Road flares differ from marine flares in that they aren't waterproof or rated for marine visibility distances.

Thus, under no circumstances can a road flare be used in place of the more specialized marine flare.

Such marine flares should also be kept in a waterproof container and stored a good distance away from sunlight or engine heat.

Brightness also differs significantly between road and marine flares.

Road flares aren't normally used to pinpoint a car's exact location, while marine flares are used precisely for that reason.