially for quick response in emergencies. I've tried the trunk or door storage compartments before, but the trunk can be hard to open if deformed in a collision, and the door location might be blocked by clutter. Safety comes first, so I regularly check the fire extinguisher's expiration date and ensure its pressure is normal. Vehicle design also affects placement—like in SUVs, a dedicated slot in the trunk can be a good choice. Remember not to place it near high-temperature areas like the engine bay to avoid failure. It's also important to teach family members its location—it can save lives.
I find placing a fire extinguisher under the front passenger seat or in the center console armrest quite practical. These locations allow for easy access without wasting time. Vehicle models vary greatly in placement options – for example, my compact car has limited space, so I keep a pocket-sized extinguisher beside the seat. Some countries' regulations emphasize it must be within reach, so don't store it too deep. I prefer buying compact extinguishers and securing them properly to prevent rolling or impact while driving. Occasionally check for leaks or expiration dates. The key is balancing convenience and safety when choosing the location.
When driving with my family, I place the fire extinguisher under the rear seat but ensure it's out of reach for children. It's secured with Velcro to prevent movement during collisions. Safety considerations include quick access in case of fire while preventing kids from treating it as a toy. Space constraints affect placement—in compact cars, the small compartment in the trunk is also a good option. I regularly teach my children emergency knowledge and check the fire extinguisher's condition to ensure reliability. The placement decision contributes to the whole family's peace of mind during travel.
