Why have a fire extinguisher in your car?

There is only one answer to that question:

When a fire erupts in your Miata you will have an opportunity to extinguish and save your car. (That is the one answer.)

Here is what you need to consider when purchasing a fire extinguisher:

  1. What size: It should be at least a two and a half pound unit. I prefer a five pound but space could be an issue.
  2. What agent: I like an ABC dry chemical. However, it leaves a dust type residue. The agent that does not leave a residue is called Halotron, a clean agent. If you will recall the term Halon; Halotron has replaced Halon.
  3. Painted or Chrome shell: A classic or Miata would host a nice chrome unit, however, cost is a factor.
  4. Quality of unit: I would select an industrial unit. It has metal handles and a better mounting bracket, to mention just two reasons.
  5. Mounting bracket: The industrial unit has a MUCH stronger bracket to hold the unit.

Now that you have an idea of the type of extinguisher you might consider, you must know how to use it on a fire. A car fire in the engine area could be very difficult to extinguish. A fire there tends to move under the engine and to the other side of the engine compartment. You could end up chasing it around.

Bottom line, I recommend not only having a fire extinguisher in your Miata but also buying the best you can find and then know how to use it correctly.

ZOOM-ZOOM

President’s Message – September 2026

Last month I thought we were over the hump for our summer high temperatures. Well per our historical data that is still correct. However, no one can argue we are still in the heat of summer. Personally, I am thankful for the feature that rolls my windows down with a double click on the key…

Read More about President’s Message – September 2026

President’s Message – August 2026

Welcome to August, the turning point of summer when the temperatures start to drop. I know that it is still not too hot when I saw members drop their tops leaving the Healy car museum event a couple of weeks ago. It’s good to enjoy the fresh air and the improved visibility a convertible offers.…

Read More about President’s Message – August 2026

President’s Message – July 2026

We Want Your Ideas: Where Should We Drive Next? Hello Cape Fear Miata Club Members! In June we enjoyed two events, the Beach Bru & Que hosted by the Carmichaels and our monthly coffee social, this time at Stevenson Hendrick Mazda. Thank you to our hosts for keeping our activity calendar full and supporting our…

Read More about President’s Message – July 2026