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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,250Avg. savings £3,288 off RRP*Used from £10,495
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,637 off RRP*Used from £24,899
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £703 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £5,355 off RRP*Used from £26,640
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Most and least reliable car manufacturers 2026
Most and least reliable car brands - header image

Most and least reliable car manufacturers 2026

These are the brands that are building the most reliable cars on UK roads, along with the ones that you might wish to avoid
Best cars & vans
30 Aug 2026
New Dacia Sandero is going EV, but there's still a place for petrol
Dacia Sandero render (watermarked) - front

New Dacia Sandero is going EV, but there's still a place for petrol

Next-generation supermini will provide a range of powertrains and a more rugged Stepway version
News
31 Aug 2026
Last chance: Gov asks for driver’s view on controversial car emissions law changes
Emissions checks

Last chance: Gov asks for driver’s view on controversial car emissions law changes

New proposals could see drivers face fines of up to £1,000 if their car’s emissions don’t match the approved emissions standard
News
1 Sep 2026