The clicking sound used to be inherent in an electrical component, but has been long since unnecessary from a technical point of view, since modern-day turn signals operate electronically. But the blinker noise has been kept because it is familiar.
Similarly, the LED technology featured on today’s new cars opens up a whole new array of configurations, movement and locations on car’s chassis, but some traditions may have to be respected.
As automakers strive to develop unique and striking designs, turn signals have become important design features, and a place for manufacturers and suppliers to take advantage of greater leeway and invest more personality in their products.
Philipp Schreiber of a major German safety inspection agency notes that sonic indicators are not legally required on cars and "an optical signal would suffice, but the sound is most definitely useful."
Lane changes are a good example: even after changing lanes, the clicking sound continues, reminding drivers to switch the signal off again.
Indicators on vehicles evolved in the 1920s. Suppliers developed turn signals, which consisted of electromagnets and 20-centimetre-long illuminated indicator arms that emerged from a vehicle’s body at the sides. These were regular features of traffic until the 50s, when electric turn blinkers rendered them obsolete.
"LED technology has undoubtedly brought about the greatest change in vehicle lighting technology," says Steffen Pietzonka from supplier Hella. This applies both to lighting technology itself, as well as to lights’ arrangement and shape.
"In the past, the direction indicators were always installed at fixed positions in the wing or in the bumper," says Pietzonka. These days, flexible LED technology offers far more placement options.
LED lights are flat, which means that they require minimal space and are easily customisable. As a result, turn signals now appear as waves and flows, which can be moulded into the vehicle lines and can decisively influence the "face" of a car.
"Individualisation plays a very important role for the car manufacturer when it comes to turn signals," says Pietzonka. One example is the "sliding" turn signal from Audi, while animated lighting has become a general trend.
A further advantage is being able to add lateral turn signals to the casings of side mirrors. Since the space-saving LEDs have come to market, almost all new cars have acquired extra turn signals on these rear-view mirrors.
As a consequence, tinkerers and DIY specialists have a lot less to do: the regular replacement of an incandescent lamp is no longer necessary, since, according to Pietzonka, "today's generation of LEDs usually last a lifetime."
In addition, the technology is also energy efficient.
According to Pietzonka, a single red LED would suffice to light up a tail lamp, but even so, manufacturers usually use a large number of LEDS to make the lights so each car will have its own trademark lighting shape.
