What to Do If Your Turn Signal Lights Stop Working While You’re on the Road
You were on the road to kayak the waters of Swatara Creek just outside of Harrisburg when you noticed that your turn signals weren’t working. And you quickly realized how turn signal lights are essential for safe driving. Because, this allows you to communicate your intentions to other road users. But what if they suddenly stop working while you’re on the road? So, to answer this question, the experts at Meineke on Paxton Street in Harrisburg offer this step-by-step guide on what to do to ensure you and others remain safe if your turn signals stop working.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
If you notice your turn signal lights aren’t working, the first thing is to remain calm. And then, check if the issue is with just one light or both. Also, try the hazard lights as well, as they might help determine if the problem is electrical.
Step 2: Use Hand Signals
Hand signals are a universal method to communicate your intentions to other drivers. So, here’s a quick refresher:
- Left Turn: Extend your left arm straight out of the driver’s side window.
- Right Turn: Extend your left arm out the window and bend it upward at a 90-degree angle.
- Stop or Slow Down: Extend your left arm out the window and bend it downward at a 90-degree angle.
These signals can help other drivers understand your intentions even without working turn signals.
Step 3: Pull Over Safely
If it’s safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road to avoid causing confusion or accidents. And then find a safe spot where you can inspect the problem without blocking traffic.
Step 4: Check for Simple Fixes
Once you’ve pulled over, check if there are any simple fixes you can manage:
- Check the Fuses: A blown fuse is a common cause for turn signals not working. So, locate your car’s fuse box (usually under the dashboard or in the engine compartment), find the turn signal fuse to check if it’s blown. And, replace it if necessary.
- Inspect the Bulbs: If only one turn signal isn’t working, the bulb might be out. So, if you have a spare bulb and the tools, you can replace it on the spot.
- Look for Loose Connections: Sometimes, wires can become loose. So, check the wiring connections related to the turn signals and secure them if they appear loose.
Step 5: Use Hazard Lights
If you need to continue driving, use your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing issues. Because, while hazard lights are not a substitute for turn signals, they can increase your visibility and warn others to be cautious.
Step 6: Drive with Extra Caution
While driving without turn signals, exercise extra caution:
- Plan Your Route: Avoid busy roads and highways if possible. And opt for back roads where traffic is lighter.
- Give Clear Hand Signals: Ensure you use hand signals well in advance of your intended action.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid abrupt maneuvers that could lead to accidents.
Step 7: Get to the Mechanics at Meineke
Your final step should be to get to a mechanic as soon as possible. Because driving without functioning turn signals is not safe for extended periods. And the ASE certified professionals at Meineke in Harrisburg can diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy again.
Preventative MeasuresTo avoid finding yourself in this situation again, consider regular maintenance checks:
- Check Lights Periodically: Make it a habit to check all lights, including turn signals, regularly.
- Carry Spare Bulbs and Fuses: Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your car for emergencies.
- Regular Maintenance: Have your vehicle inspected regularly to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.
Meineke is Here to Help When Your Vehicle’s Turn Lights Fail
By following these steps, you can safely manage a situation where your turn signal lights stop working while you’re on the road. So stay calm, communicate clearly with other drivers, and get the issue fixed as soon as possible. And remember, Meineke in Harrisburg is ready to help.
- Meineke Car Care Center – Pleasant View Road
331 Pleasant View Rd, New Cumberland, PA 17070 - Meineke Car Care Center – Rodney Road
1775 Rodney Road, York, PA 17408 - Meineke Car Care Center – South Queen Street
855 South Queen Street, York, PA 17403 - Meineke Car Care Center – Market Street
2301 E Market Street, York, PA 17402 - Meineke Car Care Center – 2nd Street
201 N. 2nd Street, New Freedom, PA 17349 - Meineke Car Care Center – Baltimore Street
871 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331 - Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Street
1125 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331 - Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Pike
6510 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 - Meineke Car Care Center – East Chocolate Ave
1401 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033 - Meineke Car Care Center – Gettysburg Road
2236 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011 - Meineke Car Care Center – Jonestown Road
4509 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 - Meineke Car Care Center – Paxton Street
3098 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111 - Meineke Car Care Center – Manheim Pike
1220 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 - Meineke Car Care Center – Main Street
5988 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
MEINEKE CAR CARE | LOCAL CAR CARE | LOCAL MECHANIC | HARRISBURG CAR CARE | HARRISBURG AUTO CARE | CAR CARE NEAR ME | OIL CHANGE NEAR ME | ASE CERTIFIED | EV CARE | EV BATTERY | CLUTCH |BRAKES NEAR ME | BRAKE FLUID | SERPENTINE BELT | TRUCK CARE | TRUCK MAINTENANCE | TIRE REPAIR | TIRES
#MEINEKECARCARE #LOCALCARCARE #HarrisburgCarCare #HarrisburgAutoCare #CarCareNearMe #MeinekeCares #Meineke #OilChangeNearMe #OilChange #ASEcertified #Diagnositics #EV #EVbattery #UsedCarRepair #Clutch #Brakes #BrakeFluid #SerpentineBelt #TruckMaintenance #TireRepair #Tires
