Driving can be a joy or a nightmare, depending on the conditions of the roads. When it’s snowing and/or icy out, having a functioning vehicle is even more important. Thankfully, all vehicles are equipped with turn signals. But what happens when those lights go out? If you’re like most drivers, you reach for your toolbox and replace the bulb in no time at all. However, replacing a turn signal bulb is not as simple as it may seem. In this blog post, we will teach you the essentials of replacing a turn signal bulb and help you save time and trouble in the future.
What is a Turn Signal Bulb?
A turn signal bulb is a small light bulb that signals to other drivers when you are intending to turn. The turn signal bulb needs to be replaced every time it starts to flicker, goes out completely, or if the housing becomes cracked.
How Do Turn Signal Bulbs Work?
Turn signal bulbs are often one of the first bulbs to go in a car. They’re usually just replaced when they start to flicker or stop working altogether. But what actually happens when a turn signal bulb blows?
When a turn signal light is turned on, it sends an electrical current down the wire connected to the bulb. The current causes the filament in the bulb to heat up and give off light. When the current is turned off, the filament cools down quickly and no light is emitted. This process is repeated every time the turn signal is activated.
If a turn signal bulb’s filament gets too hot, it can break. This can happen if there’s too much pressure inside the bulb from electricity or if there’s dirt or other debris inside the bulb that can create an insulating barrier between the wire and the electric current. In either case, this barrier prevents electricity from flowing freely and can cause a turn signal bulb to fail.
How to Replace a Turn Signal Bulb
If you have a 1991 or later car, your turn signal lights are likely powered by a light-emitting diode (LED). To replace a turn signal bulb, unscrew the existing bulb, insert a new one, and screw the bulb back in place.
Conclusion
Need to replace your turn signal bulb, but don’t know where to start? Check out our guide on how to replace a turn signal bulb. This will walk you through the process step-by-step, including detailed instructions on how to remove and replace the bulb. Once you’ve got it replaced, be sure to take note of the new Bulb Code so that you can easily identify your replacement in the future.