Hello and welcome back to my short series on tools for the weekend warrior auto mechanic that is just getting started.
We have been covering some of the tools that you should include in your tool collection and in this article we are going to talk about fire extinguishers.
While a fire extinguisher may not exactly be a tool, it is still very important to have in your collection of auto mechanic related items.
I normally carry a small one with me in both my race car and my daily driver.
I always recommend the 21/2 pound dry chemical type over any other.
The reason for that is it will put out fires that are caused by a wide variety of factors.
It's good to know that an engine fire might not completely ruin your car, if you can put it out quickly.
Typically these types of fires are caused by things on the outside of the engine.
A little gas leak to close to a hot exhaust manifold or spark plug wire is all it takes.
If you are carrying an extinguisher, you can put it out quickly and may end up with little to no damage that has to be repaired as a result of the fire.
In most cars the gas tank is underneath the trunk of the car.
Because of that reason, always keep the fire extinguisher in the front of the car.
I use a bracket to hold mine underneath the driver's seat.
The bracket will prevent the extinguisher from coming loose and rolling under the pedal.
It is really very important to carry an extinguisher with you at all times.
I know it might see a little "Boy scout" like to do that, but look at it this way.
You car is something you use every day and you may lose an appreciation for it because of that.
However, your car cost you thousands of dollars and many hours of work.
Being able to save your multiple thousand dollar investment is well worth the 5 minutes it takes to install a fire extinguisher bracket.