Car fire extinguisher, i.e. necessary car equipment
Content
A car fire extinguisher is a mandatory vehicle equipment. Such equipment must, above all, properly perform its function in the event of a fire. And you must know how to put out a fire properly. Remember that the absence of a fire extinguisher in the car can even result in a high fine! This may be necessary, for example, when an accident occurs and even a small fire occurs, which in the immediate vicinity of cars can lead to a disaster. Which car fire extinguishers work best? Do they have an expiration date and do they need to be fixed? How to use them to be effective? All this you will find in our guide!
A fire extinguisher is a must!
It is recommended to have a first aid kit in every vehicle, but it is not mandatory. With a fire extinguisher, things are different. It just has to be in your trunk. A fire extinguisher for a car is mandatory, and if it is not in the car, then you can expect a fine. It can vary from 20 to as much as 50 euros! Usually the police only check to see if the driver is driving it. Its technical condition is no longer important for them, so the device is unsuitable for use in many cars. However, it must be remembered that it is valid for 5 years from the date of manufacture. After this time, it should be replaced.
Car fire extinguisher - where to buy?
A gas station can be a good place to buy a fire extinguisher. You probably already visit it regularly, so by the way, you can buy this indispensable item for your car there. However, you can also get it from:
- specialized shop of fire protection;
- auto parts store;
- in online stores.
The network presents the largest selection of different models, so you can choose the size for your car. Another benefit of online shopping is lower prices. As a rule, the most expensive car fire extinguisher comes from a gas station.
Car fire extinguisher - price
The price of a car fire extinguisher depends on which size you choose. The larger it is, the more powder it contains. Thanks to this, you can put out more with it, but this will be associated with a higher price. You can sometimes buy a set with a mini fire extinguisher, a triangle, a first aid kit and a vest for 4 euros, but remember that you should not save on your own and other people's safety. Bet on equipment from trusted manufacturers. Sometimes you can buy a large fire extinguisher for as little as 10 euros, but often it will cost between 20 and 6 euros.
Car fire extinguisher – no legalization required
The vehicle must have a car fire extinguisher... but it does not need to be legalized! This absurdity means that not every device inside the car works properly. Therefore, checking a car fire extinguisher is not mandatory, but if you have the opportunity, it is worth doing. After all, your safety depends on whether the device works. When choosing a fire extinguisher for your car, choose one that has a comfortable grip. Then you can use it freely.
Fire extinguisher in the car - rules
Information about a car fire extinguisher can be found in the Ordinance of the Minister of Infrastructure on the technical condition of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment. Each driver must have such a device in an easily accessible place. It should be noted, however, that the regulation does not specify exactly whether the equipment should work, what size it should be, and what its shelf life should be. So it gives you quite a bit of freedom and controversy if you're handed a ticket for the wrong car fire extinguisher.
Car fire extinguisher - when should there be more than one?
A passenger car must be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher. However, it is worth knowing that in some cases this is not enough. A truck carrying passengers must have at least two fire extinguishers, one of which must be located directly next to the driver. In the case of the bus, the situation is very similar. In this case, the second fire extinguisher should be located in the immediate vicinity of the passengers so that they can easily reach it. Therefore, a second fire extinguisher should increase the safety of travelers.
Car fire extinguisher - how to use it?
During stressful times, you probably won't have time to learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Therefore, it is worth checking it in advance and studying all the necessary rules. You will usually find a user manual on the packaging. However, this one almost always looks the same:
- Turn the pin first.
- Place the fire extinguisher upright.
- Hit her with your fist.
- Wait about 5 seconds.
- Extinguish the flame with short presses.
Remember, never point a fire extinguisher at a burnt or burning person.
A car fire extinguisher is not just a formal obligation that you must comply with. Remember that traffic situations may sometimes require a quick response. An effective fire extinguisher and the ability to use it can sometimes save someone's health and life.
