What you need to know about replacing the turn signal lamp

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to annoy other drivers on the road is to forget the turn signal. This is fair, as it may create a safety hazard or simply an inconvenience to other drivers. Perhaps the most frustrating part of a bad turn signal is that it's not always the driver's fault. Have you ever heard a signal on the road despite careful driving? Or found that your turn signal is making unusual noises? Perhaps you find that drivers often don't let you pass when you signal a lane change? These are all signs that you may need to replace your turn signal bulb. All eight Chapel Hill Tire service centers offer lamp replacement services. Here is a quick overview of everything you need to know about your turn signals. 

The Basics: Turn Signal Lamp Overview

Most turn signal lighting systems include four separate lamps: front left, front right, rear left, and rear right turn signals. They are often placed in headlight/tail light systems. Many newer vehicles also have two additional turn signals, one on each of the side mirrors. In North Carolina, your front turn signals must be white or amber and your rear turn signals must be red or amber. 

Replacing front and rear turn signal bulbs

For your safety on the road and for your annual inspection, all turn signal bulbs must be bright and efficient. Fortunately, the process of replacing car bulbs is not difficult for professionals. The mechanic will often disconnect the headlight or taillight lens, carefully remove the old bulb, and install a new turn signal bulb. This is a quick and affordable repair that restores the functionality of most turn signals. 

If this doesn't fix your turn signals, you may have a few possible problems. First, you may have electrical or wiring problems. These problems are rare, but they can be dangerous. This makes professional diagnostics and service essential. Most often this can be a problem with fogged and oxidized lenses. The sun's ultraviolet rays can discolor the acrylic on headlights and taillights, making it difficult to see properly working bulbs. Headlight restoration services may be required to address these additional issues. 

Replacement of a lamp of the index of turn of a lateral mirror

Side mirror turn signals are often powered by small LED bulbs that use very little power and have a long lifespan. They are much less likely to need replacing than traditional turn signal bulbs. The replacement process depends on the type of installation you have. For some vehicles, replacing a small LED bulb is a quick and easy fix. Other vehicles/systems may require replacement of the entire turn signal mount. Luckily, rear view turn signals are an added convenience, meaning they are unlikely to affect your vehicle's safety or annual inspection. 

How do I know if my turn signal bulb is dead?

The easiest way to avoid turn signal problems is to check the bulbs regularly. Luckily, blown turn signal bulbs are easy to spot. First, you just need to park your car in a safe place. Then turn on your emergency lights and circle around the car to make sure all four main lights are bright and working properly. Pay attention to any light bulbs that seem to be dimming and replace them before they become a safety hazard.

In addition, many cars have protection that will let you know when your lamp is not working or is dimming. New vehicles may include a warning notice on the dashboard. In other vehicles, you may notice that the turn signal comes on faster or louder than usual. These are all common signs that a light bulb is dead or on the way out. However, some vehicles do not have a bulb replacement indicator. You can check your owner's manual to learn more about the turn signal light notifications you have in your car. 

Dead turn signal lamp

Whether you don't know your light bulb has burned out, or you just haven't had the time to perform this replacement service, a faulty turn signal can create problems on the road. First, it may limit your ability to communicate with other drivers. For example, your emergency lights will instead be reported as a turn signal when one of your bulbs is not working. It can also prevent you from effectively communicating your intentions to change lanes or turn.

In addition to the obvious safety hazards, the lack of an indication can get you a fine on the road. Even if you have turned on your turn signal correctly, broken bulbs will prevent an effective signaling. In addition, a burnt out turn signal bulb can result in a denial of the annual vehicle safety check. 

Replacing Local Turn Signal Bulbs in Chapel Hill Tires

When your turn signal goes off, Chapel Hill Tire mechanics are always ready to help you. You can replace your turn signal bulb at any of our eight service centers in the Triangle area, including Raleigh, Durham, Carrborough and Chapel Hill. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Chapel Hill Tire Store to have your turn signal bulb replaced today!

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