I guess it's more obvious with decreasing day length and more drivers going home from work in the dark - but around here there seems to be a huge number of vehicles with defective rear lights. Well, either rear lights, brake lights or, in the case of a MB Sprinter van I followed, both. [here's a hint - driver of deleted - name/shame rule applies. DD - it would be a good idea to check your lights].
If we had enough traffic cops, all these dodgy lights would give them a great excuse to stop vehicles and, while they're about it, check tax, insurance etc.
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Theres a huge number of vehicles around the Manchester area with defective lights. Its one of my pet hates, especially following vehicles with defective brake lights. I personally carry spare bulbs and replace any blown bulbs as and when i notice they have failed. But I am lucky that my cars bulbs are easy to replace, some manufacturers seem intent on making bulb replacement difficult. Removal of wheel arch liners to replace headlamp bulbs on Ford KA for example.
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ive stopped telling people as even if they say thank you very much you will often see the same vehicle a few days later with same fault.
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ive stopped telling people as even if they say thank you very much you will often see the same vehicle a few days later with same fault.
I still try to tell people even though I sometimes get a thicko who replies - Yeah I no mate!
There is no simple simple solution to the defective lights problem.
My vehicle comes with a bulb failed indicator panel which is a good feature. Perhaps all cars should have them as standard.
But if drivers cannot even see the dash warning lamp for fog lights on then I think a voice warning is the next approach. It might have some effect if the kids keep nagging "Whats that voice for Daddy?"
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How about the guy I pulled up alongside at some lights just recently and said to him, "Do you know you have no rear lights at all, no brakes lights at all; oh and your rear fog is on"
He said "thats why I've got my fog light on."
Luckily he was going in a different direction!
JaB
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Sorry, DD, I wondered if this might be seen as 'naming and shaming'. However, if someone dropped me a hint and saved me getting caught for a traffic offence, I'd be grateful - but, there ya go.
In this case, it may serve as a reminder to everyone to check their rear lights - especially drivers of Sprinters! I am beginning to wonder if Sprinters are particularly susceptible to rear-end dodgy electrics. I saw another this morning minus brake light.
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I think it's a sign of the times.
When I first had a car nearly thirty years ago the conventional wisdom was to never drive without all lights working or you were likely to be pulled over and checked and breathalysed etc. These days having broken lights seems almost par for the course. In the past few days Ive seen two busses with a light out, a police car and several taxies who seem to be among the worst offenders. All are vehicles which should have a higher state of maintainance than the average private car.
The chances of being stopped are zero and lights only need to work when it' MOT time.
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I have been in a car ( a Vauxhall Astra of the 89 era ) and the driver a friend was pulled by the police, The officer spoke to her and as an alternative to a penalty notice he accopanyed us to the nearest late night petrol station to buy bulbs, but as it happens it was a poor connection in both rear light clusters.
I was always taught to look for the tell tale signs of failed tail lights in reflections while learning to drive.
My mum was also flashed once, but that was the trailer which had a poor connection which fused all the sidelights on the left (which supplied both sides of the trailer) but we were only 20mins from home so we didn't bother to investigate.
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And defective rear lights are not just restricted to failed lights. There's the earth fault variety which results in all sorts of odd things like indicators lighting up instead of brake lights and rear lights flashing instead indicators and one rear light going out when the opposite indicator comes on etc. etc.
--
L\'escargot.
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