It can be a scary experience when your car breaks down on the side of the road. But if you have a road flare with you, it doesn’t have to be as bad. A road flare is an important tool to have in your vehicle during a roadside emergency. Today, we will teach you how to properly use a road flare. We will also provide some tips for maintaining your vehicle and avoiding roadside emergencies.
Types of Road Flares
Road flares are important because they make your vehicle visible to other drivers on the road, day or night. This can help prevent further accidents and injuries. There are two main types of road flares: chemical and battery-powered.
Chemical road flares are the most common type. They are made of a magnesium or phosphorus core that is ignited with a friction striker. The burning flare can reach temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The average burn time for a chemical road flare is 15 minutes.
Battery-powered road flares are safer to use and have some advantages over chemical road flares. These flares are often multifunctional and don’t contain any flammable chemicals. They also have a longer flare time, typically 30 minutes or more.
How to Use Chemical Road Flares
Before using road flares, familiarize yourself with the instructions. Each road flare is different, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid injury.
When you’re ready to use the road flare, hold it in your hand with the striker pointing away from you. Place the road flare on the ground, and strike the end of the flare against the rough surface of the road. The friction will cause a spark that will ignite the magnesium or phosphorus core.
Once lit, place road flares around your vehicle to create a perimeter of light. When placing road flares on the ground, be sure to put them at least 20 feet away from your vehicle.
Do not hold road flares in your hand for long periods. The heat from the burning flare can cause serious burns. Also, be careful not to drop road flares on yourself or your vehicle.
How to Use Electronic Flares
Using electronic road flares is similar to using chemical road flares. The main difference is that you don’t need to worry about obtaining burns with use. You will just need to turn on the power switch to activate the flare.
Most battery-powered road flares have LED lights, so you can set them and forget them. You can use up to 6 for maximum safety. See more on how others use these electronic flares in an emergency with the Lizzard Flare Reviews.
Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle and Avoiding Roadside Emergencies
There are a few things you can do to help maintain your vehicle and avoid roadside emergencies:
- Check your vehicle’s fluids regularly. This includes oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
- Check your vehicle’s tire conditions. This includes checking the tire pressure and tread depth.
- Inspect your vehicle’s engine. This includes looking for leaks, loose belts, and other potential problems.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. This should include items like road flares, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and a flashlight.
- Plan your route before you start driving. Know where you’re going and take note of any potential hazards along the way.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of having a roadside emergency. But if you do find yourself in one, remember to stay calm and use road flares to warn approaching traffic.
More FAQs About Road Flares
Q: Do road flares expire?
A: Yes, chemical road flares have an expiration date. Most road flares are good for three to five years. After that, the chemicals in the flare can become unstable and dangerous. If you want to have a longer shelf life, invest in electronic flares.
Q: Can road flares be reused?
A: That depends on the flare that you utilized. Chemical road flares should not be reused. Once a chemical road flare has been lit, it can’t be extinguished. The only way to stop a burning road flare is to let it burn out completely. However, if you obtain battery-powered road flares, they can be reused.
Q: What do I do with used chemical road flares?
A: Dispose of used road flares according to your local laws and regulations. You may be able to take them to a hazardous waste facility or a recycling center that accepts electronic waste.
In Conclusion: Who to Call In the Event of an Emergency
Road flares are an important tool to have in your vehicle during a roadside emergency. Today we taught you how to properly use road flares. We also provided some tips for maintaining your vehicle and avoiding roadside emergencies.
If you find yourself in a roadside emergency, the best thing to do is call for help. If you have a cell phone, you can call 911 or your local police department. You can also call a tow truck or road service. If you don’t have a cell phone, you can try to flag down a passing car or walk to the nearest gas station or service area.
