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

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £12,380Avg. savings £3,506 off RRP*Used from £11,650
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £11,120Avg. savings £6,248 off RRP*Used from £9,895
Toyota Yaris Cross
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £27,995Avg. savings £4,092 off RRP*Used from £22,780
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 has significant upgrades to come, but don’t expect revolution
Renault 5 - front action

Renault 5 has significant upgrades to come, but don’t expect revolution

The popular Renault 5 will be a mainstay in the brand’s range for years to come, but it won’t spawn extra MINI-style models
News
23 Oct 2026
Long-term test: Peugeot E-408 GT Premium
Peugeot E-408 - header

Long-term test: Peugeot E-408 GT Premium

First report: Our man explains why electric trumps combustion in his eyes
Long-term tests
25 Oct 2026
Tories spark rumours of 'heavy car tax' in Labour budget - here’s what it could cost
Land Rover Defender V8 - front cornering

Tories spark rumours of 'heavy car tax' in Labour budget - here’s what it could cost

The Conservative Party is claiming that Chancellor John Healey may bring a weight-based car tax supplement in with the next budget
News
23 Oct 2026