I think it's time to put a fire extinguisher in my car in case **** happens (stupid pulsation damper). Where do you get it and which one is good? I want a small, light and cheap one.

 

Wal-Mart, $10.

 

dont really think there is such a thing as a "good" or "bad" fire extinguisher.


but to answer your question... kragen has them too.

 

dont use those standard fireextinguishers for your car, you will damage a lot of components in case of a fire. Lemme fish up the link for car-safe fire extinguishers

 

That cheap? Can I find one that's made especially for cars?

 

The on bought said it was okay for cars, and the one that put the fire out in my car was a home one, and it didn't do any harm, so I'm thinking that my $10 walmart one will not do more damage then a fire would

Of course, maybe there is something much better and I'm just oblivious.

 

I bought a Kidde... it was about $10 from Wal-mart... it's actually a marine extinguisher designed for multiple types of fires.... Fuel, Electrical, etc.

I think anyone with a modded car is NUTS if they don't carry one.

My cars will ALWAYS have one. Just make sure you secure it properly... so if you happen to be in an accident it doesn't kill you!

 

So everyone recommends the $10 "Kidde" from Wal Mart.....

 

Are you guys kidding me? Why the hell would you want a small fire extinguisher? Apparently none of you guys have ever seen what gasoline can do! I suggest you get the biggest fire extinguisher you can possibly fit in you fd as well as a Halon system if you can afford it. Fire is one of the biggest things that scares professional drivers which is even more scary then getting into a crash! That is one of the reason that Dale Earnhardt did not wear the HANS (Head and Neck System) which will help protect the driver in a crash but will hinder the driver from exiting the vechial after the crash!

 

Don't use the chepo walmart fire extinguishers. The retardant melts, so while the fire might be out, you are left with a big mess, or ruined parts.

I bought a 2.5 lb Halon extinguisher from a aircraft supply for $125. Pegasus racing has them for about the same. I mounted it in the hatch area.

 

I bolted a small Kidde auto fire extinguisher in the bottom of the passenger storage bin where I can reach it quickly from my seat. It just fits.

 

I agree with Paul Monday.

Halon is the way to go if you do not want to damage parts.

It is illegal to manufacture Halon as it harms the environment(I think there are Ozone issues). However it is available for sale. The price will eventually go up as the supply dwindles.

It works by displacing the oxygen avalable for combustion. You should hold your breath while using it.


Safecraft

 

I've heard what some people in this post have been yammering -- standard fire extinguishers (such as the Kidde) will damage electrical components that they get on. Jim said that he had one for all types of fires, but that doesn't mean that it's safe for things that it actually gets on, it just means that it can put out any type of fire. Other than the Halon extinguishers, I know you can get electrical component-safe automotive fire extinguishers from some supply stores/mail order in the $60-80 range. I'm not sure what's in them, though ... I just thought that I'd mention them because no one else had.

 

So how do I know if the car is going to or is catching on fire? How should I react to it and how do I extinguish it safely?

 

Usually dark plastic-smelling smoke coming out of the hood seams is a good indication. People pointing and warning you is another.

Anytime you smell raw fuel there's a potential for fire, driving or not. Wire harnesses can go up in flames if voltage spikes.
If it's really cooking and the hood paint is blistering, don't open the hood unless you want a flare-up in the face.

 

Should I turn off the engine immediately and use the fire extinguisher? How do I know when the fire's out?

 

YOU DON'T.

 

Please describe the whole process to put out the fire

 

Key off, hood up, spray base of fire with extinguisher till either A-flames go away, or B-you've emptied your extinguisher. Then call 911 and let us professionals come and douse the entire scene with AFFF and ruin your entire car.

 

You guys crack me up... You don't think that the fire is going to damage electrical components? I look at it this way... if my car catches fire a LOT of **** is going to be fucked up. I just don't want it to be a total loss. If you think that you'll be able to notice the fire... pull over... kill the engine... pop the hood and put the fire out fast enough to avoid major damage you're dreaming.

You're going to have to buy LOTS of new parts to get it back into drivable condition regardless of whether you use Halon, Water.. or pixie dust to put it out.

 

Makes sense

 

Exactly.

After my car fire, the whole engine bay was filled with the extinguisher crap, but my mechanic cleaned it all up, and of course insurance paid.

Reguardless of what you use its going to be more effective then nothing at all.