How to Turn on Left and Right Turn Signals? Up or Down?
4 Answers
Turn the turn signal knob switch to the topmost position to activate the left turn signal. Turn the turn signal knob switch to the middle position to activate the right turn signal. Below are the methods for using the lights: 1. Push up to turn on the right turn signal. 2. Push down to turn on the left turn signal. 3. Pull forward to flash the high beam once. 4. Push backward to keep the high beam on continuously. Here are the precautions for using car lights: 1. When a motor vehicle passes through an intersection controlled by traffic signals and turns left, the turn signal should be activated, and the low beam should be used when driving at night. 2. During nighttime driving when streetlights are on, or in low-visibility conditions such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, the headlights, position lights, and rear lights should be turned on. 3. When a following vehicle is driving close to the vehicle in front in the same direction, the high beam should not be used. 4. When turning, changing lanes, overtaking, making a U-turn, or parking by the roadside, the turn signal should be activated 100 to 50 meters in advance. 5. When a motor vehicle passes through sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic signal control at night, it should alternately use the high and low beams to signal. 6. On roads without central barriers or centerlines, when meeting another vehicle at night, switch to the low beam when the oncoming vehicle is 150 meters away. Use the low beam when meeting non-motorized vehicles on narrow roads or bridges. 7. If a motor vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident on the road, obstructing traffic and making it difficult to move, the hazard warning lights should be activated according to regulations, and a warning sign should be placed 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. At night, the position lights and rear lights should also be turned on simultaneously.
When I first started driving, I also struggled with this issue. My instructor taught me that the small lever next to the steering wheel controls the turn signals: to activate the left turn signal, gently push it downward; to activate the right turn signal, push it upward. In my first few drives, I often mixed up the directions—intending to turn left but pushing it up instead, which led to cars behind me flashing their lights in warning. Through daily practice of pushing it up and down, I gradually got familiar with it, and it started to feel like an extension of my body. I remember once changing lanes on the highway, and because I signaled in time, I avoided a rear-end collision. As I drove more, I became more mindful of signaling at least three seconds in advance, letting the lights flash a few times to give trailing vehicles enough reaction time. In short, the left turn signal is activated by pushing downward, and the right turn signal by pushing upward. Keep your movements smooth and unhurried when operating it—this makes driving safer and boosts confidence. Developing this habit ensures that whether you're a beginner or an experienced driver, you can handle various road conditions smoothly.
As a veteran driver with over twenty years of experience, using turn signals has become muscle memory for me. The control stalk on the left side of the steering wheel—a gentle push downward activates the left turn signal, while pushing it upward makes the right one blink. I've tested this across different vehicles, and the mechanism remains largely consistent, though positioned slightly higher in some luxury models. During daily driving, I always signal one or two seconds in advance—just a light flick when turning or changing lanes instantly communicates my intention to other drivers. For instance, in urban traffic jams, timely activation of the right turn signal has helped me avoid side-swipes. Safety-wise, this habit is critical: left-down and right-up allows others to anticipate your moves, especially at night or in rain. Once, I forgot to signal and nearly caused a major accident—a lesson etched deep. So now, before every drive, I test the stalk's responsiveness.
The essence of driving safety lies in simple actions. To activate the left turn signal, gently push the control lever downward; for the right turn signal, push it upward. The rule is clear: down for left, up for right. I adhere to this principle while driving—whether changing lanes or turning, always signal first before taking action to give clear indication to vehicles behind. A few flashes of the indicator can alert others to maintain distance and avoid misjudgment. This applies equally on highways and urban roads. After forming this habit, driving conflicts have significantly reduced. Remember to check the lighting system regularly; if it fails, repair it promptly. Safety is built through accumulated attention to detail.
