Safe-T-Plug

Best Car Fire Extinguisher

What is the best car fire extinguisher? For most drivers, the best car fire extinguisher is the First Alert AUTOMAR10. A car fire extinguisher, or vehicle fire extinguisher, is a small extinguisher you mount in a car or truck to put out a small gasoline or electrical fire. The best car fire extinguisher is rated B:C, and the listing says the AUTOMAR10 is UL rated 10-B:C, with a bracket.

The best cheap car fire extinguisher is the Kidde Basic 5.

Updated

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Quick picks

What to do first if your car catches fire

USFA says to pull over, turn off the engine, get everyone out, move well away and call 911, and not to open the hood or trunk. An extinguisher is for a very small fire, and only once everyone is safe. Read USFA's vehicle fire safety tips.

Our picks

Best overall

First Alert AUTOMAR10 Auto and Marine Fire Extinguisher, 10-B:C

Good for: cars, trucks and boats.

  • Listing says UL rated 10-B:C
  • For flammable liquid and electrical fires
  • Mounting bracket and strap included
  • Metal head with commercial-grade valve
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Best compact pick

First Alert Fire Extinguisher, Automotive Use

Good for: tucking under a seat or in the trunk.

  • Mounting bracket and strap included
  • Metal pull pin with safety seal
  • Easy-to-read, color-coded gauge
  • Waterproof label with 4-step instructions
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Best budget pick

Kidde Basic 5 Fire Extinguisher, 5-B:C

Good for: a light, low-cost unit for the car, garage or boat.

  • Listing says UL listed, rated 5-B:C, and US Coast Guard approved
  • 2 lbs of sodium bicarbonate agent
  • 8 to 12 second discharge, per the maker
  • Strap bracket included
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Best extra spray for battery fires

LifeSafe StaySafe All-in-1 Fire Spray

Good for: an extra spray can, not a replacement for a rated extinguisher.

  • The maker says it works on lithium-ion battery fires (phones, laptops, e-scooters)
  • The maker says it's safe on electrical fires up to 1000V
  • Non-toxic, water-based fluid, per the listing
  • Compact spray can
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What type of fire extinguisher is best for a car?

Look for a B:C rating, which covers flammable liquids and electrical fires, in a compact size with a mounting bracket. All three extinguishers above come with one.

Is it a bad idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your car?

Not if it's mounted. A loose extinguisher can fly around in a crash, so use the bracket that comes with it and keep it within reach of the driver.

Can you use a regular fire extinguisher on a car fire?

A multipurpose home unit rated for B and C fires can work on a small fire. Fighting a car fire is risky, though: USFA says to get out and call 911, and not to open the hood. See USFA's tips.

How we picked

We looked at what people actually buy on Amazon, kept the products lots of buyers already use and like, and favored known safety brands. We read each maker's listing and pulled the key details you see on the cards. We haven't lab-tested these products, so we don't give scores. Details come from the product listings as of October 10, 2026, so check the listing for current sizes, fit and safety listings before you buy.