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

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,532 off RRP*Used from £17,990
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £5,225 off RRP*Used from £8,695
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £586 off RRP*Used from £9,000
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,987 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Jeep Renegade to target Dacia Duster with cheap 'n' tough design
Jeep Renegade exclusive image

New Jeep Renegade to target Dacia Duster with cheap 'n' tough design

Keen to offer a spacious and rugged offering at an attractive price, the new Renegade will have established rivals looking over their shoulders
News
16 Jul 2026
Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow
Volvo XC40 - front cornering

Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow

Significantly upgraded SUVs are likely for 2026, but Swedish firm is also leaving the door open for new estate cars in future
News
17 Jul 2026
Are Chinese cars really cheaper? True buying and running costs for top models uncovered
Jaecoo 7 - front cornering

Are Chinese cars really cheaper? True buying and running costs for top models uncovered

Five big-selling Chinese cars go head-to-head with western rivals on fuel, servicing, insurance and depreciation costs, to find out if the disruptors …
Features
16 Jul 2026