Will a Fire Extinguisher Explode in a Car?
3 Answers
Fire extinguishers generally do not explode in a car. The specific requirements for storing a vehicle fire extinguisher are as follows: 1. Storage environment: Vehicle fire extinguishers are mostly dry powder extinguishers, and the storage temperature for such extinguishers is within the range of -20°C to 55°C, so under normal circumstances, they will not explode. However, it should be noted that excessively high temperatures can cause some parts of the extinguisher to age, which can easily lead to leakage. Therefore, the storage location should avoid direct sunlight and be kept in a cool place. 2. Storage position: Store it in a readily accessible location, as this allows for quick access to the extinguisher in case of a car fire. Vehicle fire extinguishers are usually quite small, so they can be placed directly in the glove compartment or the passenger-side luggage compartment, or even under the seat. However, they should not be placed in the trunk, as in the event of a rear-end collision or a fire causing electrical failure, retrieving the extinguisher from the trunk can be very difficult.
Car fire extinguishers generally do not explode under normal circumstances. These products undergo strict quality inspections before leaving the factory and can withstand certain high-temperature impacts. However, if you park your car under direct sunlight in summer, the trunk temperature may soar to 70-80°C! If you buy cheap, no-name products with substandard cylinder materials, there could indeed be safety risks. I always keep an ABC dry powder fire extinguisher with a pressure gauge in my car and check the needle every month. Just like tires, although it sits quietly in a corner, it can be life-saving in critical moments. Storage location also matters—don’t toss it under the rear seats or on the dashboard, as it could turn into a projectile during a rear-end collision. The safest place is secured in the side recess of the trunk.
Honestly, substandard fire extinguishers can really explode! Last year, it happened in the underground garage of our neighborhood. The car owner tried to save money by buying a 10-yuan extinguisher online, with an aluminum alloy cylinder as thin as a soda can. During a scorching July noon, the car interior temperature soared to 65°C, and suddenly—BANG!—the trunk lid was deformed by the blast. Always choose extinguishers with 3C-certified steel cylinders and pressure relief valves. At my auto repair shop, I've seen too many aged car extinguishers with pressure gauge needles stuck in the red zone still being used. Replace them every three years—expired pressure vessels are more dangerous than firecrackers. Park in the shade whenever possible, or at least wrap the extinguisher in a silver reflective cover.
