Final answer:
When the mechanical turn signal of a car isn't working, use hand signals to indicate your turning intentions. Check if turning on the headlights resolves the issue, as some cars require it for turn signal functionality. Prioritize having the vehicle inspected and repaired quickly for safety and legal compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a vehicle's mechanical turn signal is not functioning properly, it can potentially lead to hazardous driving conditions. If you find that your turn signals are non-operational while driving, it is essential to first ensure road safety by finding a safe place to pull over and address the issue. However, there might be circumstances where you need to turn before resolving the turn signal problem. In such cases, it is critical to use hand signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
Before resorting to hand signals, check if the issue with the turn signals is merely due to the headlights being turned off, as some cars require the headlights on for the turn signals to operate properly. Turn on the headlights and observe if the turn signals begin working. If the signals still do not work, there are standard hand signals that drivers should know, which involve extending the arm through the driver's window and using specific gestures to indicate turning or stopping. For a left turn, extend your arm straight out of the window; for a right turn, bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle vertically so your hand points upwards. To indicate a stop or decrease in speed, extend your arm out and down with the palm facing rearward.
Because safety cannot be emphasized enough, if you observe that your turn signals are not working, have your car inspected and repaired as soon as possible to ensure all lights and signals are operational. Driving without functional turn signals is not only unsafe but also illegal in many regions. Meanwhile, use approved hand signals and exercise extra caution when turning or changing lanes. It is also recommended not to drive at night or in poor visibility conditions until the signal issue is fixed, and never look directly at bright lights, such as your headlights, as this can harm your eyesight.