So, you researched fire extinguishers and cannot conclude what is the best motorcycle fire extinguisher after seeing too many options. It’s a bit tricky to choose a fire extinguisher for a motorcycle considering its structure and the limited space it carries. If not mandatory, fire extinguishers can play an important part in rescuing your own physique and your motorcycle from getting severely damaged. In this post, we will review the 3 best motorcycle fire extinguishers with their pros and cons. I will also guide you on the factors to consider while buying a fire extinguisher, and its usage. The best fire extinguisher for a motorcycle is one that is small, compact, effective, and affordable. It should be designed specifically for vehicle fires that include A/B/C categories. It is always a good practice to purchase a fire extinguisher with a mounting bracket. Lastly, look for a fire extinguisher that is easy to install and use. Here is the list of 3 fire extinguishers that are best for a motorcycle to carry, install, and use. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission if you purchase any product by clicking the link without any additional cost to you. H3R Performance MX100C H3R Performance MX100C is a small and powerful fire extinguisher. The size is perfect to be carried on a two-wheeler. It weighs only 2.6 pounds, which makes it easy to carry and use. The equipment is 2B: C UL-rated to counter B & C category fires. H3R uses a dry chemical extinguishing agent to put out the fire ranging within 5-8 feet with a discharge time of just 10 seconds. This unit is made of high-quality steel cylinders with metal valves which makes it strong and sturdy to withstand extreme weather conditions. The extinguisher comes with two straps steel mounting bracket and offers a 6-year warranty which is really cool. First Alert AUTO5 When it comes to extinguishing fires effectively First Alert dominates the section with its super-quality fire extinguishers. One of them is the AUTO5 FIRF9 model which is a compact yet very powerful unit. This extinguisher is rated 5-B: C to clear off B&C category fires. This is completely water-proof, chemical-resistant, and made of a metal gauge that keeps the corrosion away. These features can easily tackle harsh weather conditions on a motorcycle. The durable metal head carries a metal pull pin with a safety seal so that you don’t have to worry about accidental discharge or tampering in case of a fall. It weighs 2.7 pounds which makes it lightweight. The product takes a few seconds to discharge and comes with a secured mounting bracket. First Alert offers a 5-year warranty to perform maintenance and services on this unit. StaySafe Fire Extinguisher StaySafe fire extinguisher is a product from LifeSafe technologies. This is more of an aerosol spray than an actual extinguisher. However, the size and type don’t make it undervalued. StaySafe is extremely lightweight weighing less than 1lb that can be carried even in your back pocket. So, installation won’t be a problem. Since it’s a spray there is no need to bother about discharge time as it can be sprayed immediately after removing the nozzle. It is very easy to use and works on paper, wood, petrol, diesel, and electrical fires. The spray comes with a 3-year shelf life which is quite sufficient considering it’s made of plastic material. This is a multipurpose fire spray built to control home, office, and automobile fires which makes it a good return on investment. Type – Check the fire extinguisher for the type of fire it can encounter. Combustible liquids and electrical fires are more common in motorcycles so B & C category fire extinguishers should be an ideal choice. Class A fires are categorized for paper, wood, and upholstery which may not be too effective. Alternatively, the A/B/C category fire extinguisher should be the second choice. Size – Small and portable fire extinguishers are more suitable to carry on a motorcycle. A 2.5-pound powder/chemical-based fire extinguisher will be easy to carry and perfect for dousing small motorcycle fires. Make sure the fire extinguisher is not too heavy for the motorcycle to carry. Use – A fire extinguisher should be easy to use. Make sure to check the instructions and guidance on the usage. Fire extinguishers work on simple steps of pulling the pin and spraying the retardant on the fire. Ensure there is no other requirement to use as it may delay the process of cooling the fire. Another point of important consideration is the discharge time. It should take no more than a few seconds to release the retardant on impacted parts. Installation – Consider a fire extinguisher that is easy to mount. For this, make sure to look for an extinguisher that is sold with a mounting bracket. Check for the sturdiness and grip of the mounting bracket to avoid the fall/slip of the fire extinguisher while the motorcycle is on