How Turn Signals Work

Turn signals have been a standard feature on vehicles for many years. When used properly blinkers allow drivers to signal their intentions before they act, allowing other drivers on the road to react in the proper manner. Failing to signal before changing lanes or turning corners can result in accidents to you or other drivers. While the mechanics of turn signals appear to be simple, push the level up or down and the signals come on, they are in fact quite complex.

Turn signals make use of two pieces of specialized equipment located in your car. These are the thermal flasher and the turn signal switch. Turn flashers are wired into the turn signal switch and then the thermal flasher. From there the wiring goes to the fuse panel then the steering column and finally to the lever. What really makes your turn signals work though is the aforementioned thermal flasher. This small cylindrical device is usually located on the fuse panel but can also be found under the dashboard.

When you turn on your blinkers the thermal flasher connects to bulbs on the car through the turn signal switch. Once this happens a circuit is completed allowing electricity to flow through into a small curve wired. The thermal flasher heats up the wire inside in an instant forcing it to touch the contact inside, which allows the lights to blink. When the indicator loses the current the wire cools just as quickly and loses contact turning off the signal.

So what makes the turn signal shut off after you turn a corner? Most turn signals are self-canceling in nature. These contain a system to ensure that when the steering column is rotated back after a turn the signals are turned off. So how do they work? Located on the steering shaft there is hub that contains several notches. On this are four notches equally spaced around the hub. When the signal is turned on a spring-loaded roller falls into place of one of the notches and plastic lever is pushed into position of these notches. As the hub rotates the notches strike the plastic lever inside. When the wheel is turned the other way the notches push the plastic lever in the opposite direction and forcing the spring loaded roller out of its notch springing the stalk back to the center position.

Turn signals are an important part of every automobile. Properly using them can prevent numerous accidents with other drivers you may not be aware are even on the road. In order to maintain safe driving it is recommended you always use your blinkers and ensure that the bulbs are not burned out and they are working properly. Most of the parts involved in the proper operation of your turn signals are fairly cheap to maintain and easy to replace, if needed.