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 Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £24,710
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £2,398 off RRP*Used from £6,460
Toyota Yaris Cross
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £4,963 off RRP*Used from £10,490
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Long-term test: Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance
Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance - family header

Long-term test: Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance

First report: Range-topping version of flagship SUV joins our fleet and is fast becoming a family favourite
Long-term tests
9 Aug 2026
New Ford Focus: full details on the iconic name’s SUV return
Ford Focus exclusive image

New Ford Focus: full details on the iconic name’s SUV return

An all-new Ford Focus is set to make a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
10 Aug 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Cupra Formentor is a sporty SUV for under £200 a month
Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Cupra Formentor is a sporty SUV for under £200 a month

The Formentor is a family SUV that looks great, is good to drive and offers exceptional value. It’s our Deal of the Day for 9 August
News
9 Aug 2026