the move. Durability – This is one of the most important factors to consider as it directly relates to the outside temperature and weather conditions a fire extinguisher has to deal with. Because of the open body structure of a motorcycle and its exposure to extreme weather conditions look for a fire extinguisher that can withstand climatic and environmental challenges. Ensure the equipment is leak-proof and made with strong metal to fight the odds of atmospheric pressure. Warranty – Fire extinguishers are seldom used equipment’s and therefore need proper maintenance and service periodically. Look for a unit that comes with a long warranty of at least 5 years so that you keep it always ready to combat unexpected fires at minimum cost. Cost – Although fire extinguishers are not too costly, you must consider the one that is within your budget. These are hardly used equipment’s so going for a costly unit may not recover your investment in the long run. As against a four-wheeler, fires in motorcycles occur quite often and
Why does my motorcycle blow white smoke? Here are 2 primary reasons
If you are wondering why does my motorcycle blow white smoke instead of regular transparent smoke then this is the post to read. A motorcycle tends to release a combination of blue, gray, black, and white smoke and if you see only white smoke coming out that means something is wrong with its functionality. In some cases, it may blow for a few minutes and disappear, but if it remains constant, these are the reasons you should look for. White smoke is an indication that your motorcycle is running with a leakage in the coolant system causing the engine to overheat. Coolant leakage occurs due to a blown head gasket, leaking or cracked cylinder, and damaged engine block. When the coolant oil enters the engine chamber it starts combusting with the fuel that generates thick white smoke. In some cases, a thin white vapor released during the start is often confused with white smoke. Such steamy vapor is very common in the event of condensation and heat mixing up because of the outside temperature (cold weather). There is nothing to worry about here. However, thick white smoke is a serious concern that should be identified and addressed as soon as possible to keep yourself and your bike protected from dangerous hazards. A blown head gasket could be the first thing to inspect in case of white smoke. Gaskets are meant to provide a layer of protection between two parts. In the case of a motorcycle, it keeps the coolant oil and the engine block from clashing with each other. When the head gasket is damaged or worn out it starts to develop cracks. These cracks or gaps allow the coolant oil to enter the engine mixing up with the fuel. Depending on the extent of leakage and combustion of coolant oil and fuel, white smoke begins to generate and released into the air. One of the ways to know that you are running with a damaged gasket is the burning smell of coolant which is very different from the regular fuel smell. Also, look for the engine temperature. If there is a sudden rise it is time to check the condition of the gaskets. Head gaskets are replaceable parts. With time and usage, these should be replaced periodically with new ones. Riding with damaged head gaskets is very risky. Take your motorcycle to the nearest service center or a professional mechanic to replace the gaskets immediately. A cranked cylinder head is a sign of a major problem. If not in the head gasket, a coolant fluid can make its way into the cylinder head that is cracked or has a hole. The cylinder head can be damaged due to overheating, unbalanced air and fuel ratio, or non-maintenance for a long time. The position of the cylinder head is on top of the engine block which also accommodates valve seats. Even the engine block is vulnerable to damages that will allow coolant leakages. In such a scenario, when the coolant liquid enters the cylinder head it starts burning itself in the combustion chamber. This mixture produces white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The combination of a defective head gasket and cylinder head can impact the performance of the engine badly. The rate of combustion which depends on the piston rings may be reduced. These are the major signs that your motorcycle needs urgent attention from an inspection and servicing point of view. Replace the necessary parts such as gaskets, or piston rings, and repair the damage to the cylinder immediately to avoid bigger issues and physical injuries. White smoke is adherent to the type of engine stroke your motorcycle has. The scenarios covered above are mainly pertaining to 4-stroke engines. A 2-stroke engine plays differently. While the damages to gaskets, cylinders, and pistons remain evident the coolant oil (2T) in this version of bikes is directly mixed with the petrol. So here the problem of white smoke can