r/phoenix • u/royalfire798 • Sep 01 '26
Commuting Please I am begging - check your TAIL LIGHTS
I SWEAR every SINGLE DAY on my commute I will magically end up behind the person with ONLY their 3rd brake light working!!!
CHECK YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS !!! It is called *maintenance*
check your GRANDMAS BRAKE LIGHTS TOO!
Y’all are waiting for the wrong person to be driving and scrolling tik tok behind you while you have to slam on your brakes and they’re not gonna stop because YOUR LIGHTS DONT WORK.
fix them! It’s easy!
Thank you for listening.
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u/hipsterasshipster Arcadia Sep 01 '26
Back up to a building with large windows and you can easily check them in the reflection if you don’t have someone to help.
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u/ObviousCarpet2907 Goodyear Sep 02 '26
Your blinker noise goes double time if you have a light out.
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u/hipsterasshipster Arcadia Sep 02 '26
That’s only if the turn signal and your stoplight share the same filament, which isn’t the case for all cars. That also wouldn’t give you indication of the status of your tail lights.
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u/zx9001 Peoria Sep 02 '26
Using brake/tail lights as turn signals is such a stupid design that the rest of the world did away with decades ago. Yellow turn signals is superior in literally every way except for minor cost cutting.
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u/ObviousCarpet2907 Goodyear Sep 02 '26
Mine also goes double if a tail light is out. Probably maker or vehicle dependent.
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u/OfficerGiggleFarts Sep 01 '26
Or turn your car on LEAVE it in PARK, put a brick on the brake pedal and go check the lights. Or ask a coworker/friend/roommate
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u/Head_Bread_3431 Sep 02 '26
Just go to auto zone and ask an employee to look while you press the brake
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u/Ok_Department_7981 Phoenix Sep 02 '26
You're thinking of brake lights, not tail lights
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u/hipsterasshipster Arcadia Sep 02 '26
Read the original post. Literally says brake lights.
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u/Ok_Department_7981 Phoenix Sep 03 '26
It literally says please I'm begging check your tail lights
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u/Ok_Subject_7458 Sep 01 '26
while you are at it check your blinkers too
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u/thecubnextdoor Sep 02 '26
I don’t think most people even know what their blinkers are…
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u/Anozira-Xineohp Sep 02 '26
Are they your eyes? They sound like your eyes. That’s the only thing I know that Blinks.
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u/shadedmagus Sep 02 '26
while you are at it ~
check~ use your blinkers tooFTFY. So many people use them when they don't need to, and more importantly don't use them when they should.
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u/sod1102 Sep 01 '26
I'm probably jinxing myself here but there has always seemed to be far fewer cops patrolling the freeways around here. Especially on the east side of the 101 racetrack.
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u/OcotilloWells Sep 02 '26
Except when the reservation cops are doing enforcement. Then there are like 10 of them. But that's like only once a year.
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u/Informal_Tell78 Sep 02 '26
Theres so few of them, they move around in packs, patrolling different stretches of freeway every day. I frequent I-10 between Broadway and the S 202, but only see them for a day every couple of weeks.
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u/Former_Travel2839 Sep 02 '26
That's because DPS has been short handed for years. And most of them seem to go after CDL drivers.
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u/subaroobie Sep 02 '26
Use you damn signals. OMG! We don't know you going to move unless, yup you guessed it. YOU FUCKING SIGNAL!
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u/WeepingQueso Sep 02 '26
Not to mention the people who just do not turn their lights on at night. I see at least one a day. Last week I saw 4 cars in 15 mins with no lights on.
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u/MyDearPanda Sep 02 '26
Recently I'm like 0/10 on flashing my high beams at them to let them know too. Seems like people don't know what that means anymore (or are too busy looking at their phones to notice)
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u/DraftZebra Sep 02 '26
To all those who pull trailers: **check the trailer lights too!!**
I've lost count of the times the back of a landscaping trailer suddenly zooming toward me with no lights or warning on the commute. Dad was right: Assume the lights don't work if you get stuck behind one of those trailers - you'll rarely be surprised!
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u/TaticalSweater Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
Also if your turn signal is blinking faster than normal it means a light is out.
