How To Check Your Car's Direction Indicators - Rated Driving (2024)

Introduction to Car Direction Indicators

The Role of Car Direction Indicators in Road Safety

Direction indicators, commonly known as turn signals or blinkers or indicators, play a critical role in road safety by signalling a driver’s intention to change lanes or turn.

Proper functioning of these indicators is crucial for clear communication on the road, helping to prevent accidents and misunderstandings between drivers.

These signals provide a simple yet effective method for alerting other road users to your intended movements, allowing them ample time to react accordingly.

Legal Requirements for Indicators According to The Highway Code

According to The Highway Code, all motor vehicles must have fully operational direction indicators. The Code specifies that indicators must emit a clear, amber light and must be visible to other road users from both the front and rear of the vehicle.

The indicators should flash between 60 to 120 times per minute to comply with UK regulations. Failing to maintain functional indicators, or improper use of them, can lead to penalties including fines and points on your driving licence.

4.4.4. Flashing frequency

Indicators must flash between 60 and 120 times per minute.

MOT checklist from the UK Government

It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that these are in working order before starting a journey.

Download The Highway Code PDF

Common Faults and Signs of Indicator Issues

Indicators can fail due to a variety of reasons, ranging from simple bulb failures to more complex electrical issues. Common faults include:

• Non-functioning lights: One or more of the indicator lights do not blink when activated.
• Rapid flashing: Faster than usual blinking can indicate a bulb is out.
• No flashing: If the indicator does not flash or stays lit, it could suggest a malfunction in the system.
• Dim lights: Dimmer than usual lights can be a sign of a low battery or issues with the connection.

Recognising these signs promptly can help maintain your vehicle’s safety features and ensure compliance with road safety regulations.

Tools Needed for Checking Car Indicators

Basic Tools for DIY Checks

To perform a DIY check on your car’s direction indicators, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• Replacement bulbs: Have the correct type and size of bulbs according to your car’s specifications.
• Screwdriver set: Needed to open the indicator casing if necessary.
• Multimeter: Useful for diagnosing electrical issues, such as checking the voltage supply to the indicator lamps.
• Vehicle manual: To reference specific requirements and specifications for your particular model.

Having these tools on hand will allow you to address the most common issues you might encounter with your car’s indicators.

Understanding Your Car’s Indicator System

Each car’s indicator system might vary slightly depending on the model and make. Generally, the system includes the indicator bulbs, a relay that makes the clicking sound and controls the flash rate, and the fuse that protects the circuit. Understanding how these components work together helps in diagnosing issues:

• Indicator bulbs: Check if they are functioning and if they are of the correct wattage.
• Relay: A faulty relay can cause the indicators to stop working or to flash at an incorrect rate.
• Fuse: Ensure the fuse related to the indicators is intact; a blown fuse will stop the indicators from working altogether.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Inspection

Before you start your inspection, ensure your vehicle is placed in a safe and appropriate environment:

1. Park on a level surface: Ensure your vehicle is stationary on a flat surface to avoid any movement.
2. Turn off the engine: Safety first—make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed.
3. Engage the parking brake: This will prevent any unwanted rolling.
4. Turn on the hazard lights: Activating the hazard lights will engage all the indicators simultaneously, making it easier to check each one.

By preparing your vehicle correctly and understanding the basic components of the indicator system, you can efficiently diagnose and fix most of the common issues with car indicators, ensuring your vehicle meets safety standards and adheres to legal requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Car Indicators

Front Indicators Check

Checking the front indicators is a straightforward process that ensures the signals visible from the front of the vehicle are functioning correctly:

1. Activate the indicators: Turn on the left and right indicators sequentially, checking each side.
2. Visually inspect: Look at the front of the vehicle to ensure each indicator flashes brightly and consistently.
3. Check for colour and clarity: Ensure the light is a clear amber colour and not obscured by dirt or a cloudy casing.
4. Listen for consistency: The sound of the indicator’s click should be consistent. A rapid clicking sound can indicate a bulb issue.

Rear Indicators Check

The rear indicators are equally important as they inform vehicles behind of your intended direction changes:

1. Activate the indicators: Similar to the front, check the left and right indicators.
2. Inspect visually: Observe the rear indicators from a distance to ensure they are bright and not dimmed by dirt or damage.
3. Check for consistency: Ensure the flashing rate is consistent with the front indicators.
4. Note any irregularities: Any irregular flashing speed or dim lighting needs further investigation.

Side and Wing Mirror Indicators Check

Side indicators, often integrated into the wing mirrors on newer cars, are crucial for visibility from the side:

1. Turn on the hazard lights: This will activate all indicators, including those on the side and in the wing mirrors.
2. Walk around the vehicle: As you walk around, check that each side indicator and those on the wing mirrors flash correctly.
3. Inspect for damage: Ensure that the indicator housings are intact and the lights are not obscured.
4. Check alignment and brightness: Make sure the lights are properly aligned and emit a strong, steady light.

‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions Related to Car Indicators

Common ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions on Indicators

During the driving test, you may be asked several questions about your vehicle’s indicators as part of the ‘Show Me, Tell Me‘ section. Here are some common questions:

• Tell Me Question: “Tell me how you would check that the indicators are working.”
• Show Me Question: “Show me how you would check that the left/right indicator is working.”

Being prepared to answer these questions demonstrates your understanding of the vehicle’s safety features.

How to Demonstrate Indicator Checks During Your Driving Test

When asked to demonstrate indicator checks during your driving test, you should:

1. Turn on the engine: Some indicators might not operate without the engine running.
2. Activate the indicators: Use the indicator stalk to show each turn signal in turn.
3. Physically check: Either use reflections from windows, walls, or ask the examiner to assist you by observing the lights as they operate.
4. Explain what you’re checking: As you perform the checks, explain that you are looking for clear, consistent flashing and proper colour.

Relating Indicator Knowledge to The Highway Code

Understanding how to operate and check indicators is not just about passing your test but is crucial for abiding by The Highway Code.

The Code stresses the importance of using indicators to inform other road users of your intended actions, thereby increasing road safety for everyone.

Indicator checks ensure that this vital communication tool is always available and functional, helping to prevent misunderstandings and accidents on the road.

Knowing how to check and maintain your vehicle’s indicators is part of being a responsible and legally compliant driver.

Troubleshooting and Resolving Indicator Issues

Diagnosing Indicator Malfunctions

When your indicators malfunction, diagnosing the issue accurately is crucial to resolving it efficiently. Here’s how to diagnose common indicator problems:

1. Check the bulbs: Often, indicator problems are simply due to burned-out bulbs. Check if the bulb is functioning by replacing it with a new one to see if this resolves the issue.
2. Inspect the fuse: A blown fuse can stop the indicators from working. Locate the fuse box and check the fuse related to the indicators; replace it if necessary.
3. Examine the wiring: Look for any signs of wear, tear, or disconnection in the wiring that leads to the indicator lamps. This could involve visually inspecting the wires or using a multimeter to check for continuity.
4. Test the relay: The indicator relay could be faulty, leading to issues such as rapid blinking or no blinking. Replacing the relay is generally a simple task and can be done with basic tools.

Temporary Fixes for Faulty Indicators

If you find yourself with a malfunctioning indicator and cannot immediately repair it, there are a few temporary fixes you might consider:

1. Use hand signals: As a temporary measure, using hand signals can help communicate your intended movements to other drivers.
2. Tap the indicator bulb housing: Sometimes, a loose bulb or oxidation on the contacts can cause the indicator to fail. A gentle tap might help reestablish the connection temporarily.
3. Switch the bulbs: If one indicator fails and you suspect a bulb issue, you can swap bulbs from the opposite side to confirm if the bulb is the problem.

When to Seek Professional Help

Certain indicator problems should be addressed by a professional mechanic:

1. Complex electrical issues: If the wiring, fuses, and bulbs are in good condition yet the indicators still malfunction, the issue may lie deeper within the car’s electrical system.
2. LED or advanced lighting systems: Vehicles equipped with LED indicators or advanced lighting systems may require specialised knowledge and tools for repairs and adjustments.
3. Persistent problems: If your indicators continue to malfunction despite basic troubleshooting, professional diagnostics and repair are recommended to ensure road safety and legal compliance.

Maintaining Your Car’s Indicators

Routine Maintenance Tips for Indicators

Regular maintenance of your car’s indicators ensures they function correctly and remain reliable:

1. Regular checks: Perform regular checks on all indicators to ensure they are working correctly.
2. Clean regularly: Keep the indicator lenses clean to ensure maximum visibility. Dirt and grime can obscure the lights, reducing their effectiveness.
3. Replace bulbs promptly: Change indicator bulbs as soon as they fail or start to dim to maintain proper function and compliance with road safety regulations.

Upgrading Your Indicators

Upgrading your indicators can improve visibility and the vehicle’s aesthetic:

1. Switch to LED bulbs: LEDs offer brighter light, longer life, and often consume less power than traditional bulbs.
2. Install dynamic indicators: Consider installing dynamic or sequential indicators, which provide a scrolling effect that can be more noticeable to other drivers.
3. Enhance with aftermarket kits: There are kits available that can upgrade the look and function of your indicators, often making them clearer and more visually appealing.

The Importance of Regular Indicator Checks for Safety Compliance

Regularly checking your car’s indicators is essential for safety and compliance with The Highway Code:

• Ensure communication: Properly functioning indicators are vital for communicating your intentions on the road, crucial for preventing accidents.
• Legal requirements: Maintaining operational indicators is not only a safety measure but also a legal requirement in the UK.
• Avoid penalties: Regular checks help avoid penalties for driving with malfunctioning lights, which can include fines and points on your licence.

By adhering to these maintenance and upgrade guidelines, you can ensure that your car’s indicators are always in optimal condition, enhancing safety and compliance with road regulations.

Frequently asked questions