Skip advert
Advertisement

Warning triangles

Carrying a hazard alert sign or lamp is vital in case your car breaks down. We test seven options

Travel abroad and the chances are local laws will require you to carry a warning triangle in your car's boot. In fact in some countries such as Spain, you need two - and a fluorescent jacket!

For driving in the UK, carrying a hazard warning sign is not compulsory but is a sensible idea, given the dangers of being stranded on the roadside or motorway hard shoulder, where staying safe depends on yourvehicle being clearly visible to other motorists. Fitting a triangle in a car's boot is usually easy - many models have room for them in the spare wheel well or behind side panels.

There are many versions on offer, available from supermarkets, DIY stores and traditional accessory shops, as well as hazard lamps which can be used instead of a triangle. But which should you go for? We tested seven best-sellers to find out.

Verdict

The brightest performer was the pricey Highway Safety Light, but it failed to win this test because of its poor build quality. The triangles were well matched, with the Speeding GH-074 just pipping the Metro to take our Best Buy award, thanks to good reflective perform- ance and superior design.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £8,315 off RRP*Used from £25,497
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £3,064 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £703 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £4,954 off RRP*Used from £12,078
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 2 will ‘beat’ BMW i3, according to dynamics boss
Polestar 2 - exclusive image

New Polestar 2 will ‘beat’ BMW i3, according to dynamics boss

The new Polestar 2 is set to morph into a true sports saloon – with strong emphasis on the sporty side of things
News
29 Sep 2026
Cupra Raval vs Renault 5: classy electric superminis go head-to-head
Cupra Raval vs Renault 5

Cupra Raval vs Renault 5: classy electric superminis go head-to-head

The sporty Cupra Raval is the first of the VW Group’s electric superminis on sale, but can it get the better of the retro-themed Renault 5
Car group tests
29 Sep 2026
Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso to make MPVs cool again
Citroen C4 Picasso - exclusive image

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso to make MPVs cool again

Citroen is going back to what it does best: new ELO-inspired MPV could spawn family of family-friendly models
News
28 Sep 2026