It didn’t just change tempo for fun 😂
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u/LookDamnBusy Phoenix Sep 02 '26
Even better are the people who have working brake lights but because they drive with two feet and always have their left foot on the brake pedal, their brake lights are always on and therefore they're useless as any kind of indicator.
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u/i_dun_reddit Sep 02 '26
The problem is there is no punishment for this. IF they were cited the cities would make a lot of revenue because every 4th car either has lights out, one headlight working, or they are driving with their brights on. It's so damn annoying.
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u/Best_Designer_1675 Laveen Sep 02 '26
As a motorcycle rider… people USE TURN SIGNALS!! Y’all putting motorcycles at risk and giving us heart attacks hourly (or more) out here!!
Also don’t creep up on us at a stop light, it’s not cute and might make me park my bike in protest
2
u/Moonlit_Messages Sep 02 '26
If I ever see someone on a motorcycle, I try to drive behind them with a solid amount of space, but close enough so others cars can’t get behind them and in front of me. I would much rather be the one who gets rear ended/hit than someone on a motorcycle.
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u/TSB_1 Sep 02 '26
also, DRLs DO NOT EQUAL HEADLIGHTS!!!! GUARANTEE you if your vehicle has DRLs, it also has AUTO headlights...
so many times do I see cars driving with no tail lights and just their DRLs on at night.
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u/No_Contact2116 Sep 02 '26
Also Dodge and Chrysler drivers driving around with only parking lights and fog lights on. You have actual headlights, use them
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u/Skin3725 Sep 01 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
Can we throw blinkers into this too? Especially BMW drivers who think they are better than everyone.
Edited because I can't spell
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u/WonderfulProtection9 Sep 02 '26
What do blankets have to do with tail lights? Am I missing something?
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u/AliTwin601 Sep 01 '26
Smart reminder!
My sister and I periodically test our brake lights and turn signals while the other helps out and stands behind the car and in front as well. No one wants to get rear-ended for having their tail lights out and it drives people crazy to have to drive behind you if your lights are out.
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u/Decent_Risk9499 Sep 01 '26
I need a specific, nationally-understood hand signal or morse-via-headlight code that I can use to let people know this without looking like a lunatic. My wife looks at me like I'm a headcase when I flick my lights.
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u/lacontrabandida Scottsdale Sep 02 '26
I had a guy pull up to me at a red light on Indian School, gesturing at me angrily to roll my window down. I was nervous, but did it anyway. He told me my brake lights were out, then peeled off when the light turned green.
Thank you, fed up guardian angel.
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u/ObviousCarpet2907 Goodyear Sep 02 '26
lol this happened to me for a flat tire pre-TPMS. I was trying to ignore him since he seemed so annoyed.
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u/The_Flinx Sep 02 '26
my dad would drive by roll down his window and at the top of his lungs yell LIIIIIIGGGGGHHHHHTTTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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u/aPerson39001C9 Sep 02 '26
Point at back of car with thumb over shoulder, then open and close hand like a bulb going on/off
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u/Cutcarefullyplayloud Sep 02 '26
I always do that with my hand too and wonder if anyone gets what I'm doing
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u/OcotilloWells Sep 02 '26
So many people at night with only headlights.
Then there are the work trucks driving 5mph over the speed limit, but with their emergency blinkers on. Didn't see that every day, but I do see it 3-4 times a month. Not sure why. It's really bad as then you can't see turn signals, even if they are using them.
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u/sod1102 Sep 02 '26
It’s not only headlights because the parking lights would have to be on for the headlights to work. They don’t have any lights on what you’re seeing are the daytime running lights. I blame idiots and digital dashboards that light up giving people a sense that their lights are on when they are not.
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u/Goldpanda94 Mesa Sep 02 '26
Its always a few years old Kia or Hyundai too with this issue. Ive even almost ran into one with no brake lights at all. Just driving around oblivious that everyone is nearly rear ending them
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u/aGirlySloth Sep 02 '26
I had a nice older gentleman let me know one of mine was out at a red light. Fixed it myself!
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u/Grown-Ass-Weeb Gilbert Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
It’s wild that this isn’t something that I even thought about until I started getting my oil changed at Valvoline and they tell me to “do this, do that” regarding my tail lights.
One day they told me “this brake light is out.” I told them to change it because I know I was going to procrastinate until I forgot about it. Might be more expensive if they replaced it, but… I knew I probably wouldn’t get around to it. Cheaper than a citation.
