Motorists could be caught out by a little-known lightbulb issue that could develop into the threat of hefty fines. A driving instructor firm, ‘Autos Best In The West’, revealed one simple sign that an indicator bulb may be about to break on all petrol and diesel cars.
The experts release regular videos offering important advice to learner drivers and experienced motorists. In a TikTok video, they revealed that a flashing indicator is a sure sign that the light “needs replacing”. Although hard to diagnose, the experts stressed drivers should look for an indicator that is flashing a lot quicker than normal.
Speaking on TikTok, James said: “When a vehicle indicator is flashing faster, it usually means that one or more of the indicator bulbs are burnt out and need replacing.”
To replace an indicator bulb, motorists will need to find the bulb housing, detach it from the wiring and remove the old light. Motorists can then rewire the new bulb and reattach the headlamp before testing the new fitting works.
Not using a car headlight may seem like a trivial issue but could seriously backfire with drivers at risk of facing hefty penalties. The Highway Code makes it clear that road users should use turn signals when behind the wheel.
The Code states: “Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians, of your intended actions.”
Not properly indicating when behind the wheel could see motorists charged for “driving without due care and attention. Consequences are likely to be worse if a pedestrian is injured after failing to indicate where and when they are turning.
If penalised, drivers would be issued between three and nine penalty points on their driving licence and may get a hefty financial penalty of up to £2,500. New indicator bulbs can dramatically vary in costs but motorists can expect to pay between £1 and £25, depending on their car’s make and model.
Halfords explained: “One of the most common causes of car accidents is the failure to indicate when turning. A car light indicator issue is one of the easiest problems to diagnose and can be done alone on your driveway.
“Your car’s indicators are one of the most important car elements, but they are also one of the simplest, relying on a basic electrical circuit with two switches to function.”