arise upfront if the mixture of oil and fuel is incorrect (unbalanced). If you see white smoke coming out from a 2-stroke bike, check the level of oil and fuel first and ensure they are even. Apart from the white smoke, an unbalanced oil and fuel ratio is a risky situation that can also lead to sparks and bigger fires. Can you continue driving a motorcycle with white smoke? No. It is dangerous to continue driving a motorcycle with white smoke as it may cause severe damage to the engine and other vital parts. It is also risky for your own safety. It is highly recommended to discontinue your journey and take your motorcycle for repairs asap in case of white smoke. Can I fix the white smoke myself? The main causes of white smoke are related to technical faults pertaining to the replacement of metal parts like gaskets, and cylinder heads. Under such circumstances, it is better to perform the repairs or replacement through a recognized technician. However, instances like unbalanced oil and fuel ratio and release of white vapor in cold weather can be self-fixed with some precaution and patience. How much does it cost to fix the white smoke issue in a motorcycle? It depends on the type of motorcycle you own. However, repairing and replacement of parts like head gaskets, piston rings, and cylinder heads can cost anywhere between $200 to $1500. The sight of a motorcycle blowing white smoke isn’t funny. We have seen the causes and the damage it can do to your motorcycle. There is a variety of issues that leads to white smoke however, these causes are pertinent mainly due to overheating and non-regular maintenance. In any case, it is important to take action as soon as you notice white smoke. Depending on the type of bike, check for the fuel and oil ratio, and the weather conditions it suffered. Secondly, look for the overheating signs on the engine, inspect the leakages and see if there are any damages on the gasket,
How does a motorcycle catch fire? Avoid these 6 reasons
It is a common sight to see a bike backfire but how does a motorcycle catch fire out of nowhere? Is it technical, intentional, or occasional? Anything is possible. Motorcycles catching fire is a rare scenario yet, they do get ignited due to some causes that could be hazardous and put your life in danger. So, what are the causes of motorcycles catching fire? This is what I will answer in this post. A motorcycle can catch fire mainly due to fuel leakage and playing with its exhaust system. Some of the other causes include electrical shorts, accidental crashes or slips, lack of water in the radiator, and in some cases bad temperature or weather conditions. We will explore the causes further and see what exactly happens to your mean machine before it starts to blow away. Needless to say, we will also look at the measure and tips that can help you prevent fire and protect yourself. If yes, that’s one of the main reasons you might get caught in a messy (fiery) situation. Fuel tanks in motorcycles as against a four-wheeler are more vulnerable to fire. This is because a fuel tank in a motorcycle sits right in front of you on top of the engine. Leakages are bound to happen owing to small crashes, loose hoses and cables, extremely hot temperatures, and occasionally corroded conditions of a fuel tank. Whatever the reason, a short spill from the tank is enough to activate the firing instincts of an engine, headers, or exhaust pipes. It’s a deadly combination that has the potential to turn your two-wheeler into ashes. Barring the temperature which obviously you cannot control, periodic inspection and timely maintenance can prevent fuel leakage. A fuel tank must be taken care of regularly to avoid spillage and make sure the wirings are well connected to avoid any sparks. An exhaust pipe is many bike owners’ favorite. Thanks to the noise and scene it creates. You must have seen how an exhaust pipe backfires when somebody revs up the handle. It could be deliberate or due to technical glitches but such flames from the exhaust can damage your motorcycle. A modified or faulty exhaust system with extremely hot gases has the tendency to enter the engine which combined with fuel can cause serious flames. One act of prevention is to avoid using aftermarket exhausts mainly the ones that are not approved or designed for your bike model. Secondly, keep a check on the existing exhaust and perform the repairs immediately in case of cracks or leakages are detected. Electrical shorts are also responsible to ignite a fire in a motorcycle. This can happen when wires are exposed, short out, or become loose due to poor wiring, faulty electrical components, and wear & tear. Wires are interconnected to vital parts such as engines, brakes, batteries, etc. Continuous usage, thrusting, and vibrations can loosen the wiring grips and even disconnect them. This is quite common if you have a motorcycle that