How to choose emergency vehicle warning lights

For years the emergency triangles were the form of signaling used when stopping the vehicle on the road in the event of a breakdown, accident or other causes.

However, its use will be gradually replaced by emergency vehicle warning lights, which offer greater visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

One of the main advantages of car flash lights is that it is not necessary to get out of the vehicle to place them, since they can be placed on the roof with ease by sticking the arm out of the window.

They have a magnet on the base and emit an intermittent signal that can be seen from more than a kilometer away. They are also waterproof and work at extreme temperatures without problems.

How to choose the best emergency vehicle warning lights

When buying an emergency vehicle warning lights that replaces the warning triangles, these are the main factors to consider:

1) Signaling and fixing modes

Most of these devices offer more than one form of signaling and, in addition to the classic emergency light; they also allow you to activate a fixed mode that serves as a flashlight. The more options the device has, the better.

As for the fixation, the ideal are those that have a magnetic non-slip base that adheres to the body of the vehicle. This prevents it from moving even on days with a lot of rain, snow and strong wind.

The ignition can be manual by means of a button or automatic when making contact with the ceiling. I recommend the devices that include both options.

2) The irradiation field and light intensity

Make sure the emergency light’s optical system covers 360-degree horizontal visibility. This irradiation field makes it possible to shine in all directions and have a range of at least one kilometer away.

Regarding the light intensity, it is measured in candela (cd) and must be between 40 and 80 cd according to the regulations. In addition, for good performance, it must be maintained at that power for at least 30 minutes.

3) Degree of protection

To know if the rotating emergency lights are suitable for working in extreme conditions, you should check the degree of IP (Ingress Protection) within their technical specifications.

This is an international standard that classifies resistance to solid and liquid objects. The higher their number, the more protected the device will be.

For a car led emergency light, it is recommended that this index be at least IP54, which indicates that it is waterproof and dustproof. Regarding the temperature range, check that it is suitable to operate between -10 to 50ºC.

4) The way of feeding

The regulations establish that the emergency led in the car must have an autonomous power supply, which can be in the form of a removable battery or battery.

In the case of opting for the first option, it is important to change them every 18 months or carry a spare set in the glove compartment. If you decide on the second, the charge must be able to be carried out in the vehicle itself and be independent to guarantee its operation in case of electrical failure.

Although the 2 alternatives are valid, I recommend the purchase of a rechargeable emergency light. In this way you will forget about the need to replace the batteries and their possible sulfation.

As for the autonomy, make sure they last at least 2 hours and, for more safety, choose a model that includes a battery level indicator.

5) Extra functions

The most sophisticated models are compatible with a mobile app that offers help in case of accident or breakdown. This connects automatically with your insurance company or with the 112 emergency service, informs the location of the vehicle by geolocation and allows real-time monitoring of the mechanical assistance itinerary.

In addition, some equipment comes with a series of accessories that facilitate its use, such as a flashlight, a reflective vest or a hammer to break windows or cut belts for emergency situations.

6) Price of emergency vehicle warning lights

The cost of these devices varies between 20 and 90 USD depending on the brand, technology, light power and the services offered.