How to Use Turn Signals in a Manual Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When starting the vehicle, turn on the left turn signal. When parallel parking, turn on the right turn signal. At intersections and forks, turn on the left turn signal when turning left, and the right turn signal when turning right. When changing lanes to the left, turn on the left turn signal. When entering a roundabout, no turn signal is needed; when exiting a roundabout, turn on the right turn signal. When overtaking, first turn on the left turn signal, and after maintaining a necessary safe distance from the overtaken vehicle, turn on the right turn signal.
Having driven manual transmission cars for over twenty years, I know that using turn signals may seem simple but is crucial for smooth driving. To activate the left turn signal, gently flick the control lever on the left side of the steering wheel with your left pinky—it naturally lifts up with a click, and the light turns on. For the right turn signal, push the same lever downward. Remember to keep the motion swift and light; forcing it might accidentally engage the wiper button, which would be embarrassing. Timing is also key—for example, signal about 50 meters before turning to warn trailing vehicles, or accidents could happen. I’ve seen many seasoned drivers forget to turn off their signals, draining the battery with unnecessary blinking, so always make it a habit to flip the lever back after completing a turn. New manual drivers often fumble with both hands—it’s best to pull over and practice a few times until the position feels natural. Eventually, shifting gears while signaling will flow like a musical rhythm.
