How to Use Turn Signals?
4 Answers
The method for using turn signals is as follows: 1. When changing lanes while driving, you should first turn on the corresponding turn signal before changing lanes; 2. When making a U-turn, you should turn on the corresponding turn signal and check for any oncoming vehicles before proceeding; 3. When overtaking on a road section without a solid center line marking, you should turn on the left turn signal and sound the horn as a warning; 4. When pulling over to park, first turn on the right turn signal and check the traffic conditions behind and to the right of the vehicle before pulling over; 5. When leaving a parking spot, turn on the left turn signal and check the traffic conditions behind and to the left of the vehicle before merging into the traffic lane.
I think using turn signals is actually very simple, but beginners often fumble with it. The lever on the left side of the steering wheel is the switch—gently push it upward for the right turn signal and downward for the left turn signal. Activating the signal at least 3 seconds before changing lanes is the safety baseline, letting the car behind know your intention. The key is to develop muscle memory—use it for lane changes, turns, entering/exiting roundabouts, and even pulling over. I’ve seen too many people forget to turn it off, leading to the ticking sound continuing. The signal automatically turns off when the steering wheel returns to center after a turn, but you must manually reset it after a lane change. When rain fogs up the windshield and obscures the dashboard, listening for the ticking sound confirms whether it’s off.
Operating the turn signal is much simpler than taking a selfie! Without taking your left hand off the steering wheel, just flick the small lever on the left. Pressing it toward yourself activates the left turn signal, while pushing it away turns on the right signal. My bestie once forgot to signal when exiting a roundabout and got honked at by the car behind—she learned her lesson: always signal well before turning. When you turn the steering wheel all the way, the signal automatically cancels, but remember to reset it after changing lanes. Now, I always count to three after signaling before turning—it’s safer and keeps the instructor from yelling. At night, seeing the green arrow blinking on the dashboard gives me extra peace of mind.
From an operational logic perspective, the turn signal is an extension of steering wheel controls. When the left hand grips the 9 o'clock position of the steering wheel, the thumb naturally rests on the left stalk of the steering column. The key action involves identifying the stalk's resistance point: a light upward push past the first resistance triggers the right turn signal (continuous flashing), while pressing downward past the resistance segment activates the left turn signal. Manual reset is required after lane changes, whereas the signal automatically cancels when the steering wheel returns over 90 degrees after a large-angle turn. Successful activation is confirmed at night by observing amber strobe lights on the corresponding front and rear sides of the vehicle. A rapid flashing indicator accompanied by an audible warning tone on the dashboard signals a turn signal malfunction.