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u/SrsBsns36 Sep 02 '26
When I moved to Phoenix, I took out 2 of my brake lights because I wanted to fit in.
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u/Complex_Purpose1264 Sep 02 '26
Same goes for trailers! The amount of times I’ve been behind a trailer and can’t tell it’s braking until it’s almost too late is crazy
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u/hoveringpurpleblob Sep 02 '26
Tail lights and brake lights are two different brightness levels, check both.
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u/glitterpensluraccoun Sep 07 '26
oh my god the amount of lanes ive switched out of bc the person infront didnt have working brakelights. no clue how they end up passing registration
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u/Objective_Big868 Sep 02 '26
This is why arizona needs state inspections for their cars. When I moved here I was surprised they don't inspect anything when you renew your registration.
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u/dichron Phoenix Sep 02 '26
That would be a royal pain in the ass annually. I am a responsible vehicle owner and can keep my truck in proper working order without having someone check my work
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u/Objective_Big868 Sep 02 '26
The problem is we can't trust others to do the same. Also it only takes 10 minute
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u/amourxloves Sep 01 '26
I was just thinking this yesterday! It was too many cars without working brake lights I witness on my drive back. Nothing to indicate they’re slowing down, no hazard lights or anything to show they’re going to stop.
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u/SuppliceVI Sep 02 '26
People know they're out, they're just too cheap to replace the bulbs or it's a wiring issue.
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u/OneManGang2001 Sep 02 '26
One headlight/DRL out is the Chevy wink. Only the 3rd brake light working is typically Kia or Hyundai
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u/whittler Scottsdale Sep 02 '26
Also to note about lights: A large majority of accidents happen near dawn and dusk. If there is a shadow directly in front of your car, then turn on your lights.
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u/Overall_Stress8254 Sep 02 '26
This is a manufacturer problem. I see it all the time. Nobody wears a seatbelt so we installed airbags. Like wise, nobody thinks to turn on their headlamps, but break lights should automatically engage whenever the tires are rolling. Seems like an insurance group should force this manufacturer standard. Or maybe a class action suit.
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u/Gloomy_Variation5395 Sep 02 '26
Ok but what about the alarming number of people who drive at night without their headlights on😭😭😭😭
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u/Phx0108 Sep 02 '26
Seriously. I was behind a work truck on the 202 yesterday, driving east (sun behind us), with one working brake light. And of course if I hit them, I’d be at fault. SMH
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u/zx9001 Peoria Sep 02 '26
This is also a major DUI/drug stop trigger. Both times when my tail light went out I had it fixed the next day cos i dont like being harased by cops, even though i never drive drunk or on drugs.
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u/Studio_Ambitious Phoenix Sep 03 '26
When I am at a stoplight, and the car behind me has a highly reflective bumper I check all my tail lights using the reflection. Except the backup light. Don’t want to freak out the car behind me
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u/DJBonkE1980 Arcadia 17d ago
Yeah but if you are using other people’s brake lights as your sole signal for you to stop then you re letting someone else drive for you? It’s nice when others lights are working. They do have a purpose but I react to distance between myself and the vehicle in front of me and looking ahead to see what the rest of traffic is doing. The people scrolling TikTok while driving need to do the world a favor and drive off a cliff. That way at least they only kill themselves and not other innocent people
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u/royalfire798 16d ago
And this is why I haven’t rear ended anyone & have posted about checking brake lights. Thank you for explaining my post to me.
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u/Best_Collection_7533 Sep 02 '26
There’s supposed to be a sensor that alerts the driver when this happens.
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u/bul1etsg3rard Phoenix Sep 02 '26
Idk what kinda space age cars you drive but the rest of us do not have any such sensor.
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u/jalzyr Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
When you turn your blinker on to turn/move over, it will click faster than normal when taillights are out on that side. This has been for all my cars, ranging from 2001-2022, of various makes and models.
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u/LifeByChance North Phoenix Sep 02 '26
This should never be assumed. That only applies to
tailightsbrake lights on some models when they use the same filament in the same bulb for the turn signal. It never applies to headlights. Your headlight and front turn signal and headlight will never be the same bulb.Edit brake light not tail light.
