Just like the fire extinguisher in your kitchen or office, a car fire extinguisher plays a crucial role in ensuring safety. It is an essential tool for any vehicle as it can be used during emergencies involving a fire. Having a fire extinguisher in your car can be a lifesaver in case of a dangerous fire situation.
A car fire extinguisher is usually a compact version of the same ABE Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguisher that you can find in many offices and stores. This is because the powder is a multi-purpose extinguishing agent that can put out three classes of fire, namely, Class A, B, and E fires. Class A are those that involve burning wood, paper, or cloth. Because the car has cloth furnishing, it has to have an extinguisher that can combat this kind of fire. Class B, meanwhile, is those that originated from flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel and oils. Since the car operates on fuel, this would also be a viable tool for extinguishing fuel fires. The great thing about this is that this extinguisher is safe to use around electrical equipment.
What fire extinguisher is best for a car?
The best fire extinguisher for a car is a dry chemical fire extinguisher with an ABE rating. It can quickly extinguish fires caused by flammable liquids, electrical systems, and combustibles such as paper or wood. It's essential to choose a compact and portable fire extinguisher that can be securely mounted in the car to ensure easy access in case of an emergency. Ensure the extinguisher has a gauge to check its pressure and is regularly maintained and serviced.
What size of fire extinguisher is best for a car?
It depends on the size of the car and the potential fire hazard. A 1kg fire extinguisher may be enough for a small car, but for larger vehicles or if you often travel through areas with high fire hazards, a larger capacity extinguisher may be needed. It is always better to have a fire extinguisher in the car and to regularly check and maintain it.
How to Use a Car Fire Extinguisher?
If you discover a fire inside the car, you need to pull over as fast as possible. Do not attempt to put out the fire while the car is still running. After you pull over, get the extinguisher and pull the safety pin. Next, you have to aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, NOT at the flames. You need to direct the extinguishing agent at the base because pointing it at the flames will only put out the fire temporarily. Squeeze the lever gently and make a sweeping motion from side to side to extinguish the flames completely. Do this until you can be sure that the fire has gone out. Also, do not attempt to put out the fire if it is already large and spreading. Leave the car immediately and call up the fire brigade.
Buying Car Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers should also be comply with Australian Standards. Also, consider the size of the car when buying an extinguisher. For instance, large cars, vans, and trucks would be better off with a 2kg powder fire extinguisher.
Just like other types such as water fire extinguishers, car fire extinguishers are the first line of protection against fire outbreaks. This device is effective for putting out various kinds of fires such as those that fall under the categories of Class A, B, and E fires. Make sure you do not leave home without this powerful firefighting tool.
Where to Place the Car Fire Extinguisher?
In case of a fire accident, the fire extinguisher ought to be freely available for use. An extinguisher should be mounted where one can reach in case of an accident. The best extinguisher is one that comes with a bracket for mounting.
The ABE Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguisher is high quality and easy to use. This fire extinguisher is an essential item for your vehicle, car, truck, ute, caravan, home or garage.
Our Vehicle Fire Extinguishers are compliant with Australian Standard AS 1841 and available in 1kg DCP, 1.5kg ABE, 2.0kg DCP, 2.5kg DCP, 4.5kg or 9kg models, and come with a quality vehicle bracket for easy installation.
