Recommend Fire Extinguishers?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
Recommend Fire Extinguishers?
after viewing some distrubing videos I decided the tinker toy and work truck should have a fire extinguisher. anybody have good recommendations? don't want one that fizzles out in 3 seconds or worse does not help at all.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
My Recommendation
Clean Agent (Halotron / FE-36)
Why it’s ideal (especially for a C4):
Why it’s ideal (especially for a C4):
- No residue → won’t damage:
- Aluminum suspension components
- Wiring harnesses
- Optispark / electronics
- Safe for engine bay + interior fires
- Used in aviation and motorsports
- Costs more (typically $100–$200)
- Slightly less brute force than dry
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
Funny, I did a search yesterday after seeing the same threads. I got lost with the water based and chemical based. I was also stumped with the freezing aspect. I don't want to have to remember to pull it out in the winter or have it freeze and burst like a coke can. Dan
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 414
From: Muskogee OK
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Also remember that dry chemical extinguishers powder is very corrosive. Whenever you use one make sure and wash it off as soon as possible and take preventative measures as if it was dipped in acid and sandblasted using salt. It's nasty stuff and I've watched it visibly start corroding metal within less than 3 minutes of putting fires out
Last edited by flannel_man; Apr 12, 2026 at 12:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
A few years ago I had an engine fire in one of my vehicles. I was surprised how quickly the dry fire extinguisher (First Alert) put out the fire. Yes there was big mess but it cleaned up ok with some work.
Unfortunately I had to use extinguishers (Kiddie and First Alert) recently on a water heater and a lawn mower. Both worked very well but again a big mess.
I have multiple extinguishers in my homes, one in every vehicle, and two in every garage. Every Oct,, which is fire prevention month, I check the status and location of each extinguisher and review the locations with my spouse. I believe its better to have any brand of extinguisher than none at all.
Unfortunately I had to use extinguishers (Kiddie and First Alert) recently on a water heater and a lawn mower. Both worked very well but again a big mess.
I have multiple extinguishers in my homes, one in every vehicle, and two in every garage. Every Oct,, which is fire prevention month, I check the status and location of each extinguisher and review the locations with my spouse. I believe its better to have any brand of extinguisher than none at all.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
I was hoping someone would post the brand and model # of the best one to carry in the car. Not one that will freeze or corrode metal. I found this one. Anyone have any experience with it? I figure it must work or they couldn't charge so much. Dan
Element Fire Extinguishers EL 40100 Element Fire Extinguishers | Summit Racing
Element Fire Extinguishers EL 40100 Element Fire Extinguishers | Summit Racing
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,382
Likes: 6,526
From: Melbourne, FL
I was looking into this recently. There's a LOT of hype about the element fire extinguishers, but the tests show they don't do a lot. They basically just flood the area with CO2 to try to starve the fire.
I ended up on a purple K extinguisher... Then never bought one lol.
I ended up on a purple K extinguisher... Then never bought one lol.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 314
Likes: 97
From: VT
kanex 36 clean agent fire extinguisher - not impressed. by the time one reacts, accesses the extinguisher, pops the hood and discharges there'll be too much electrical and panel damage. and it takes a full set to keep spraying and waiting, hoping a fuel doesn't burst. nothing will put out a fire being fed by fuel other than an 1 1/2 or 2 inch line fed from a fire apparatus. maybe some other brand.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 428
Likes: 182
From: Green Bay WI
I was hoping someone would post the brand and model # of the best one to carry in the car. Not one that will freeze or corrode metal. I found this one. Anyone have any experience with it? I figure it must work or they couldn't charge so much. Dan
Element Fire Extinguishers EL 40100 Element Fire Extinguishers | Summit Racing
Element Fire Extinguishers EL 40100 Element Fire Extinguishers | Summit Racing
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,382
Likes: 6,526
From: Melbourne, FL
This one, hands down.
https://a.co/d/0ezjKLtU
Remember, a fire extinguisher is only as good as your ability to reach it quickly. If it's in the back of the car you may as well not have it IMO. For me, the issue was that if I mounted on my roll bar it'd be a pain to get to on track. Under the front seat is about the only reasonable place, meaning I need to make a bracket.
https://a.co/d/0ezjKLtU
Remember, a fire extinguisher is only as good as your ability to reach it quickly. If it's in the back of the car you may as well not have it IMO. For me, the issue was that if I mounted on my roll bar it'd be a pain to get to on track. Under the front seat is about the only reasonable place, meaning I need to make a bracket.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
This one, hands down.
https://a.co/d/0ezjKLtU
Remember, a fire extinguisher is only as good as your ability to reach it quickly. If it's in the back of the car you may as well not have it IMO. For me, the issue was that if I mounted on my roll bar it'd be a pain to get to on track. Under the front seat is about the only reasonable place, meaning I need to make a bracket.
https://a.co/d/0ezjKLtU
Remember, a fire extinguisher is only as good as your ability to reach it quickly. If it's in the back of the car you may as well not have it IMO. For me, the issue was that if I mounted on my roll bar it'd be a pain to get to on track. Under the front seat is about the only reasonable place, meaning I need to make a bracket.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,382
Likes: 6,526
From: Melbourne, FL
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
After talking to the company that maintains the fire extinguishers for my company I have decided to get a Purple K unit. These are used around airplanes (aluminum) because they will not damage. We talked about the "clean" units but felt if it was a windy day that might make them not work well. Also decided to go in for a commercial grade refillable unit.