The Indicator Stalk Thread

[elephino]

I haven't come across a situation so far where indicating or gear changing couldn't wait the fraction of a second it takes to switch.

I used to think it would become a problem when I bought my first Golf (previously had driven Euros but not as an every day situation) but I've come to the conclusion that the indicating and changing gear thing is done with the indicators on the RHS because it can be done not because it needs to be done.

[ConR]

Yeah, I also have no issues with the indicators being on the left side, and I have a manual. I can see it being bothersome maybe if you're racing or something, but then again, the only place you should be racing is on a track, where you really don't need your blinkers

[Mountainman]

All car manufacturers seem to disagree with you. No manufacturer now designs a car for its domestic market with the indicators and gear change on the same side. It only becomes an issue when they are not forced by regulations to do the conversion. Are you saying the manufacturers are dummies and don't know what is best ergonomic practice? Give us a break.......... We all love our Golfs etc but they are not perfect and here is one change that can help get them there.

[Mr_Bob]

I have had daily drivers with 4 variants, none were DSG
Right indicator on manual and auto
Left indicator on manual and auto.

Once every few months when swapping back and forth, i accidentally hit the wipers.
The rest of the time, i don't think, or find it hard to change gears and indicate.

For me, if i'm about to turn, the first thing i do it indicate, then slow down (changing gears if required)
Indicating isn't only to advise people infront of you that you are turning, but also advises those behind you, that you're about to slow down to perform the turn.

On the contrary if i'm overtaking,
I generally sort out my gears first and build up additional speed, then indicate just before the point of committment.
This way, indicating is less likely to be confused for making a right turn.

Merging is mostly done whilst cruising, so there won't be many conflicts between indicating and gear changes.

Everyone has a different method/order when driving, so it may matter for some more than others.
It would be great if there was an australian standard, but i really wouldn't mind if it's left or right.

[Corey_R]

With respect Coreying, maybe our driving styles and road conditions a little different to yours as our opinions and preferences.

Well, I'm in Sydney NSW too. But I agree, everyone's driving styles are different.

The difference between my comments and what I see of Mountainman's comments is that he is saying that obviously VW are wrong and should change things because of his opinion. My opinion differs, but I'm not saying that all the manufacturers putting their indicators on the right are wrong and should change them.

Choice is good - lets leave it at that

[Mountainman]

Well, I'm in Sydney NSW too. But I agree, everyone's driving styles are different.

The difference between my comments and what I see of Mountainman's comments is that he is saying that obviously VW are wrong and should change things because of his opinion. [i]

No Coreying, if you read carefully you would see I'm not saying that. I'm saying that VW (and all European/American) manufacturers should change things because if they think it is alright to have the indicators and gear change on opposite sides of the steering wheel in their domestic markets then we should also have that benefit. I accept that some people like yourself find no disadvantage with the present set-up but I do (and like you that's what I'm expressing my opinion about) and I know from talking to drivers who change constantly from one type to the other that they wish all cars had indicators on the right. Along with generally higher service costs, it's one of the few downsides of owning a European car.

[Corey_R]

Well then fine. I think all Australian/Asian manufacturers should change their indicators to the left so it matches the American and European cars. That way you won't have to swap between different sides, as that is one of the many downsides of owning an Australian/Asian car

[Tony_Mitchell_1983]

BORING!!! The indicators are fine as they are. I couldn't even read all those tedious posts. If you can't indicate and change gears, buy an auto or a corolla.

[ConR]

I don't know man, I think this is all just a big discussion nothing really. It's an indicator lever. And because of that people are saying they're disappointed in VW? Wow...I'm speechless.

[Brian]

BORING!!! The indicators are fine as they are. I couldn't even read all those tedious posts. If you can't indicate and change gears, buy an auto or a corolla.

Whats wrong with a Corolla?.... not that Ive ever owned one but a lot of nice people have (probably a lot more people than have owned Vdubs - but Im not going to research it)

[Mountainman]

Whats wrong with a Corolla?....

heaps... but the indicator placement isn't one of them lol

[blutopless2]

Lhs indicator stalks have been here since the 50's. It's not new, it's just different. Surely people can adjust to drive accordingly or is it really that difficult?

[Ryan_R]

Could be worse. Having a great car with the indicator on the left is better than, say, a Ford Focus

[Corey_R]

The Ford Focus also has its indicator on the left

[ConR]

So do Volvos....try running one of those off the road...you probably can't, as it will automatically stop itself from doing so