Techtip6

SAVVA Technical Tip No 6

Indicator Lights

When next at your club have a look at the “turning indicator” lights fitted to the cars around you.
- We doubt if one in ten are legal.

Many cars use those little elongated lights fitted with a 5 or 10-watt fuse type bulb. They may work
in the dark but on a normal bright day there isn’t a chance anyone will see them from across the road.
Other lights often fitted are the popular round types that one purchases from the local spares shops
also fitted with the fuse type bulbs (and no reflectors) which after a few years the orange plastic
lens takes on a dull appearance which renders them quite useless. One needs at least a 20-watt bulb,
a good reflector and a clear orange lens to make your turning intentions known.

Most modern “flasher” units are designed to take around two 20-watt bulbs. If smaller bulbs are
fitted they will flash so fast they won’t be visible from a distance.

Keep in mind if there is a coming together with a modern car their insurance company could well
dispute the fact that the indicator lights fitted to your vehicle didn’t meet with
legal modern standards. Why take a chance when for a few rand one can ensure you meet
legal standards – and at the same time enhance the looks of your car.

A suggestion would be to pay a visit to your nearest motorcycle scrap yard and buy a
set of “turning indicator” lights as fitted to modern motorcycles. Typical of motorcycle components,
they are made to the best standards possible. They are chrome plated, fitted with orange
lenses and excellent reflectors, and if you are in luck, they will already have a mounting
bracket fitted. Have a look at the next delivery bike you see and note how effective the
turning indicator lights are.

If your car is operating on 6 volts and 6 volt bulbs are hard to find in your area,
try the motorcycle shops – numerous bikes continued using 6 volts long after cars had
moved on to 12 volts.