Protect your Car with the Right Fire Extinguisher

Many people don’t realise that fire extinguishers are not only for homes or buildings. They are not only for businesses like stores, restaurants, and offices. They are also important for moving vehicles like cars, trucks and jeeps. Car owners and drivers should all be aware how dangerous car fires could be. Any minute it happens, a car fire can make your vehicle explode and endanger your life and those of the people you are with.

This is why, you need to protect your car with the right fire extinguisher. The word, “right” plays an important role in this statement because fire extinguishers come in various kinds. Some are intended to put out fires involving wood, clothing, and paper such as powder and water fire extinguishers. Some are suitable for flammable liquids like foam extinguishers. Some are designed for electrical fires and kitchen fires such as CO2 extinguishers and wet chemical extinguishers, respectively.

For your car, the best type of extinguisher to mount is the compact version of the powder fire extinguisher as this is designed to tackle Classes A, B, and C fires, which are most probable to happen inside a car. Class A fires involve paper, wood, and clothing, and since the car interior is covered with furnishing, this type of fire is possible to happen.

Class B involves flammable liquids while Class C originates from flammable gases. Since cars run on gas or diesel, this extinguisher would truly be of practical use. And while this extinguisher is not intended for electrical fires, using it near electrical equipment will not result in electrocution or damage to the equipment.

Using the car fire extinguisher is practically the same as operating a regular fire extinguisher. The first thing to do when you discover a fire inside your vehicle is to pull over and stop the engine. After you pull over, get the fire extinguisher, stay at a safe distance from the car, and then pull the safety pin. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames and squeeze the lever gently to release the extinguishing agent. After this, make a sweeping motion from side to side to extinguish the fire completely.

More Reminders on Car Fire Safety

• Prevent car fires by ensuring that your engine is in top working condition. Check fuel lines for signs of wear and tear. Bring the car to a service center if it is not in tiptop shape.
• Never try to fight the fire while the car is still running.
• For big and spreading fires, leave the car immediately, stay at a far distance and inform passers about the accident.
• Call the fire department and alert the firefighters about the situation.
• Never smoke inside the car.

Car fire protection is a crucial matter. Be sure to equip your vehicle with the right type of extinguisher that is manufactured according to BAFE standards. Look for a reputable online fire protection store that carries this kind of extinguisher so you can be assured of firefighting efficiency.

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