Car fires are a common occurrence and every motorist needs the best fire extinguisher to keep themselves and their belongings safe.
Serious fires occur out of varying causes. A short circuit, leaking fluid, or an accident on the road are just some of them. To keep yourself protected always have a working fire extinguisher visibly mounted within the car.
To help you with your purchase, we have reviewed the best fire extinguishers you can get at an affordable price.
Best In Car Fire Extinguisher-Top Picks
These fire extinguishers will give you the best value. When it comes to your safety inside the car.
1) First Alert Car Fire Extinguisher Auto 5
This is a 5-B: C rated fire extinguisher good for flammable liquid and electrical fires. It stands out for its ability to offer a rather decent, capacity weighing just 1.6 lbs.
It features durable construction with a solid metal head a pull pin and a safety seal. It’s easy to use and includes a heavy-duty mounting bracket for convenient placement.
Features
- Dimensions: (lxwxh): 2.6 x 2.6 x 9.6 in.
- Weighs 1.6 lbs.
- Rated 5-B: C
| What we like | What we dislike |
|---|---|
| * Comes with well-written use instructions * Can fit in many storage areas within the car * Solid for everyday use. | * Small capacity for bigger fires |
2) First Alert EZ Fire AF400 Spray, Extinguishing Aerosol Spray
This formulation puts out fires from paper, fabric, wood, grease, and electrical fires. Its a cost effective and compact alternative that you can fit into any sized car.
One unique feature of this extinguisher is that, its formula is biodegradable, non toxic and wipes clean upon application.
Features
- Patent easy to use spray nozzle
- Biodegradable
- weighs 22 oz.
- Dimensions: LxWxH 2.6 x 2.6 x 9.37 inches
- 3-year limited warranty
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| * Lightweight and compact * Biodegradable * Affordable price * Easy to use | * Doesn’t look like a fire extinguisher |
3) Kidde FA110 1A10BC Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher
A popular alternative for good reasons. This fire extinguisher fights Class A, B, and C fires. Is easy to use, and comes with a 6-year limited warranty.
On the head of this fire extinguisher, there is an easy-to-read gauge that tells you when the fire extinguisher is charged and ready to use.
Features
- Pressure gauge
- Nylon handle
- Weighs 2.5 lbs.
- 1A: 10BC rating
| What we like | What we dislike |
|---|---|
| * Pressure gauge lets you know when it’s low on pressure * 6-year warranty * Rust and impact resistance * Handles all classes of fire | * Doesn’t include a mounting bracket |
4) First Alert Garage10 FE10GR Extinguisher
A slightly bigger alternative that offers more discharge time. What’s more, it can be refilled by a certified professional. The rating for this extinguisher is class 10-B: C making it suitable for fighting flammable liquid and electrical fires.
A safety seal is present on this extinguisher to prevent accidental discharge and tampering. And make sure the extinguisher is always available for use.
Features
- Durable metal head
- Weighs 5.2 lbs.
- Rated 10-B: C
- Dimensions: (lxwxh): 4.5 x 3.2 x 14.1 in.
| What we like | What we dislike |
|---|---|
| * Comes at a value price * It is rechargeable * Rated in both B and C classes which are common in cars | * The metal bracket provided is good for a smaller weight |
5) StaySafe 5-in-1 Extinguisher
This fire extinguisher is suitable for someone looking for the most compact alternative. It’s the easiest to store inside the car, boat, or when camping. The paltry 0.7 lbs. are mainly because the canister is made of recyclable plastic used in place of metal.
It is rated to tackle 5 different types of fire; electrical, cooking oil, textiles, gasoline, and paper.
Key features
- Non-toxic
- Weighs 0.7 lbs.
| What we like | What we dislike |
|---|---|
| * Very compact * Quick to deploy * Environmentally friendly | * Suitable only for small fires |
6) Amerex Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – B417T
This fire extinguisher utilizes a mono ammonium phosphate dry chemical. To put out classes A, B, and C fires effectively. It includes; a pressure gauge, all metal valves, and wall metal brackets for proper installation when installed at home.
It can be conveniently used in a car with its modest dimensions and medium size of 2.5lbs.
Features
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 5.75 x 15.5 inches
- Capacity 2.5 lbs. weighs 5.5 lbs.
- ABC dry chemical
- 10 sec discharge time
| What we like | What we dislike |
|---|---|
| * Decent capacity * Pressure gauge * Solid all metal valves * Comes with a metal bracket for wall installation | * The overall 5.5 lbs. are too weighty for some. |
Best In-car Fire Extinguisher- Buyer’s Guide
These are some of the things important to consider when shopping for an in-car fire extinguisher.
1. Weight
We have 3 sizes of fire extinguishers available. 2.5lbs. 5lbs. and 10lbs.
- 2.5lbs.- most ideal for installing into your car because it’s compact and has small dimensions. The downside to it is the small discharge time.
- 5lbs.-can be installed in a bigger car or a truck. It provides a balance between big dimensions and a longer discharge time for even bigger fires
- 10lbs.– Because of their large size and dimensions. They are good for use at home and in the car garage. This size of fire extinguisher however would be hefty for use in a car.
2. UL Certification
UL is an acronym for underwriter’s laboratory. It’s a benchmark used by the government to access the suitability of different fire extinguishers. Classified in form of classes.
The most common classes are AB and C.
* Class A
These are fire extinguishers meant to take care of everyday combustibles such as; paper, plastic, and wood. This type of fire extinguisher would be useful in cases of fire in the car upholstery.
However, it would be less useful in your car if the source of the fire was an ignitable liquid like fuel.
* Class B
This class contains fire extinguishers meant to take care of fires, originating from flammable liquids such as; gasoline, oil, and turpentine. It’s the most useful fire extinguisher in a car. Because most fires are started by fuel and oil present in the car.
* Class C
Deals with electrical fires which is another common type of fire in a car. An electrical fire may originate from the battery and its wired components. Not only does this type of extinguisher put out a fire but it prevents the transmission of electrical current.
Also, note that fire extinguishers can be rated in 2 or 3 classes. These are the most useful for all types of fire.
How To prevent Car Fires
- Service your car regularly-regular check-ups will help identify potential hazard areas and deal with them beforehand.
- Use approved parts-When modifying the car as most people do. Make sure the parts interact well with the OEMs. To prevent mishaps that would result in a fire.
- Avoid parking on tall dry grass-dry grass is good kindling for any fire. When the car is parked on dry tall grass, on a hot day. The underside may heat up igniting the grass in contact with it.
- Transport gasoline safely-transporting gasoline in a haphazard manner will cause it to ignite inside the car. If you frequently transport gasoline, consider using specially built gas cans for safe transportation.
In-car Fire Extinguisher-FAQs
Q:How often should fire extinguisher inspections take place?
A monthly visual inspection of the fire extinguisher, by the motorist, will provide assurance that the extinguisher is in good working condition. And will be able to put out a fire.
During an inspection, remember to gently shake the extinguisher. To prevent the inside components from compacting.
As per most regulations, annual maintenance should be carried out by a competent person. Mostly an officer from your local fire safety company
Final Verdict
Use the guide provided to decide on the best fire extinguisher to get in your car. The list we have provided will give you the best value at the most affordable price.
Check out how to use a Jump starter another safety item you should include in your car.