A DRIVER revealed how he found out something was wrong with his car thanks to an often missed sound.
Taking to TikTok, Bry Crasch learned that his taillight was out while he was on the phone with his mom.
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Crasch, who uses the handle @brycrasch on the social media site, hit 1.2 million views when he asked viewers if they knew that their turn signals make a different sound when their taillight goes out.
He said: “I just learned something that I have never before and I have to share it to see if you know this or if i’m just dumb.
“I was on the phone with my mom while I was driving, and she was like one of your taillights is out in your car.”
Naturally, this left him somewhat confused. How could she tell something was up while they were conversing over the phone.
He said: “She was like, ‘I heard your turn signal… ‘Your turn signal on the left hand side makes a different sound and it is telling you that your taillight is out.”
In the video, the difference in the sound is clear.
First he put on his right turn signal, which emitted a regular ticking sound.
But when he turned on his left hand turn signal, the sound picked up speed.
Crasch added: “Am I an idiot? Does everybody know this?”
Thankfully, for Crasch, many other regular drivers admitted they didn’t know this was a feature on cars, either.
In the comments section, one person wrote: “Literally no one tells us anything.”
Another said: “I thought my blink was flashing faster because it had anxiety.”
And a third commented: “Not alone! I’m 42 and just learned this today.
“Thank you for your public service announcement!”
According Jiffy Lube, the famous oil change retailer, “a properly functioning turn signal will blink at around 60 to 120 blinks per minute.”
However, if it has a failing component like, then the “blinker speed or sound may increase.”
Furthermore, Cars.com explains that a “a fast-blinking turn signal usually indicates that a turn-signal bulb is burned out on that side.”
To that end, a faster blinker doesn’t always mean a burned out taillight.
Electric circuit issues can also cause a turn signal to blink faster.
What’s more, if a turn signal bulb is changed but you’re still hearing a faster clicking, there may be a bigger issue.
This can include corrosion in the bulb socket, an improper fit, or a broken or corroded socket ground wire.
How to avoid being scammed at the repair shop
Motorautocar and the AARP have east-to-follow tips to avoid being scammed by a repair shop.
- Motorautocar suggests asking to see parts that have been replaced or to see old fluids after they were swapped. If the shop says that’s impossible or refuses, it could be a sign it wasn’t done.
- Ask for a walkaround of the repairs that were done. Most mechanics are happy to show you what was done in the shop. While being walked around, look for evidence of repairs like the area being cleaned off, shiny new parts, tool marks on the bolts, tools being out or nearby, etc.
- Before taking your car in, look at other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many customers only review a company if they have negative reviews, so keep an eye out.
- For costly repairs, consider getting multiple opinions. If two to three shops suggest identical repairs, it’s likely to be true.
- Test a new shop with minor issues you’re aware of to see if they add anything to the repair bill.
- If applicable, bring someone to the shop who knows about cars to have them double-check or read a repair bill.
- Get everything on paper. Not only is it important for your repair records, but it can help protect you if legal measures are necessary.
Source: Motorautocar, AARP
Content shared from www.the-sun.com.