is very old or you are running it for a long time without any service. When the wires are exposed to hot metal parts such as the engine they may create sparks that can engulf the whole motorcycle in minutes. It is important to check the condition of your motorcycle’s wiring on a timely basis. Make sure to go through the wires and check for any loose ends, or frayed, worn, or torn connections. Unfused and over-fused circuits are another instance that generates sparks. If you discover any issues fix them immediately. Take help from a professional technician in case you are not aware of the process. This will avoid wrong connections and even save you from getting hurt from short circuits. Accidents and falling from the bike could be terrifying. If you escape unhurt from a fall or accident that means you are lucky. However, your motorcycle may not be that lucky. There are many instances where bikes caught fire immediately after falling or sliding through. Why does it happen? One of the main causes is leakage or spilling of fuel. In severe cases, the fuel tank is bound to take a hit during the fall which may spill and spread the fuel on your bike’s hot parts. Sliding may rip the fuel line to the extent of flowing the fuel to the engine and making it burn in the process. The best thing to do in this situation is to get yourself away from the bike. As a preventive measure, ride your bike smoothly. Take care of your surroundings, and keep the speed low as it helps you control the bike better in case you are going through bad roads, lots of traffic, or watery weather conditions. Do you keep your bike’s radiator thirsty? Well, you shouldn’t. Radiator’s coolness is very important as it helps your motorcycle engine remain cool from the excess heat. An excess heat situation arises when the engine is exposed to high temperatures or continuous running. This leads to the accumulation of heat and waste energy resulting in the failure of vital engine components. A radiator is responsible to dissipate the excess heat from the engine into the atmosphere. The only way to keep the radiator running is by filling it with sufficient water. Lack of water reduces its capacity to simulate overheating scenarios which could result in a motorcycle engine catching fire. Yes, it is possible for bikes to catch fire in sunlight or extremely hot conditions. One of the many reasons is overheating. Now, overheating can take place in different sections of a bike. Overheating can cause your bike’s engine oil to boil. Hot engine oil is extremely dangerous especially when it starts leaking. When the leakage spreads on the already heating parts, it spices up the situation to a bigger fire. Similarly, components that generate lots of heat can lead to a fire. For example, a worn-out chain generates excessive friction. Overheating can also take place due to blocked
What causes flames from motorcycle exhaust? 6 reasons to look for
Ever wondered what causes flames from motorcycle exhaust? Because you have a badass motorcycle! No… certainly there are some serious causes and some show-off causes. By no means a motorcycle wants to backfire on its own. If you notice it a few times here and there no need to worry. But if it keeps on happening there is a need to pay attention. In this post, we will discover the reasons that cause a motorcycle to backfire and how you can prevent this situation from repeating again. Motorcycle exhaust is prone to flames when it is low on fuel or when there is too much fuel in the tank. Motorcycles can also backfire due to faulty carburetors, spark plugs, dirty fuel pumps, and filters. Some people like to show off their mean machines by creating mesmerizing sounds of vroooom with sparkling displays of backfire. This is possible by using aftermarket exhausts which is also one of the reasons for motorcycle flames. Whatever way you want to see it or show it, such flames/backfire is a sign of mal-functionality that needs to be looked after and resolved. Low fuel or lean running motorcycle is one of the common factors for backfiring. What does it actually mean? It means that your motorcycle is running on low fuel and there is more air in the gas tank than required. Both air and fuel should run according to the balanced ratio of your motorcycle structure. This is normally set by the manufacturer in the engine control units. In the event of excess air, the fuel enters into the exhaust pipe which causes the spark plugs to ignite this mixture of air and fuel creating a backfire. You will see the spark when you are running your bike at low RPM. A low fuel instance occurs when you change an air filter with one that has more capacity to flow the air freely. This change may cause clogging in the jets or readjustment of the engine control unit. As a preventive step, always keep the fuel levels in check and monitor the condition of spark plugs to detect lean