Making sure you are prepared for an emergency is something that we should always try to do in all different aspects of our life. Our car is no different. Responsible drivers will have an emergency roadside assistance kit somewhere in their car. There are many different items that you will want to put into your kit. One important item is a flare. If you start to look at flares or other products that fulfill the same job you may be overwhelmed at the different options. Today Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance wants to go over the different choices with you so that you can make the purchase that you feel the most comfortable with.
Traditional Road Flare
The traditional road flare is the most commonly used signal device for many different reasons. The first reason is that flares are not dependent on prime weather conditions to light. These flares are built to work in snow, rain, or hail. They are able to be lit without any matches or lighters. Another perk for the traditional road flare is they are self-consuming. Flares disintegrate without any issues. The last reason they are so popular is that they are not confusing. Drivers are well aware that a burning road flare means that someone else needs assistance. There are a few cons with traditional road flares as well. They cannot be reused. If you use them you will need to purchase a replacement. The other con is that they do put out heat. If you have to light the flare in a dry area it can cause a problem. Unfortunately grass and brush have been known to catch fire due to misplaced road flares.
Strobe LED Light Road Flares
Strobe LED signals have become more popular over the last few years. Many people like this option because they do not emit fume discharge or have a fire risk like traditional flares do. LED signals are battery-powered. If the batteries no longer work than your plan for your roadside flare will quickly be thwarted. LED lights are not as recognized by all motorists. Some drivers may think that the light is a flying projectile and avoid the device. This could leave you stranded for longer than necessary.
Emergency Chemical Road Flare Light Sticks
Another option is a chemical light stick. Chemical light sticks also eliminate the risk of wildfire and they do not emit fumes. They are not typically as reliable as some of the other options though. If the temperature is too cold the light stick can freeze. A frozen light stick will not work at all. If you live in a colder climate or are traveling to a colder climate we do not recommend a chemical light stick for you.
Reflective Triangles
Many people choose reflective flares because they do not have to be replaced like traditional flares; they do not need batteries like LED lights; and the cold weather does not affect them. They offer long-term savings when compared to other options. There are some drawbacks to using reflective triangles though. First during the day they do not always catch the attention of other drivers. At night if they are not positioned just right motorists may not see the light until they are very close to you. The major con for reflective triangles though is that if the weather is that if it if windy outside your triangles will simply blow away leaving you without a flare at all.
Towing & Emergency Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
When you are making your choice on what type of flare to purchase we hope that this information helps you. If you do find yourself stranded on the side of the road call Speedway Towing and Roadside Assistance. We can come out and help you get back on the road again!
