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

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £10,882Avg. savings £6,895 off RRP*Used from £9,549
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £8,899Avg. savings £3,628 off RRP*Used from £7,000
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £28,499Avg. savings £4,522 off RRP*Used from £26,490
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £18,900Avg. savings £3,079 off RRP*Used from £10,558
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

It’s time for Tata to step aside and let the Chinese take over at Jaguar Land Rover
Opinion - Freelander 8

It’s time for Tata to step aside and let the Chinese take over at Jaguar Land Rover

Mike Rutherford thinks the joint-venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover could be a match made in heaven
Opinion
8 Nov 2026
BMW i3 vs Mercedes C-Class Electric vs Hyundai Ioniq 6: big test for the 3 Series EV
BMW i3 vs Mercedes C-Class Electric vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 - front tracking

BMW i3 vs Mercedes C-Class Electric vs Hyundai Ioniq 6: big test for the 3 Series EV

The new electric BMW 3 Series takes on Mercedes’ latest C-Class and the updated Hyundai Ioniq 6 in a premium EV showdown
Car group tests
10 Nov 2026
Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI to cost more than Alpine A290 and Peugeot E-208 GTi
Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI - front

Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI to cost more than Alpine A290 and Peugeot E-208 GTi

VW’s all-electric hot hatch aims to do the iconic GTI name proud
News
9 Nov 2026