What to Do If Your Turn Signal Lights Stop Working While You’re on the Road

Turn signals are crucial for safe driving, allowing you to communicate your intentions to other drivers. But what happens if your turn signal lights stop working while you’re on the road?

Imagine you’re on your way home from the Old Town Farm & Art Market in Downtown Wichita. But, it’s raining and traffic is hectic. And then you suddenly realize that your turn signals are not working. This situation can be both dangerous and stressful. But knowing the right steps to take can help you handle it safely and effectively. So, in this blog the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita guide you through what to do if your turn signals stop working while you’re driving.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First and foremost, if you notice your turn signals aren’t working, don’t panic. Instead, find a safe place to pull over. Because pulling off on the shoulder of the road, a parking lot, or any other safe area will allow you to assess the situation out of traffic.

Use Hand Signals

Hand signals are a legal and effective way to communicate your intentions to other drivers when your turn signals are not functioning. So, here’s how to use them:

• Left Turn: Extend your left arm straight out of the driver’s side window.
• Right Turn: Extend your left arm out of the window and bend it at the elbow, creating an upward 90-degree angle.
• Stop or Slow Down: Extend your left arm out of the window and bend it at the elbow, creating a downward 90-degree angle.

Practicing these signals beforehand can make it easier to use them confidently in an emergency.

Check the Fuse

Sometimes, the problem might be as simple as a blown fuse. So, look over your car’s manual to find where the fuse box is located. And which fuse controls the turn signals. Then, if you have a spare fuse and know how to replace it, you might be able to fix the problem on the spot. Also, always carry a few spare fuses and a fuse puller in your vehicle for such emergencies.

Inspect the Bulbs

If the fuses are intact, the issue might be with the bulbs themselves. Because, turn signal bulbs can burn out over time. So, if you have access to the right tools and spare bulbs, you can try to replace the faulty bulb. And your car’s manual will guide you on how to do this.

Use Emergency Flashers

If your turn signals are not working and you need to make a turn, use your emergency flashers (hazard lights) to alert other drivers that something is wrong. Because, while this doesn’t communicate your exact intentions, it can signal to other drivers that you are experiencing an issue and they should proceed with caution.

Plan Your Route

If your turn signals stop working during a longer trip, it might be best to alter your route. Because this way you can avoid heavy traffic, busy intersections, and areas with complicated turns. And instead, stick to roads where you feel comfortable using hand signals and where traffic is lighter.

Visit a Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita

As soon as it’s safe and practical, take your car to the ASE certified mechanics at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita. Because, driving without functional turn signals is unsafe and illegal in most places. And Tracy’s Tire Pros professionals can diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your turn signals work properly again.

Preventative Measures

To avoid being caught off guard by malfunctioning turn signals, conduct regular maintenance checks on your vehicle. And test your lights, including turn signals, brake lights, and headlights, periodically. Because, keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can help you spot and address issues before they become problems on the road.

Tracy’s Tire Pros Can Help Prevent Traffic Trouble if You’re Turn Signals Fail While Driving

While driving with non-functional turn signals can be alarming, knowing how to handle the situation can keep you and others safe. So stay calm, use hand signals, check for simple issues like blown fuses or bulbs, and use your emergency flashers if necessary. And most importantly, get your vehicle repaired at Tracy’s Tire Pros as soon as possible.

Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

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