• Registered: 2018-02-04
  • Posts: 364

Topic: AFFF fire suppression system

I've been pulling my AFFF tanks out of the cars between races since our cars are kept outside, to protect them from extreme heat and cold.  Haven't worried about cold temps at races (Atlanta and Barber), I'm more concerned about long-term.  Have I been wasting my time & effort (ie: it this a good idea as opposed to a must-do)? I cannot find any reference for whether or not they need to be protected from freezing/summer temps.  Anyone have a reference?

Half Fast Racing      2 New Beetles and a Miata
Class C win, MSR 2023; previously 2x 2nd in C, 3x 3rd in C.
I Got Screwed AND Halloween Meets Gasoline, Sebring 2024
Two Wrongs and a Right, NOLA 2021
  • Registered: 2013-11-15
  • Posts: 713

Re: AFFF fire suppression system

SPA Technique AFFF lists:

Min. STORAGE TEMP: 35°F (2°C)
Max. STORAGE TEMP: 120°F (49°C)
EFFECTS of FREEZE: None
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0280/ … al.pdf?214

So maybe?  I live in SoCal so I don't worry about the cold.  I also never drain the water in my car.

Team whatever_racecar #745 Volvo wagon

3 Reply by OnkelUdo (edited by OnkelUdo 2022-11-16 05:16 PM)

  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 4,167

Re: AFFF fire suppression system

Don't believe the affects of freeze "none".  The dip tub and base of the valve will not be fans of a hard freeze.  That said, I find it humorous they list 35f as elsewhere they list it as freeze-protected which in the AFFF world means 26f (its a DOT thing).

  • Registered: 2018-02-04
  • Posts: 364

Re: AFFF fire suppression system

Thanks to both.

I couldn't find the SPA data. The Birmingham area will get down to the mid 20s several times during the winter, so guess I'll keep pulling it between races.

Half Fast Racing      2 New Beetles and a Miata
Class C win, MSR 2023; previously 2x 2nd in C, 3x 3rd in C.
I Got Screwed AND Halloween Meets Gasoline, Sebring 2024
Two Wrongs and a Right, NOLA 2021
  • From: NH
  • Registered: 2010-01-20
  • Posts: 3,306

Re: AFFF fire suppression system

We pull ours after the last race of the year just to be safe. Just do yourself a favor and don't forget the bottle the first race of the year when you're a couple hours from home. Not that I have experience there or anything.....

20+ Time Loser FutilityMotorsport
Abandoned E36 Build
2008 Saab 9-5Aero Wagon
Retired - 1989 Dodge Daytona Shelby 2011-2015 "Lifetime Award for Lack of Achievement" IOE, 3X I got screwed, Organizer's Choice