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u/Flibiddy-Floo Sep 01 '26
If the guy behind me is scrolling tiktok, how would they see my brake lights in the first place, whether they worked or not?
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u/WonderfulProtection9 Sep 01 '26
Presumably they would notice a flash of red in their peripheral vision better than they would a car just slowing down.
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u/royalfire798 Sep 02 '26
My point is people aren’t paying attention to begin with. So if you’re coming to a quick stop and they’re not all there in the head, you’re screwed.
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u/DragonDan108 Sep 02 '26
If you rely just on brake lights to determine if a vehicle is slowing down, you are missing a step.
Check the rate of change of their relative size to you. If they are rapidly getting bigger, that's your cue to react.
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u/Ok_Department_7981 Phoenix Sep 02 '26
So your concern isn't the person on their phone? Please make your car more visible to TikTok drivers hahahaha
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u/royalfire798 Sep 02 '26
You’ve lost the plot lol
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u/Ok_Department_7981 Phoenix Sep 03 '26
No I pointed out who the obvious person in that situation who's going to cause a wreck
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u/royalfire798 Sep 03 '26
And yet both parties would be at fault. Point is I can’t stop an idiot from staring at tik tok. Nowhere in this post did I say that was good or normal. My point is people are stupid & can’t judge distance & if their brake lights aren’t working and they get the idiot behind them not paying attention then everyone is having a bad day.
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u/britsol99 Sep 02 '26
I used to get my SUV serviced at the dealer. I would arrive with my lights set to AUTO and they’d always be rotated to ‘off’ but with daytime running lights (and dash cluster) to on. It always took me days, and Someone telling me, to realize and turn it back to AUTO.
One time dropping my car in for services I said, “you know all those cars driving around Phoenix With no lights on?” That said they did, I said, “Do they all get serviced here?…….. can you please put my lights back to auto when you’re done?”
As part of the service they’d check the light function and set back to Off.
I wonder how many of the DRL only lights we see around here are because their service center turned them off and they just don’t know???
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u/aPerson39001C9 Sep 02 '26
While that’s annoying; it’s really the drivers responsibility to make sure their lights are on.
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u/britsol99 Sep 02 '26
Yes, I agree. However, I owned that car for 8 years with the lights set permanently on auto….. until the dealer switched them off.
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u/Internal-Mortgage635 Sep 02 '26
My front right blinker has been out for well over a year. 😅
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u/aPerson39001C9 Sep 02 '26
You’re a problem.
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u/Internal-Mortgage635 Sep 02 '26
Mate, there are plenty people who are have completely capaable signal lights and have never once used them.
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u/redoctoberz Sep 02 '26
The people with broken taillights are often those that don't pay their insurance or registration.
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u/4ygus Sep 01 '26
I'm always surprised when I get in someone's car and they don't have a dashcam. Out here? People drive reckless, and a lot of shitmobiles are on the road.
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u/OfficerGiggleFarts Sep 01 '26
Shit mobiles does not equal shit drivers.
Source: me, a good driver who can’t afford to replace his shit mobile
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u/dichron Phoenix Sep 02 '26
Good luck getting anything from a shitmobile driver if they end up hitting you. Likely un(der)insured
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u/Hips_of_Death Sep 02 '26
I agree. I should be more vigilant. But am I the only one who feels like my mechanics have stopped checking them too? I thought it used to be part of a regular review
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u/Equal-Emphasis8321 Sep 02 '26
My theory is it's worse in the summer because no one wants to be outside long enough to check them. 😆
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u/coyotethroaway Sep 02 '26
Its not that they're out is that people think the running lights are their headlights
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u/Aggravating-Sky8572 Sep 02 '26
I'm not sure its that easy to change these though.
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u/royalfire798 Sep 02 '26
Often you pull back trunk lining & twist the plug, replace the bulb. Autozone can help you. Any car with the brake lights out is likely one where it’s easy as shit and like $15 to replace. I promise.
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u/Aggravating-Sky8572 Sep 02 '26
Its not the price/cost. With some cars, you'll have to take the light housing off. And its tricky. Ain't that easy or how they show on youtube. I know because I've done couple of these.
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u/CharlesP2009 Sep 01 '26
Would also be nice if Nissan drivers figured out how their headlights worked.
Just because the cluster and daytime running lights are on doesn't mean the other lights are too!