instances. If your motorcycle has excess fuel, it creates a situation opposite to a low-fuel instance. The combustion chamber gets affected with more fuel which cramps the space for air to enter. Therefore, when the fuel is more and the air is low it unbalances the ratio causing the fuel to get ignited by the heat of the exhaust system. This does not necessarily release a backfire but creates a large bang or a startling sound. Overfilling the tank can impact the overall fuel mileage of a motorcycle. Not to forget the need to check the carburetor (if it’s an old bike) and the color of the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are getting darker it is time to check the balance of air and fuel mixture to prevent a backfire. The carburetor is another culprit to give your motorcycle firing jolts. In the events of low fuel and more fuel, this is the most-affected part that remains confused. Because of this confusion, the carburetor makes a motorcycle run lean or rich (low and more fuel situation) and fails to create a balance between air and fuel which causes the engine to misfire. The misfiring often leads to loud popping sounds and excessive smoke from the exhaust. To avoid misfiring from the carburetor ensure to clean it regularly using a cleaning kit and adjust the jets to their original settings for better balance. Motorcycles (especially new ones) may not face the heat from carburetors since they are set with a balanced air-fuel ratio through direct fuel injection and an engine control unit. So, if you have new model bikes then don’t worry but do follow the process above in the case of older bikes. Motorcycle backfiring is often caused by spark plugs not performing according to their potential. A number of reasons such as bad timing, worn out or faulty spark plugs, bad quality fuel, and improper gaps in the spark plugs are responsible for creating a deviation between the air-fuel mixture. Intermittent spark plugs fail to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Add to this, mistime firing and sequencing leaves unburnt fuel and loss of power. This unburnt fuel combusts itself through the exhaust valve generating backfire flames. Secondly, if you notice a lack of acceleration while throttling harder it is a sign that the spark plugs are not responding. To control misfiring and loss of power situations, do keep a check on spark plugs (their color) and replace them periodically for a better ride. It is also a best practice to use good quality fuel while riding your motorcycle to keep the spark plugs in good condition for a long time. So, you don’t like the way your motorcycle exhaust looks or are too crazy to show how your motorcycle sounds and ride. If yes, then you would definitely take a step to install an aftermarket exhaust. But do you know what it can do to your bike? Aftermarket exhausts are one of the main reasons to out-balance the flow of fuel in the exhaust system. These exhausts are designed to free flow the fuel which in case of engine running rich can throw the unburnt fuel in the exhaust system to create commanding sounds with backfire. The sound from the exhaust is mesmerizing to grab attention however, such movement of fuel is not good for the exhaust system in the long run. It is not recommended to install aftermarket exhausts that are high on design and low on usability. If the need arises and if you are in a show-off mood always choose the stock exhaust that is properly designed and approved to suit your bike’s model and capabilities. Fuel pumps play an important role in supplying fuel to the engine. It is like circulating the blood to the heart of your vehicle. If there are deficiencies
Best Fire Extinguisher Brackets For The Vehicles (2025)
Finding the best fire extinguisher for vehicles is easier here but, finding the best fire extinguisher brackets for the vehicles could be tricky. Fire extinguishers do come with supplementary brackets out of which some work and some don’t. In some cases, associated brackets do not suit the installation place or they are just not strong enough to sustain longer. Whatever the reason, it prompts you to look for aftermarket alternatives on different platforms. The research will give you 100s of options which makes selection difficult. This review post will help you find the 3 best fire extinguisher brackets to avoid confusion and choose the one that fits in your vehicle perfectly. You will also learn the benefits of using fire extinguisher brackets, how to choose the best one using our buyer’s guide, and finally the installation place and process. One cannot deny the importance of keeping a fire extinguisher in a vehicle. To keep it safe and secure a mounting bracket is equally important. Fire extinguishers are vulnerable to accidental discharge in a moving vehicle. A bracket is instrumental in providing the required grip to prevent movement keeping it