Car fires are not a very common affair, though they can indeed be nasty. Always bringing the potential for something worse or even injury down a peg comes with the readied fire extinguisher for your car. This blog will explain the importance of having a fire extinguisher in car. The car fire extinguisher marketed is growing at a strong rate of 4.9%.
Is it safe to put a fire extinguisher in Car
Absolutely! And it is more than that; it is highly advisable for a safety precaution. Experts, organizations, and several persons advise car owners to place an extinguisher. But why?
- Prompt Answer:
- With a car fire extinguisher, you would right away respond to a little fire that can turn large in front of your own eyes.
- Ease of Mind:
- Having a fire extinguisher nearby somewhat provides ease of mind, particularly on long trips on roads and while driving in areas known for wildfires.
- Life-Saving Capability:
- During an instance of thinking of getting stuck in one’s automobile, the fire extinguisher can turn out to be a question of life or death.
- Car Safety:
- When a fire erupts, you’ll find that an extinguisher can assist in preventing completely burning down your car. With that, you’re less likely to incur hundreds in repairing and replacing.
Having an extinguisher in your car places you in a better position to take care of your safety, as you will be protecting your investment – your car. However, it’s important to ensure proper maintenance of the fire extinguisher to avoid risks like fire extinguisher explosion due to damage or improper handling. Regular checks can prevent such hazards and ensure your extinguisher is ready to use when needed.
Why You Must Keep An Extinguisher in Your Car
However rare a car fire might be, it can quickly turn out to be something disastrous in just a matter of seconds. It is that little difference that makes the accident small rather than big which lies between such an incident and disaster; a fire extinguisher in your car may just make that difference. Most cars can load a maximum of 2.5 lb. fire extinguisher.
Here’s why you should have it in your car:
- Reactive Response:
- You would have made use of that precious tiny window of applying a fire extinguisher where what could have otherwise developed to turn into small controllable fires before they spread.
- Preventive Response:
- But if it were curbed at the nascent stage of breakout, then you would have been in an ideal position to save it from severely damaging your car and probably even extricating yourself from further possible damage.
Peace of Mind
- It gives you a lot of confidence that you are travelling in your car with a fire extinguisher and also leaves you much relieved for a long drive or long isolated stretch.
- Emergency preparedness: The preparedness can reduce the stress that the unexpected small engine may produce or a post-crash fire.
Potential Life-Saving
- Emergency Escape: In the worst-case scenario, a fire extinguisher will open up an escape way from your vehicle and enable you to get out safely within precious seconds.
- Save Yourselves and Others: With the quick smothering of a fire, it saves you, your passengers, and possibly other drivers from being hurt.
Property Protection
- Limit Losses: A fire equipment maintenance can limit the losses to your car such that you are saved from getting it repaired.
- Protection of Valuables: Regulation of fire will be able to conserve valuables inside your car in case of things like personal stuff and valuable documents.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher in Car Emergencies
Remember PASS when using a fire extinguisher for emergencies:
- Pull:
- You should pull up the locked-up safety pin
- Aim:
- Aim the nozzle downwards on the bottom part of the fire
- Squeeze:
- Squeeze on the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent
- Sweep:
- Sweep the nozzle this way and that to throw it over the whole fire area
How To Choose a Fire Extinguisher for Your Car
If you would want to use the car fire extinguisher look into the following,
- Portable:
- The smallest should be opted for while considering the cars.
- Type:
- The general, ordinary combustible fires, flammable liquid, electrical equipment, or a combination of fires would best be dealt with using the dry chemical extinguisher.
Benefits of Having a Fire Extinguisher in Your Car
- Quick Response:
- A fire extinguisher, as above, can make for a quick response to a small fire.
- Property Safety:
- Saves you much damage to your property. It saves you from the cost of major repairs and replacements, especially when the fire will damage your property.
- Low-Cost Insurance:
- Most companies that offer insurance to car owners give rebates to drivers who have a fire extinguisher in their car.
- Peace of Mind:
- You will have extreme peace of mind knowing you are well-protected against any event, such as a car fire.
Common Car Fires Causes
Even though one thousand and one things could have a car catch on, the most frequent ones, though, are as given below:
- Electrical Short Circuits: Poor or defective wiring or other electric components may cause a vehicle engine to catch on.
- Fuel Leaks: The dripping fuel touches any heat source and can rapidly ignite the fuel.
- Overheated Engines: An overheated engine also causes engine fire, which is mostly common in old vehicles.
- Accidents: Collisions or accidents may damage the fuel line or electrical systems increasing the chances of fire.
More Safety Information
- Car maintenance: This would be a leakage test, possibly due to fuel or electric-related issues may undoubtedly reduce the chances of having a fire to a considerable extent.
- Never smoke inside your car. The other reason the statistics are so high in cases of accidental fires is that people smoke inside their cars. Smoking in general is, however, mainly due to careless disposal of butts.
- Load goods properly: Do not overstuff your car since that heightens the risk of having an accident and worse yet a fire
Protect Your Car from Accidental Vehicle Fires Today!
This will save you from tremendous damage and casualties due to a fire that is about to occur in your car by having a car fire extinguisher inside your vehicle, with the idea of using the extinguisher appropriately. Never forget that such a minor investment in purchasing the car fire extinguisher can save your car as well as your life. Additionally, fire extinguishers must be routinely maintained to ensure they are in working condition when needed. Regular checks for pressure levels, damage, or expiration ensure that your extinguisher will function properly during an emergency.
FAQs
1. Can I use a home fire extinguisher in Car?
Of course you can use the house fire extinguisher in the car but an ideal most convenient one will be the small fire extinguisher. It should fit inside the car.
2. How often should I replace a car fire extinguisher?
An annual auto car fire extinguisher check is due. It is expected that one should be replaced after five years. See manufacturer for details or consider fire equipment maintenance.
3. Where should I store a fire extinguisher in my car?
The fire extinguisher ought to be installed in an accessible location. It should be either in the trunk or behind the seats. Ensure that it does not block any position or gets damaged.
4. What type of fire extinguisher is best for my car?
A dry chemical extinguisher is probably a good extinguisher for most car fires. However, the extinguisher must be rated correctly to meet the given requirement. For local information, call a local fire safety professional or the manufacturer of the vehicle for a recommendation.
5. Do electric vehicles (EVs) need a special type of fire extinguisher?
A type of fire extinguisher is needed to deal with lithium-ion battery fires. These contain a particular chemical agent to suppress the fire. Therefore, having the proper extinguisher for your electric car is very crucial for it to be effective when fighting against a battery fire.
Also Read: How Do Fire Extinguishers Work in Fire?