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Rear Turn Signal/Indicator Color

20 messages,  Last post on Mar 01, 2009 at 8:00 PM

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#15 of 20 Re: it's silly I know [sir_timbit] by mikevegas06 Jul 16, 2007 (12:31 pm)
Replying to: sir_timbit (Jul 15, 2007 7:30 pm) Yeah, you're right. How much could it possibly cost to incorporate the "European" markers on the cars sold here?!   And, along with the amber tail lights and European side markers, I want the folding mirrors. It makes it so much easier to fit into those tight parking spaces. Seems like they would reduce insurance claims too.   And (this is my last "and"), why does the Mercury Mountaineer have the side turning indicators while the bulk of the Ford/Mercury/Lincoln products don't?
#16 of 20 Re: i've always had cars with amber turn signals [nwng] by robertsmx Jul 17, 2007 (8:34 am)
Replying to: nwng (Jun 22, 2007 11:05 am) I'm sure cars with amber turn lamps have been rear ended as well.   That said, it is all in the design and its execution. Some cars do it better than others, be it red or amber. In fact, red is the best color when it comes to warnings under adverse (visibility) conditions, a reason it is used for "stop" (light or sign) or warnings in general. It has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum and refracts the least.
#17 of 20 Re: i've always had cars with amber turn signals [210delray] by pmnj Jan 18, 2009 (6:01 pm)
Replying to: 210delray (Jun 22, 2007 5:41 pm) I too believe rear amber (or yellow) turn signals are superior, especially in crowded urban areas (where I do most of my driving), where typically you get multiple lanes of traffic with cars weaving around. Half the time, of course, nobody indicates when changing lanes. When they do, it's easy to see a yellow one for what it is; a red one could just as well be a brake light coming on (at least for the first few seconds you really can't tell).   If you don't drive in crowded urban areas, it probably doesn't matter too much.   I know of at least one scientific study that clearly indicates yellow/amber turn signals are superior to red ones especially in terms of other-driver response time -- http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a713807880~db=all   I'm pretty sure car manufacturers are aware of studies like the one I mention above. If I can find that on the web, so can they.   I currently drive a Volvo XC90 which has amber turn signals. I looked at replacing it with an MDX, but chose NOT to purchase the MDX *only* because of the red signals. I love the MDX for what it is - cheaper, better, as safe, more fun to drive and probably more reliable. But I'm not going to spend $45K on a car that ignores what I consider a fairly basic safety issue.   The few times I've been to Europe, I've never seen a car with rear red turn signals. Might have regulations there concerning the rear turn signals in addition to the front unlike the US (where I believe only the fronts are regulated)   Regards,   PM Replies to this message: captainenfield (Feb 21, 2009 7:22 am) nippononly (Feb 24, 2009 7:28 am)
#18 of 20 Re: i've always had cars with amber turn signals [pmnj] by captainenfield Feb 21, 2009 (7:22 am)
Replying to: pmnj (Jan 18, 2009 6:01 pm) A little more than half of the cars I have owned have had amber rear turn signals but I never really paid much attention to the concept until about a year or two ago. Most of those were Toyotas and one Honda Civic. The vehicles with red rear turn signals were all GM. It's strange how sometimes things just happen to dawn on you in life.   I believe amber rear turn signals are far superior in terms of being more distinguishable than red ones. Tail and brake lights are fine being red but when you throw in the turn signal/flasher as red they become much less effective. Any external light that flashes on a car should be amber, not red.   I have noticed with regards to recent model years that several foreign models such as Honda, Nissan, Audi and some Toyotas have switched to red but separate rear turn indicators. At least they haven't gone as far as the domestics and combined one bulb to handle all of the tail light functions. In my opinion this is lame and a rip- off.   Occasionally American car brands will interject an amber rear turn light with a new or redesigned model year and then switch back to red in a subsequent year or two or go as far as combining all functions using the "interrupter" type with only one bulb. It's sad and disappointing that car makers will use rear turn signal treament for styling or model year separation rather then safety.   I have become interested in the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan as a choice for a possible next car but ruled out the Fusion because of the fact that it uses one bulb to perform all tail light functions. Again this is lame and disregards safety in my view. Really, the only main difference in the two models is the tail light cluster, oh and maybe the grill. Replies to this message: nippononly (Feb 24, 2009 7:28 am)
#19 of 20 Re: i've always had cars with amber turn signals [captainenfield] by nippononly Feb 24, 2009 (7:28 am)
Replying to: captainenfield (Feb 21, 2009 7:22 am) I agree, it is extremely lame when automakers combine brake and turn signals into a single bulb(s). Then when you turn your signal on or hit the brake, it's not clear at first whether you are turning or braking.   If they have a separate turn-only bulb but it is red, that is better, but I still prefer the amber turn signal - there's no doubt what that is as soon as it starts to flash.   Honda goes back and forth - it is one of their standard mid-generation refresh aspects to change the rear turn signal from amber to red or vice versa. The current Civic has returned to an amber signal, so now is the time to get a Civic! The first three years of the current Civic had separate but red turn signals.
#20 of 20 Replace Rear LED Turn Signal by orlyn Mar 01, 2009 (8:00 pm)
Searched for info but all I found was preferences over whether one should be red or amber. But, here my problem. Right rear TS blinks at only half power level (brightness) of the left one. LF blinks at normal brightness. Also when this happens the LF & LR signal go into extremely fast mode. Owners Manual says this is an indication of bad bulb in front, however, 2 new bulbs in LF didn't cure the problem. Could the LR TS be going out? Where can one obtain an LED replacement if that is the case. All & any info will be helful & appre..

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