November 13, 2022
Whether or not your exterior light bulbs are all working probably is not at the top of your list when you think about your vehicle. But those exterior lights are more important than you think, and they're vital to your safety and that of other drivers near you.
Headlights are important. Not only do they help you see safely down the road at night, they also help oncoming drivers know that the vehicle they're approaching is not a motorcycle. Both headlights should be working properly and aimed so that they don't blind other drivers.
Taillights are also important for a few reasons. They tell drivers what your intentions are (changing lanes, turning, stopping). So, the bulbs back there must be all in working order for maximum safety. Ditto for the front turn signal lights. They alert oncoming drivers to your lane changes or turns (if you use your turn signals!). Some side mirrors also have turn signal bulbs in them.
There are a few other important bulbs. You may not care about the ones that illuminate your rear license plate, for example. But they are there to help public safety forces identify your vehicle. In fact, in many municipalities you can be pulled over and ticketed if ANY of the standard lights are burned out. So not only does having all your exterior lights working improve your vehicle's safety, it may keep you from getting a ticket.
Many newer vehicles have a light on the instrument panel that will go on if on-board computers detect voltage problems in any of your vehicle's bulb circuits. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out which light may be not be working since there are so many. Sometimes it's simply a matter of replacing a bulb, but it may be an electrical problem causing the problem. Stay legal and safe by having your service repair facility diagnose and fix a non-working light, a really bright idea, don't you think?
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Grandview
1524 W. Fifth Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43212
614-487-8776
http://www.tuffycolumbus-fifthave.com
July 28, 2025
Don't love winter weather? Here's a list of four things you need to keep a watch on during the winter months. Let's start with coolant levels. Coolant is as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather. Think of the term "anti-freeze." Your coolant needs to be adjusted for climate and temp... More
July 21, 2025
If your vehicle isn't starting or doesn't sound like it used to when you crank it, the culprit may be the battery. You may have left a light on, or something plugged into one of charging ports. Maybe you accidentally left your vehicle in the "on" or "accessory" position when you last got out. M... More
July 14, 2025
When automakers first came out with cruise control, it was a real luxury item. The older cruise controls used a mechanical vacuum system but it worked. Well, some of the time. Now days, cruise control is all electronic, thanks to computers. It's reliable and a real convenience on long trips. ... More