Using a car fire extinguisher

What size of fire extinguisher suits a car? Weight determines the size of fire extinguishers; they are also categorised by the fire repellent they contain. There are many models on the market right now that are small and compact, ideal for a personal vehicle.
These 1 kg fire extinguishers are light enough to handle easily and small enough to fit into most cars unobtrusively.Commercial vehicles must carry a fire extinguisher; most often do not require a model weighing more than 2.3kg.

What type of fire extinguisher is best-suited for a car? Your vehicle presents several different fire hazards: oil, gas, electrical wires and upholstery. Your car fire extinguisher must be able to handle every possible mishap. Dry powder fire extinguishers are the best choice for a vehicle or boat.
The fire repellent inside is rated for use on any A, B and C or E class of fire. This means that a dry powder car fire extinguisher will fight fuel and electrical related fires, as well as common organic combustibles such as upholstery, paper, cloth and wood products that are integral to your vehicle.

General Properties of a Quality Car Fire Extinguisher
Shopping for a fire extinguisher to store in your vehicle for safety purposes can be overwhelming.

Here are some essential features to look for:

Light weight — under 1kg is ideal·

Compact shape — an elongated, cylinder shape is practical·

Durable body — preferably aluminium as that material is corrosion-free and light·

Ready filled — available for immediate use·

Easily serviced — can be filled and serviced by a regular fire services company·

Storage clip or mount included — an under-seat or trunk mount is convenient, and some have useful clips that hook unto other places in the vehicle·

Controlled discharge — should have a durable and controlled trigger·

Good warranty — to ensure you are protected from faulty manufacturing·

Certified to Local Fire Standards — always buy a fire extinguisher that has been labelled with local certification.

Service your car fire extinguisher in the same way that you would service your home extinguisher. It should be recharged or replaced after every use, even if it was not completely discharged at the time of operation. Regular maintenance includes a monthly inspection and an annual service that typically involves a recharge.

Other Elements of a Vehicle Fire Safety Kit
Besides a vehicle fire extinguisher, it is wise to have a fire blanket, maintenance tools, small pylons, and cold weather body protection in your safety kit. These items are meant to ensure a safe trip for all.
How to use a fire extinguisher

Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important in order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.
Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.

Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out.
Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish.
Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher — different fire extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances:

Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames! A typical fire extinguisher contains 10 seconds of extinguishing power. This could be less if it has already been partially discharged. Always read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher beforehand and become familiarised with its parts.
It is highly recommended by fire prevention experts that you get hands-on training before operating a fire extinguisher. Most local fire departments offer this

service. Once the fire is out don’t walk away! Watch the area for a few minutes in case it reignites.
Recharge the extinguisher immediately after use.