Walking in a store to buy groceries or clothes is easy. Have you thought about the same when it comes to shopping for a car fire extinguisher? Well, for starters, a fire extinguisher is vital for any vehicle’s safety. In case of a dangerous fire situation, the extinguisher will come in handy. Now, there are factors that you would have to consider before purchasing one.
Have a look at the ideas below that can guide you when buying an extinguisher.
Type of the extinguisher
The market has many types of fire extinguishers that you can choose from. One such extinguisher is the dry chemical one. Dry chemical fire extinguishers work by intersecting the chemical retorts of the fire. Also, they fall under the most used car fire extinguishers that are active.
The clean agent fire extinguisher is another common type of extinguisher well described as a halogenated extinguisher. It uses a mix of gases to put out the fire. This kind of extinguisher is effective against fires caused by flammable substances such as wood and paper. It can also put down fires caused by combustible liquids, an example being the gasoline.
Type and class of fire it can fight.
Before purchasing any fire extinguisher for your car, ensure you confirm the type and class of fire it can fight. It’s important to note that most cars are affected by type A, B, and C fires.
Type A is low-risk fires caused by combustible substances, while electric components fuel type C fires. Flammable liquids cause type B on the other hand. The dry chemical extinguisher is the best extinguisher when it comes to handling this.
How durable is the extinguisher?
The durability of a fire extinguisher is very imperative. First, you can’t forecast when a fire accident is going to happen. It can even occur years after buying an extinguisher. What we are trying to bring to your attention is that you need to invest in an extinguisher made of sturdy constituents. They should also be corrosion-resistant.
The fire extinguishers ought to have a jagged body that can endure an accident. Go for aluminum-bodied cylinders because they are light and resistant to corrosion. Also, confirm if the extinguisher has a strong trigger for controlled discharge. Best extinguishers in the market are those with a more extended warranty because they prove quality.
Weight of the extinguisher
When procuring a fire extinguisher for your car, you should look for one that has a lightweight. Also, factor in the shape of the extinguisher before making a purchase. The perfect weight should be about three pounds. Go for extinguishers that are cylindrical or elongated because they occupy limited space and can be easily stored.
Easily mountable
In case of a fire accident, the fire extinguisher ought to be freely available for use. An extinguisher should be mounted where one can reach in case of an accident. The best extinguisher is one that comes with a bracket for mounting.
It is easily serviced.
Always check if the fire extinguisher is easily serviced. This means they can be filled at any fire service company. Therefore, before buying any extinguisher, confirm whether it is one that can be refilled or serviced. The car fire extinguishers should be maintained the same way home extinguishers are serviced. The refillable ones can be very durable.
More detailed checks
Some of the few beneficial checks that you may possibly perform include checking if the pins and seals are intact. Confirm if there is graphic evidence of damage, leakage, or rust. We can also advise you to check if the nozzle is free of any blockage. This is because powder can bundle over time if the extinguisher has been on the shelf for a long time.
Car fires can occur at any time, just like any other accident. You may never see it coming. However, you can avoid the fires by solving all mechanical or electrical issues as soon as you notice them. Servicing the car regularly can reduce the risk of fire.
Since any accident is unforeseeable, you ought to prepare yourself with an extinguisher. Always ensure that you have a car fire extinguisher with you in your vehicle at all times. Its need may arise at any time. The above guidelines will help you a great deal.