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.

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