quote:

Originally posted by markand:
I carry 3 extinguishers and have put out 5 (well, 4 1/2) car fires, none of which were my own car, thankfully. One fire did eventually consume the vehicle, but I was able to knock it down enough to extract the driver before he burned to a cinder.

Be wary of Halon. It can knock down a fire in an engine compartment, for a few seconds, but won't prevent it from reigniting almost immediately. Halon is heavier than air and works by starving the fire of oxygen. Used in an open area, like an engine compartment, the Halon will sink to the ground and dissipate. For some fires dry chemical is more effective, despite the clean up difficulties.

I am just starting to research, but I was wondering about that. Apparently there is a ban on halon, so newer "clean" extinguishers are CO2 or something else, but with the same idea. I was wondering about the effectiveness. Also, I've noticed that the "clean" extinguishers are UL rated for BC, but not A. I don't know how much this matters. And lastly, I'm wondering about storage in a vehicle, as the temperature limits would likely be surpassed down here in the summer.

I'll be talking to a fireman friend soon and I'll report back any relevant info.

quote:

And lastly, I'm wondering about storage in a vehicle, as the temperature limits would likely be surpassed down here in the summer.

Shouldn't be a problem with dry extinguishers. It's just powder and nitrogen.

Yup, one small one in my door.and a 2.5lb mounted on the b pillar.

I have 4 decent sized ones in the house, 2 on main level and one upstairs one in basement. None in my cars.

I can't imagine the hot and cold extremes not having an effect on the service life of an extinguisher. I also think that the only reason I would want one is if it would save a life. Ie, without the can you couldn't get a person out. As for actually saving a car, I couldn't give a shit. That is why I carry insurance. Besides it being the law. lol

51 years in, I don't see this as being a show stopper. I think a really good first aid kit in every car is a much better use of your time.

My opinion only.

sure , since the 70'S

Does anyone have a good source for Halon extinguishers? They are expensive. I did pick up a 5# extinguisher for our motor home. I’d like to get a smaller one for the bedroom.

Thanks all.

I don't in my vehicles but its a good idea I guess. Depends on the condition of your vehicles. Sounds some of you drive old vehicles that tend to erupt.

Reminds me of a time back around 1974-'75 when I was in high school in Durham. Cruising around near my house on and came upon a tractor trailer hauling gas stopped on the roadside. The tractors rear psgr side hub was alight due to overheated brakes and flames were just barely licking the tank side.

The driver appeared frozen by the sight of the whole situation and was standing there holding the extinguisher when I ran up seeing what was going on. I took the extinguisher and sprayed it in and around the hub. Fire stopped and I gave it back to him, jump in my car and drove off.

In all my years of motoring, and I've done a lot, this is the only time other than a jetski fire at lake, that fire extinguisher would help.

I've seen them even recently. Most fire extinguisher firms have them. Yes, most are "used" as in pre-owned. I don't know if that part even makes a difference. Fully charged is fully charged. Halon is like Freon (which also can be used). Beyond that, there are different versions of Halon for different uses. I have no idea what they're used for, but to me, one is probably as good as the other.

I have an ancient one that is 1201 that I bought for my boat back in 1979. The gauge still reads fully charged. Its a metal fitting so I assume its still good. The one by the front door is from a computer room. I went to an auction looking for a rack or anything else I might find useful. I also have a dry chem that probably needs to be shook up to see if its a lump inside.

Recently had my home units recharged.....hard to believe but some of them were sitting on nearly 35 years since last serviced...

Yes. I just replaced it as I noticed the gauge was out of the green zone.

I do not...in either vehicle. Don't necessarily anticipate either one spontaneously combusting anytime soon. If either does, I'll just egress to a safe distance and call my insurance guy.

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Do you keep a fire extinguisher in your personal vehicle?

No, but I probably should.

Where would you keep it?

quote:

Originally posted by honestlou:
Driving this evening I saw a car on fire on the side of the interstate. It was fully engulfed in flames, and I hope nobody was in it, as it was certainly unapproachable at that point.

I have occasionally thought about keeping a fire extinguisher in my vehicle, but never have. I think seeing this fire has motivated me to get one to keep in the Touareg. I would hate to see an accident with a fire starting and be helpless.

Anybody or everybody keep one? If so, any recommendations?

I keep two. One by the driver's seat, one in the back seat.

"one is none, two is one"

Probably in the trunk.

Or mount it riceboy style right next to your head.

^^^ That's cute. Would probably come in handy if your radio caught on fire. Doesn't look like it's large enough to put out much more.

Yes, two. A two pounder in the back of the suburban on the drivers side in the storage recess secured with two Velcro straps and a five pounder in one of the large totes. I also have two first aid kits. A full trauma kit in the back and a snivel kit in the front console.

quote:

Originally posted by signewt:
Recently had my home units recharged.....hard to believe but some of them were sitting on nearly 35 years since last serviced...

Where did you get them recharged?

Only in my race car. Engine fires are pretty rare for a normal car and usually come from bad maintenance.

I wasn’t aware of this-just found out today, but most European countries require a fire extinguisher in one’s vehicle.

Spare bulbs, too.