fire extinguisher

[arcturus]

When we talk about non powder do we mean Co2? I would like to replace my extinguishers with one that doesn't cause corrosion.

[Faust]

Powder extinguishers in a car are not the best idea: the powder can ‘settle’ (i.e. form a clump in the extinguisher) during transit and won’t be much good should you ever need to use it. And yes, the powder can cause horrible corrosion if it’s ever used. There is a school of thought that says it’s better to let your car burn out and claim off the insurance rather than deal with all the issues powder extinguishers can cause!

Co2: OK but of limited use in a car as you’d need a big one (as in 5 litres plus) to do much good. As you’re likely to be using it outside, the wind can affect them. They can also be of limited use on a liquid (petrol) fire.

I carry a 1 litre AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) extinguisher in my car – it’s secured to the front passenger seat base using Velcro straps so I can get to it quickly should I ever need to. It’s not really big enough to knock down a raging inferno, but it should be sufficient to put out a burning carb, for example.

Of course the best advice is to leave fires to the professionals. Pull over, pop your bonnet/hood to give the fire service access to your engine bay and get the hell away from your car.

We all love and are passionate about our cars… but they can be replaced. You can’t.