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Ways you can Check for Broken Lights & Bulbs

Ways you can Check for Broken Lights & Bulbs

Proper lighting is essential for vehicle safety, both for you and those around you. Whether it’s a headlight, taillight or turn signal, a burned-out bulb can not only reduce visibility but also result in fines or safety hazards. If you suspect a bulb might not be working, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you confirm it.

Perform a Visual Inspection
The easiest way to check for a burned-out bulb is by performing a simple visual inspection. Start by turning on your vehicle’s various lights—headlights, taillights, parking lights, and fog lights. Walk around the vehicle and observe each light carefully to see if it’s dim, flickering, or completely out. Don’t forget to check both the front and rear lights.

If you’re parked in a garage or near a reflective surface, it’s even easier to spot issues. The beams or reflections bouncing off the surface can help you identify which lights are working and which are not. A wall or a shiny car parked nearby can also help in such situations.

Use Your Vehicle’s Dashboard Indicators
Modern vehicles are equipped with systems that alert you to lighting problems. If a bulb goes out, a warning light might appear on your dashboard. For instance, many cars display a specific indicator when a headlight, brake light, or turn signal is malfunctioning. Check your dashboard carefully while driving, as these indicators are often your first clue.

Test Each Light Function
If there’s no dashboard warning, systematically test each light’s functionality. Turn on your hazard lights and check that all four corners of the van are flashing. Activate your turn signals individually and ensure that the bulbs at the front and rear are working properly.

Testing your brake lights may require a bit of creativity if you’re alone. Press the brake pedal and look for the lights reflecting off a wall or garage door behind you. Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to confirm whether the brake lights are coming on. Similarly, put your van in reverse (with the parking brake engaged for safety) and check the reverse lights.

Listen for Irregularities in Turn Signals
A faster-than-usual blinking turn signal is often a reliable sign of a burned-out bulb. If your turn signal starts flashing more rapidly than normal, it’s usually because the circuit is detecting a problem, often caused by a faulty or missing bulb.

Test with a Multimeter for Certainty
If a bulb appears fine visually but isn’t functioning, you can remove it and test it with a multimeter. This device measures continuity to determine whether the bulb is still operational. Simply set the multimeter to the continuity setting, place the probes on the bulb’s connectors, and check for a beep or reading.

Inspect the Fuse Box if Multiple Bulbs Are Out
If more than one light isn’t working, the issue could be electrical rather than with the bulbs themselves. In this case, check the vehicle’s fuse box. Your owner’s manual will indicate which fuse corresponds to the lighting system. A blown fuse is often easy to spot, as it may look burned or broken inside.

Consult the Owner’s Manual
For specific details about your vehicle’s lighting system, the owner’s manual is an invaluable resource. It will guide you on where to locate each light, how to remove and replace bulbs, and what type of bulb you’ll need.

Seek Assistance When Needed
If you’re still unsure about the status of your lights, don’t hesitate to ask for help. A friend, family member, or even an employee at an auto parts store can assist you in checking your vehicle’s lights. Many auto parts stores offer free bulb testing or diagnostic services, making it easy to confirm the issue.

Final Thoughts
Regularly checking your vehicle’s lights ensures that you’re driving safely and complying with traffic regulations. While some lighting issues are easy to diagnose and fix, others may require a little extra effort or professional assistance. Taking a few minutes to check your lights can make all the difference in staying safe on the road.

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Why Ignoring your Coolant Cap could Cost you Thousands in Repairs!

A properly sealed coolant cap may seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial in preventing engine overheating and costly repairs. When the cap isn’t secured or the seal isn’t tight, your cooling system can’t maintain the necessary pressure, leading to coolant leaks or evaporation. Without enough coolant, the engine is left vulnerable to extreme heat, which can cause severe damage, such as warped engine parts, blown head gaskets, or even a cracked engine block. If left unchecked, this can cause severe damage to vital engine components, leading to costly repairs that could easily exceed thousands of pounds. A small oversight can quickly become a major headache!
To prevent such issues, it’s important to always double-check your coolant cap after any maintenance work or service. A quick inspection can save you from major engine trouble. If you find that your cap is worn or damaged, it’s essential that you don’t wait and replace it immediately. You can find high-quality replacement coolant caps on our website here, ensuring your engine stays protected and your car runs smoothly.

So How do I Check the Cap?

1 . Insure that the engine is cool to avoid burns from hot coolant.
2 . Open the bonnet and locate the coolant reservoir.
3. Inspect the cap to see if it sits flat and aligned without any visible gaps then twist the cap clockwise until it is snug and tight.
If the cap feels loose or doesn’t secure properly, it may need to be replaced to maintain proper pressure in the cooling system.