In an emergency, get everyone out first and call for help on 112 from a cellphone, or your local fire brigade. This guide is general information; always follow the manufacturer's instructions and local regulations.
A 1 kg to 2.5 kg dry chemical powder (DCP) extinguisher, rated ABC and mounted securely within reach of the driver, is the usual choice for a car in South Africa. For private cars it’s a sensible extra rather than a general legal requirement, but minibuses and buses operating for reward must carry one by law. In a car fire, your first job is to stop, get everyone out and move well away.
What the law says
The National Road Traffic Regulations (regulation 260, under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996) require:
| Vehicle | Requirement (regulation 260) |
|---|---|
| Minibus operating for reward (e.g. a minibus taxi) | At least one extinguisher in a readily accessible position: dry powder of at least 1 kg (or an older halogenated BCF type of at least 1 kg) |
| Bus operating for reward | At least one extinguisher in a readily accessible position: dry powder of at least 2.5 kg (or BCF of at least 1 kg) |
| Private car | Not required by regulation 260 |
In both cases the extinguisher must be kept in good working order. BCF (halon) extinguishers are old technology and not what you’ll find on shelves today; dry powder is the practical choice.
Other vehicles may have extra rules. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods, fleet and company vehicles, and vehicles used on mines or sites often have extinguisher requirements under other regulations, standards or company policy. If you drive one of these, ask your fleet manager or operator. Some municipal traffic departments have also told motorists an extinguisher is compulsory in every car. We couldn’t find that in the national regulation, so check with your local traffic authority if you’re unsure.
Why carry one anyway
Car fires usually start in the engine bay from fuel or oil leaks, electrical faults or overheating. A small extinguisher can deal with a fire that’s just starting, such as smoke from under the bonnet or a small fire next to the road. It’s also handy for other people: a burning bin at a rest stop, a braai that gets out of hand on a camping trip, or another motorist’s car.
It’s not a reason to stay with a burning car. Cars contain fuel, plastics, pressurised parts and, increasingly, lithium-ion batteries.
Which type and size?
| Option | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg DCP (ABC) | Most cars | Compact, fits under a seat. Short discharge time, so it’s for very small fires |
| 2 kg or 2.5 kg DCP (ABC) | SUVs, bakkies, towing, long road trips, rural driving | More capacity, still manageable. Needs more mounting space |
| CO2 | Not ideal for cars | Disperses quickly outdoors and in wind |
| Water or foam | Not recommended for cars | Not safe on electrical faults; water doesn’t work on fuel fires |
DCP rated ABC is the default, because it handles burning solids (A), fuels and oil (B) and gas (C), and many units are also marked for electrical equipment. Check the label for the fire classes, a pressure gauge in the green, and certification to SANS 1910. Our fire extinguisher types guide explains the classes in detail.
Price bands: a 1 kg DCP with a basic bracket is entry-level. Metal-headed units, better quick-release brackets and larger sizes sit in the mid range. Buy from a supplier that can also service the unit.
Mounting it properly
A loose extinguisher is dangerous. In a crash or a hard stop, it becomes a heavy projectile.
- Use a proper bracket, bolted or securely clamped, not just a strap or a spot in the boot.
- Common spots: under the front passenger seat, on the seat rail, in the footwell of the passenger side, or on a bracket in the boot of a bakkie or SUV where you can reach it quickly.
- Driver reach: ideally you can grab it without climbing over seats.
- Don’t drill blindly. Check for fuel lines, wiring and airbag components first. If in doubt, have a fitment centre or auto electrician mount it. Follow the vehicle and bracket manufacturer’s instructions.
- Protect it from heat. Cars get very hot in the South African sun. Keep the extinguisher out of direct sunlight and away from the exhaust.
What to do if your car catches fire
- Signal, pull over and stop somewhere safe, away from buildings, other cars, fuel pumps and dry grass if you can.
- Switch off the engine and engage the handbrake.
- Get everyone out, including pets, and move well away and upwind, behind a barrier if possible. Keep away from traffic.
- Call for help. From a cellphone, dial 112. For the police, dial 10111. Save your local fire and rescue number for the areas you drive in often.
- Leave your belongings. Nothing in the car is worth the risk.
Should you use the extinguisher?
Only if the fire is very small, you’re out of the car, your exit is clear and traffic isn’t a danger. And:
- Don’t open the bonnet fully. A rush of air can make an engine fire flare up. If there’s thick smoke or visible flames under the bonnet, leave it to the fire brigade.
- Use the PASS method: pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze, sweep.
- Stand upwind so the powder blows towards the fire, not into your face.
- Stop if it isn’t working within a few seconds, and get away.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles: a fire in the traction battery is not one to fight yourself. Get out, get well away and tell the emergency call taker it’s an electric or hybrid vehicle. See our lithium battery fire safety guide.
After any use, even if the fire seems out, let the fire brigade check the car and have the extinguisher recharged or replaced.
Look after it
- Monthly: check the gauge is in the green, the pin and seal are intact, and the bracket is tight.
- Yearly: have it serviced, ideally by a company with a SANS 1475 permit, using SAQCC Fire registered technicians. Vibration in a car can compact powder over time, which a service picks up. Fleet vehicles usually have to follow a formal servicing schedule.
- Replace any unit that’s damaged, rusted or below pressure.
Prevention beats extinguishers
- Keep up with vehicle services and fix fuel or oil leaks quickly.
- Have aftermarket electrics (sound systems, lights, trackers, inverters) fitted by a reputable installer.
- Never carry petrol in unapproved containers inside the car.
- Don’t leave gas cylinders in a hot car; transport them upright, secured and ventilated, with the valve closed. See our gas braai buying guide for cylinder tips.
- Don’t park on long dry grass, especially in winter in the highveld; a hot exhaust can ignite it. See our veld fire guide.
FAQ
Is it compulsory to have a fire extinguisher in a private car in South Africa?
Regulation 260 of the National Road Traffic Regulations requires extinguishers in minibuses and buses operating for reward, not in private cars. Other rules may apply to dangerous goods, fleet and site vehicles, so check with your operator or local traffic authority.
What size fire extinguisher should I carry in my car?
A 1 kg ABC dry powder extinguisher suits most cars. A 2 kg or 2.5 kg unit makes sense for SUVs, bakkies, towing and long-distance or rural driving, as long as you can mount it securely.
Where should I mount a car fire extinguisher?
On a proper bracket within reach of the driver, often under the front passenger seat or on a seat rail. Never leave it loose, and check for wiring, fuel lines and airbag parts before drilling.
Should I open the bonnet if my engine is on fire?
No, not fully. Opening it lets in air that can make the fire flare. Get everyone out, move well away and call for help. Only tackle a very small fire, and only if it’s safe.
More fire safety at home guides
Fire blanket guide: how to use one on a pan or clothing fire
How a fire blanket smothers a pan fire, the right way to use one, which size to buy, where to mount it, and why you should never throw water on burning oil.
Fire extinguisher guide: choosing one for your SA home
Which fire extinguisher suits a South African home, what size to buy, where to mount it, how SANS 1475 servicing works, and when to leave and call for help.
Fire extinguisher types and classes, plus how to use one
DCP, CO2, foam, water or wet chemical? Learn the fire classes, how to read a South African extinguisher label, and the PASS method for using one safely.