LPT check your vehicles exterior lights

Submitted by thedriftlessdrifter t3_zzzr7z in LifeProTips

I noticed a lot of vehicles this week with at least one light out. (In many US states it's a probable cause for law enforcement to pull you over)

For those who own a motor vehicle I figured I would pass along this reminder heading into the new year. Not every vehicle has fancy dashboard alerts for a light out.

Check your lights.

Put your "hazard lights" on and do a walk around, that will show you all 4 turn signals.

Have someone press the brakes, or put something heavy enough on the brake pedal if you're by yourself, be sure to look at your 3rd brake light to make sure it functions.

License plate and reverse lights are usually overlooked don't forget to check those too. I've never heard of anyone getting a citation for reverse lights but it is nice to see behind you when backing up.

Few Tips: *If you don't have anyone to help check the back lights find a wall (or garage door), at the right distance you can use the reflection to check brakes and reverse lights. *If your turn signal icon on the dashboard starts to flash quicker than usual it can be an indication that you have a bulb out (usually applies to mid 2000s and older) *Check out YouTube if you are in need of replacing any bulbs, chances are it's easier to replace than you think.

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Virtual-Chemistry-93 t1_j2etwq6 wrote

Pro tip: back into a parking spot in front of a glass front building and use the reflection to check rear lights. Easiest at night. Don't forget license plate lights.

Check turn signals with turn signal stalk. Not hazard switch.

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Atomaardappel t1_j2f1tum wrote

You can also check them in the reflection of the car in front of you at a stoplight. I check the rears whenever one of those big ass trucks with the chrome grill is behind me.

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TRIGMILLION t1_j2emq88 wrote

Good advice. I was at a light a few months ago and my turn signal started blinking super fast. I didn't know what that was about but when I got home I put it in park and walked around and sure enough the rear left signal bulb was burned out. Years ago I got pulled over for a taillight I had no idea about so I just do that every so often now.

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Bierbart12 t1_j2enktv wrote

This is a good tip and it even mentions an interesting useless fact I just learned, that most indicators blink using a very simple mechanical heat switch which is very slightly affected by the environment and how much power the other components of your car are using at the moment.

This is why no two cars' blinkers can ever synchronize at a stop light

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AustinFotoger t1_j2ewl82 wrote

Another tip for drivers that I see all the time is people not switching from their car’s automatic lights to “lights on” option. Many car’s rear running lights don’t work in automatic so obviously dangerous while driving at night or bad weather conditions.

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geekworking t1_j2f3pix wrote

Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Automatic Headlights are a bit different.

You are talking about DRL. Only front lights and often no as bright as normal Headlights.

Cars with actual automatic lights have a light sensor that will turn on all of the lights when light level below some level and in many cars will also turn on all of the lights when you active the windshield wipers.

You can usually tell from the instrument cluster. DRL does not light up the cluster but full light on will.

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Dr_Catfish t1_j2ezb0t wrote

We know.

We just don't want to fix it.

My right headlight is out because of my wiring harness.

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asupernova91 t1_j2fgtof wrote

Lol are you the guy who rolled down his window and yelled: one of your brake lights is out! at me earlier this week? 😂 I had no idea. Thanks dude and thanks OP!

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keepthetips t1_j2ejqz2 wrote

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.

If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.

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geekworking t1_j2f2jnw wrote

One thing to note is newer cars that either have LED or were offered with an LED option should have lamp failure warning on the dashboard and most likely will not blink faster.

Also make sure that you clean your lights especially as we head into winter with all of the road salt. If you have to use windshield wash your lights need cleaning.

Last point is if your headlights start to get cloudy you can easily clear up with car polish rubbing compound. The silly piece clear plastic can cost upward of $1000 so they are worth maintaining.

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DroolingSlothCarpet t1_j2ez0j1 wrote

Perhaps you did not read the sidebar, specifically rule number six.

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hsvsunshyn t1_j2fkb3g wrote

Vehicle maintenance seems to not fall under "driving". Unless you are implying that people who do not replace their burned out headlights/brake lights/turn signal bulbs have mental health issues...

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