Car fires are more common than many people realise, making it crucial to be prepared. Whether you drive a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle or an electric vehicle (EV), having the right type of fire extinguisher in your car can be the difference between a small incident and a dangerous situation.

Risks of Fire in Cars

Car fires can start for several reasons:

Fuel leaks: Petrol and diesel are highly flammable, and leaks can ignite.
Electrical faults: Short circuits and faulty wiring can spark a fire.
Overheating: Engine overheating can lead to combustion, especially in older vehicles.
Lithium-ion batteries: In electric vehicles, overheating or damage to lithium-ion batteries can lead to thermal runaway, a dangerous condition where the battery heats up uncontrollably and catches fire.

What to Do if your car catches Fire

Pull over immediately: Turn off the engine and exit the vehicle safely.
Call emergency services: Before attempting to put out the fire, make sure help is on the way.
Use a fire extinguisher: Only use it if the fire is small and manageable. Always aim at the base of the flames and ensure you’re standing at a safe distance.

The Best Type of Fire Extinguisher for Your Car

Whilst there is no requirement in Ireland for private cars to carry fire extinguishers, some of our European counterparts including Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Denmark recommend that every car carry at least one extinguisher.

When choosing a fire extinguisher for your car, the ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher is generally recommended. Here’s why:

The ABC Dry Powder extinguisher is versatile and safe for use on all types of fires, including electrical and flammable liquids. It’s not prone to freezing, making it ideal for all weather conditions, including winter.

Lithium-ion battery fires in EVs whilst rare, do pose a unique challenge. In the event of a Lithium – Ion battery fire, we do not recommend that you attempt to fight it. Lithium – Ion fires can be extremely difficult to control with the batteries also prone to explosion. Whilst there are some Lithium – Ion Fire Extinguishers available on the Irish market, they have yet to be approved by Irish Standards. Our current advice is to evacuate the car, remain at a safe distance and let emergency services handle it

What Size Extinguisher Should I Keep in My Car?

We recommend a minimum of a 2kg ABC Dry Powder extinguisher for your car: Here’s why:

2 Kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher: Provides about 10 seconds of discharge time, giving you time to tackle a small fire.
3 Kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher: Our 3 Kg ABC units come fitted with a transport bracket as standard and give you more discharge time to tackle the blaze.

Keep in mind the size of your vehicle and where you’ll store the extinguisher. A larger car might benefit from the longer discharge time of a 3 Kg extinguisher.

Where to Store Your Fire Extinguisher in the Car

Although it may seem convenient to store it in the boot, it’s crucial to have your fire extinguisher within easy reach. The best place is typically under the driver’s seat or the front passenger seat. Make sure it’s securely mounted to avoid accidental discharge.

Caring for Your In-Car Fire Extinguisher

We recommend that your fire extinguisher is inspected annually by a professional. However, here are a few basic checks you can do yourself:

Ensure the safety pins and seals are intact.
Check for any signs of damage, rust, or leakage.
Confirm the pressure gauge is in the green zone.
Inspect the nozzle to ensure it’s free from blockages.
The powder contained in ABC Dry Powder Extinguishers can clump over time, so it’s a good idea to gently shake the extinguisher every six months to prevent this.

Having a fire extinguisher in your car is a smart, potentially life-saving decision. Whether you’re driving a conventional car or an electric vehicle, opting for an ABC Dry Powder extinguisher will cover the widest range of fire types. Be sure to choose the right size, store it securely, and regularly maintain it to ensure it’s ready to use in an emergency

REMEMBER: Only tackle a fire if safe to do so. Never put yourself or others in danger.

Be Smart. Be Prepared. Be Safe.