Exploring the Different Grades of Vehicle Chevrons

Choosing The Right Level Of Safety For Your Vehicle With Chapter 8 Shop

When it comes to keeping our roads safe, visibility is absolutely crucial. That's where vehicle chevrons come in—they have high-contrast patterns that greatly improve visibility and help alert other road users to your presence. But it's important to note that not all chevrons are made equal. In this friendly blog post, we'll dive into the various grades of vehicle chevrons and explain why they matter when it comes to selecting the right level of safety for your vehicle. So, let's get started and ensure your safety on the road!

 

Entry Grade 

Let's talk about Entry Grade Chevrons (class RA1), which offer a great combination of convenience and visibility. These chevrons feature Airflow technology, making them incredibly easy to apply without the worry of bubbles. They can be fitted to any vehicle hassle-free.

Made with 4-year flood coated fluorescent yellow and engineering grade reflective red material, Entry Grade Chevrons provide a good level of retro-reflection. They are also highly resistant to corrosion and solvents, ensuring their durability over time.

These chevrons are designed to offer visibility of up to 400 meters, helping other road users notice your vehicle from a significant distance. With a service life of up to three years, they provide long-lasting visibility and safety.

It's important to note that while Entry Grade Chevrons meet the minimum safety requirements, it's essential to consider the specific operating conditions of your vehicle before choosing them. This will ensure that you select the most appropriate level of safety for your specific needs.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and enhance the visibility and safety of your vehicle on the road.

 

Microprismatic Grade/Intermediate Grade

Microprismatic Grade Chevrons (class R3B), is where superior visibility come into play. These chevrons feature Airflow technology, ensuring a quick and bubble-free application process. Fitting them to your vehicle is a breeze!

Crafted with a 4 Year flood coated fluorescent yellow and microprismatic grade reflective red material, these chevrons offer something special. The optical elements within them are aligned in multiple directions, resulting in a uniform reflective appearance from various angles. 

This means that no matter how the chevrons rotate, they maintain their reflective visibility.

What sets Microprismatic Grade Chevrons apart is their premium finish PVC adhesive film. This film is specifically designed to enhance visibility, making your vehicle stand out on the road. With a visibility range of up to 750 meters, Microprismatic Grade Chevrons are particularly well-suited for vehicles that need to stop for work purposes on high-speed roads with speeds of 40mph or higher. These chevrons also meet the minimum legal requirement in Scotland and Wales. In terms of longevity, they have a service life of up to 5 years, providing lasting durability.

Emergency service providers, roadside assistance teams, and law enforcement agencies favor Microprismatic Grade Chevrons due to their superior reflectivity. By significantly increasing visibility, these chevrons reduce the risk of accidents, especially in low-light conditions. Choosing microprismatic chevrons is an excellent way to prioritise safety and ensure maximum visibility on the road.

When it comes to enhancing safety and being easily noticed by other drivers, Microprismatic Grade Chevrons are the way to go! 

Premium Plus Grade

Premium Plus Grade Chevrons (class R3B) are specially designed for motorways with a unique cutting-edge design. Made with a 4 year flood coated fluorescent yellow and microprismatic grade reflective red, this grade of chevron offers the highest level of reflectivity and visibility. 

Designed with Airflow technology for faster application and a reduced risk of bubbles, these chevrons come ready to install and are 50% less vulnerable to edge damage compared with planked alternatives.

Premium Plus Grade Chevrons are designed to offer visibility of up to 1,000 metres and are approved to ECE 104 Class F and ECE 70 Class 5, and exceed the minimum requirements for Scotland and Wales.

Premium Plus Grade Chevrons are the optimal choice, providing maximum safety that meets the stringent visibility requirements for vehicles operating in fast-moving traffic. Premium Plus Grade Chevrons have a service life of up to 5 years.

 

Choosing The Right Grade For You

Selecting the appropriate grade of chevron for your vehicle depends on several factors, including the specific use of your vehicle, operating conditions, legal requirements, and speed limits in your area. 

Consider the specific requirements of your vehicle's operation, legal regulations, and the speed limits on the motorways where you operate. By selecting the appropriate grade of chevrons, you can enhance the safety of your vehicle and minimise the risk of accidents on the road.

Evaluating the lighting conditions in which your vehicle primarily operates is crucial in determining the most suitable grade.

If your vehicle primarily operates during the day and in well-lit areas, entry grade chevrons might be sufficient to meet visibility requirements. However, if your vehicle operates during night time, low-light conditions, or in high-risk environments, opting for microprismatic or premium plus grade chevrons is highly recommended to ensure optimal safety.

Vehicle chevrons are an essential safety feature for enhancing visibility on the road. Understanding the different grades of chevrons available, along with the associated speed limits, can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right level of safety for your vehicle. Whether you opt for entry grade, microprismatic grade, or premium plus grade chevrons, prioritise safety and compliance to ensure the utmost visibility in all conditions.

Additionally, all grades of Chapter 8 Shop reflective vehicle chevrons come with a 2 year warranty. A free highway maintenance sticker is added to your cart on all orders over £50 as well as free next day delivery! What more could you ask for!

For further help and advice, contact our knowledgeable team who are always ready to assist you in finding the perfect chevron solution for your vehicle.

Read more on Chapter 8 Guidance here.