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Private car fire extinguisher 60% failed police reminded to check frequently
Recently, a car caught fire on the Xinghua section of the Ningjingyan Expressway in Jiangsu Province. A black vehicle was seen emitting smoke from its hood while moving, and the driver attempted to use a fire extinguisher, but it failed to spray foam. Fortunately, another driver nearby stepped in with their own extinguisher and helped put out the fire before it could escalate. The incident highlights the importance of checking the condition of in-car fire extinguishers regularly.
The event occurred on August 18th at around 10:23 am when Mr. Chen was driving northbound from Ningjingyan Expressway towards Yancheng. As he passed through the Xinghua area, he noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. He immediately pulled over and grabbed the fire extinguisher from the trunk, but after several attempts, it didn’t release any foam. Panicking, he was unsure what to do next when a passing driver stopped to help.
Mr. Chen later revealed that the extinguisher had never been used. Upon inspection, firefighters found that the device had expired. He mentioned that the extinguisher was given to him by a 4S shop, but no one explained its shelf life or how to maintain it. He kept it in his car as more of a decorative item than a safety tool.
“I thought that new cars are unlikely to catch fire, so I never checked the extinguisher,†he admitted.
According to a police survey, nearly 60% of private car fire extinguishers were found to be expired during random inspections. Out of ten vehicles inspected, only one did not have an extinguisher. Among the rest, six had expired devices, which can be dangerous if needed in an emergency.
Firefighters explained that fire extinguishers contain chemicals that can degrade over time. If not maintained properly, especially in humid conditions, the internal components may corrode, leading to failure during use. Some types, like carbon dioxide, foam, and dry powder extinguishers, are particularly prone to expiration.
Typically, a fire extinguisher should be serviced five years after production and then every two years thereafter. Regular checks are essential to ensure they remain functional. In addition to being used for fires, fire extinguishers can also serve other purposes—such as breaking a window in case of a car malfunction or water submersion, or even acting as a self-defense tool in emergencies.
Experts recommend placing the extinguisher within easy reach, such as under the driver’s seat. However, due to limited space in some vehicles, it might be necessary to purchase a mounting bracket to secure it properly. This ensures quick access in times of need.
Stay safe, check your equipment, and don't take chances—because sometimes, a simple fire extinguisher can save your life.