attached to one place. Secondly, a loosely placed fire extinguisher may get damaged or hurt others in the vehicle. Simultaneously, the risk of theft cannot be eluded as it is easy to pick and carry for anyone. All these challenges make it necessary to have a fire extinguisher installed with a proper mounting bracket. If you are confused about choosing the right kind of brackets for your vehicle fire extinguishers then here is the list of the best 3: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission if you purchase any product by clicking the link without any additional cost to you. Bracketeer The Bracketeer is a universal mounting bracket that is compatible with most vehicles big and small as well as best-selling fire extinguisher models. Originating from China and engineered in the US, Bracketeer is rated highly for ease of installation and quality of the material. It is made of superior A572 high-grade 50 steel that is designed to adjust onto the seat rails through clamps or seat mounts through bolts of a vehicle. This avoids drilling external holes which are really cool. The product is ideal to suit between 2 to 2.5 lb fire extinguishers that can be installed below the seats (front or rear). It weighs just 1.3 pounds and offers a 1-year limited warranty. Hong Fire Extinguisher Metal Bracket This metal bracket from Hong is one sturdy unit made of good-quality stainless steel material. It comes with nylon adjustable straps to grip the fire extinguisher firmly, Its heavy-duty metal frame is capable of lifting up to 5lb fire extinguishers. The bracket is easy to install with the assembly of screws that can be fixed at any chosen place in the vehicle. The product is compatible with all types of cars, SUVs, and trucks as well as small and heavy fire extinguisher models. It weighs just 1.4 pounds making it extremely lightweight. Heavy Duty Fire Extinguisher Mounting Bracket This heavy-duty fire extinguisher mounting bracket is developed by a company (FD Supply) involved in fire-fighting. This means it is used by the firing department which makes it trustworthy and reliable. The mounting bracket is made of hard-quality steel and comes with a decal. The product is compatible with many reputed fire extinguisher brands such as Kidde, Amerex, Ansul, etc. The mounting bracket is capable of holding 2.5 lb to 5 lb fire extinguishers. It is very easy to install and can be fixed with screws or bolted to the floor. It is a practical mounting unit that can be used not only on vehicles but even at home, offices, boats, shops, etc., and weighs nearly 2 pounds which isn’t too heavy. It doesn’t make sense to change or replace the mounting bracket which comes accompanied with a fire extinguisher because these are built keeping the actual product in mind. However, in instances where such brackets are faulty or do not comply with safety standards and sturdiness, you can look for aftermarket alternatives. Keep your eyes and mind open and follow the below factors while buying a mounting bracket: Installation – It is important to consider the installation part as it involves structuring the mounting bracket using certain tools. Make sure the mounting bracket is easy to install and prefer the product that comes with a default attachment feature that avoids drilling external holes. Material – Aluminium, nylon, steel, and Velcro are some of the materials used in manufacturing mounting brackets. An aluminum or steel-based mounting bracket is more secure and sturdy compared to other materials. Choosing the right material is also important to help brackets withstand the weather and atmospheric elements inside the vehicle. Size – Universal size brackets or adjustable roll bars are more likely to fit the space in any type of vehicle. Look for a mounting bracket that can easily cover fire extinguishers weighing from 2lb to 5lb which are most commonly used. The aesthetics of a mounting bracket is a vital consideration so that it complements the mounting space. Screws – Many companies sell mounting brackets without the screws that are required during fixing. Regardless of the product (new or aftermarket) make sure the mounting brackets are offered with screws as the process of buying them externally is more cumbersome. Weight – Weight is another factor to look for. Consider buying a mounting bracket that is lightweight so that it does not add another burden on already-weighted fire extinguishers. Warranty – It is important to check the warranty a mounting bracket offers especially if it is an aftermarket unit. Look for a product that comes with a warranty of at least 1 year or above for easy replacements/repairs in case of any damage during usage. Here are a few benefits of fire extinguisher brackets: Proper installation – With a mounting bracket, you can install a fire extinguisher at a designated location. The
What Is The Best Fire Extinguisher For A Car?
