Test: Goodyear V-16 Safety Light emergency light

Without a doubt, one of the most popular topics of recent months has been that of emergency lights or V-16 devices, which will become mandatory from next year, 2021. With the entry into force of the regulation that will make these warning beacons mandatory and part of the kit of essential tools to carry in our vehicles, we have had the chance to put the Goodyear Safety Light to the test.

Description of the Safety Light

This GY 01SL lighting and signalling device is approved according to the V-16 directive under IDIADA recognition PC19080129.

From here on, the Goodyear Safety Light beacon is sold in a box that includes, in addition to the device itself, a 9 V 6LR61 battery that supplies the power and a small, simple instruction manual.

When taking out this V-16 light signalling device, it weighs, on a household scale and without battery, just 100 grams (140 with the capacitor installed) and measures 8 centimetres in diameter and 5 in height. In a very homely comparison, the Goodyear Safety Light has dimensions and a weight (with battery) similar to two stacked tins of tuna. Thanks to this, it is easy to store, is not a significant burden and does not take up much space, for example, in the glovebox.

We can see that the beacon’s appearance is simple: on the base, a plastic flap gives access to the compartment where the battery is installed or removed and, around the edge, a yellow on/off button and 4 small indicator lights are the only elements we need to use it.

The same base serves as a magnet to attach the Goodyear Safety Light to the car’s bodywork. According to its specifications, its magnetic force allows it to stay in place at speeds of up to 129 km/h, although it is intended for use while stationary. In addition, given its design, it withstands both rain and snow.

How to use the GY 01SL beacon

As we indicated, the Goodyear Safety Light has two main functions operated from a single button: as an emergency beacon and as a torch, as it also has another option that reports the battery level. To switch it on or off, you only need to press the yellow button.

https://youtu.be/Ly4bJT6epz8

If you press the button on the GY 01SL once, the light panel will illuminate with up to 4 different colours indicating the available battery level. Checking it regularly to monitor the battery’s useful life is very intuitive and simple.

According to the manufacturer, this use is estimated at up to 6 hours as an emergency flash and up to 5 hours as a torch.

https://youtu.be/brTntPONaU4

To activate the emergency light mode from the off state, you only need to press the yellow switch twice. As we have verified in different lighting conditions, the visibility of this emergency warning light for cars far exceeds the 50 metres that the mandatory reflective warning triangles provide.

Not only that: the darker the surroundings, the better the stopped vehicle is seen thanks to the Safety Light, which, according to its theoretical specifications, can be seen from up to 1 kilometre away. In our tests, we could clearly distinguish this V-16 device from over 250 metres, and it was easily visible from over 500 metres, both tests carried out on urban roads and in lit areas, which could interfere with the yellow halo of light of the car’s 2835 lighting.

The torch is activated by pressing the GY 01SL button three times in succession. It is true that it is a single LED located in the centre of the device’s lens, and it fulfils its function as an emergency light source, but under no circumstances can it be used as a substitute, for example, for a headlight or even a bulb intended to light the cabin, since the light output of this diode is close to that of a mobile phone’s torch flash or even lower.

https://youtu.be/OnVju_aWa3g

Conclusion: Goodyear Safety Light V-16 emergency device test

As we indicated, the test of the GY 01SL emergency light leaves us really satisfied.

The reasons that lead us to recommend buying one even before its mandatory entry into force are based, fundamentally, on its ease of use, its functionality and its price, from around 20 euros, and even for those who have two cars, since the pack of two Goodyear Safety Light units can work out to be cheaper per unit.