Which is better for car fire extinguishers: dry powder or water-based?
2 Answers
For car fire extinguishers, it is recommended to use dry powder fire extinguishers, as they are more suitable for vehicles. Below is a brief introduction to dry powder and water-based fire extinguishers: 1. Dry powder fire extinguisher: It relies on the volatile decomposition products of inorganic salts in the dry powder to inhibit fire through chemical reactions. 2. Water-based fire extinguisher: It sprays the extinguishing agent to evaporate the heat from the fire scene, rapidly reducing the temperature of the fire scene and inhibiting thermal radiation. The surfactant quickly forms a water film on the surface of the combustible material, isolating oxygen and providing both cooling and isolation effects, while also participating in fire suppression, thereby achieving the goal of rapid fire extinguishing.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are more practical in cars, as vehicle fires are often caused by oil or electrical issues, such as engine compartment fires or short circuits. Dry powder is effective against Class B and Class C fire sources, offering strong versatility. Having driven many cars and witnessed fire scenes, I can say that although dry powder leaves white residue requiring cleanup, it can quickly suppress flames in critical moments. While water-based extinguishers are eco-friendly, easy to wipe, and don’t damage interiors, their effectiveness against oil or electrical fires is limited—especially with the rising popularity of lithium-ion battery vehicles, which pose higher risks. Therefore, I recommend choosing a dry powder fire extinguisher, securing it near the driver’s seat, and remembering to regularly check its expiration date and pressure. This ensures peace of mind and accident prevention on the road.