With the list showing 100s of products your mind keeps wondering ‘What is the best fire extinguisher for a car’. Choosing a fire extinguisher is always challenging if you don’t know exactly what to look for. There are many inferior products you may come across and buying them could compromise your safety. In this post, you will find the list of 3 fire extinguishers that are best in terms of performance, reliability, and trust. You will learn about their features, pros, and cons. I will also highlight the points to be considered while making a purchase and the benefits of using fire extinguishers for a car. The best fire extinguisher for a car is one that is certified or rated to control all types (A/B/C) fires. It should be easy to carry (lightweight), easy to use, sturdy, and compact. Some of the other factors you must consider while looking for the best fire extinguisher are its build quality (metal valve), rechargeability, and mounting bracket. I have curated a list of 3 fire extinguishers to save you time and reduce confusion: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission if you purchase any product by clicking the link without any additional cost to you. First Alert FE1A10GR195 First Alert is the best-selling brand in fire extinguishers since 1958. Its model FE1A10GR195 is fully capable of fighting all types of fire including A/B/C categories. It weighs just 4 lbs. This equipment comes with a commercial-grade metal valve which increases durability. There is no need to bother about accidental discharge as the unit is fixed with a safety seal to protect the metal pin. It is UL-rated 1-A: 10-BC and approved by the US Coast Guard for marine use as well. This fire extinguisher is sturdy and takes just a few seconds to discharge the retardants. It is fully rechargeable, comes with a 10-year warranty, and includes a mounting bracket to install it securely. Kidde Pro 210 Kidde Pro 210 is a small but very powerful dry chemical fire extinguisher to handle all types of fires. It is rated 2-A: 10-BC for multipurpose use. There is a pressure gauge to detect the pressure status so that you know when to use it. The discharge time is between 13 to 15 seconds which is fairly quick. It works on a P.A.S.S usage method where you just have to pull the pin, aim the location, squeeze the handle, and swipe around for quick results. The sturdy metal body comes with a chrome-plated brass valve and is fully rechargeable. It offers a 6-year warranty and weighs around 4 lbs. This fire extinguisher can be easily installed with an associated plastic hanger. Amerex B402 Amerex B402 is a 5lb dry chemical fire extinguisher with a rating of 3-A: 40-BC to control all types of fires. It has steel cylinders and comes with rugged metal valves for extended durability. With the structure and weight, it carries, this fire extinguisher is capable of handling bigger fires to an extent which makes it ideal for small cars and big SUVs as well. The discharge time is 14 seconds which is on par with its competitors. This unit is again rechargeable and offers a 6-year warranty on maintenance and services. Buying a fire extinguisher is easier said than done. When you are considering buying a fire extinguisher the first thing you should know is the types of fire extinguishers available. Types – Fires have different categories. It is imperative to know that cars are equipped with elements and materials that fall into the class A/B/C category of fires. Class A fires occur due to the burning of upholstery, wood, and paper. The intensity of the fire in such categories is low to moderate and can be controlled easily with water-based fire extinguishers. Class B fire is a type of fire that is caused by flammable liquids in a car. Such liquids include gasoline, oil, etc. which remain an essential part of every vehicle. The intensity of class B fires is always worrisome so it is better to control them in the initial stages. Fire extinguishers consisting of foam, carbon dioxide, or powder can be used to douse off such fires. Class C fires begin to spread with malfunctioning electrical wires. Such fires are hard to control as wires are interconnected and laid out in different sections of a car. Again, a carbon dioxide or foam-based fire extinguisher can be used to deal with class C fires. You do get separate extinguishers to control different types of fire however, it is recommended to purchase a fire extinguisher that is rated to control A/B/C fires. Size – The size of a fire extinguisher does matter if you intend to use it in a car. This is because of the space and location capacity of the vehicle you own. Small and compact cars can accommodate fire extinguishers weighing 1 or 2kg. They are easier to remove and discharge. However, such fire extinguishers are ideal to control small fires only. Bigger and heavier-size fire extinguishers are best suited for pickups and trucks. Embedding big-size fire extinguishers in small cars carries the risk of damage and injuries. It may also delay the process of using such units due to their weight and size. Fire extinguishers are best used to reduce the intensity of fires from spreading further and to do this a small size powder-based extinguisher is enough. Easy to use – A typical fire extinguisher can be used in two easy steps. Pulling the pin, and squeezing the handle to release the retardant. Make sure there are no other complications to using the unit apart from these two. Discharge time – Discharge time is crucial to put off the fire. An extinguisher with a longer discharge time can delay the process of controlling the fire. Smaller fire extinguishers have quicker discharge times than bigger ones. Aim to carry a fire extinguisher that will help you put off the fire faster. Durability –