Let's Learn something about Automotive Horns

Horn is the sound signal device of a car. During the driving process of the car, the driver sends out the necessary audio signals according to the needs and regulations to warn pedestrians and draw the attention of other vehicles, to ensure traffic safety. At the same time, it is also used to urge and transmit signals.

 

 

Working principle of the automotive horn

 

When the horn button on the steering wheel or at other positions is pressed, the current from the battery will flow to the solenoid coil of the horn relay through the circuit. The solenoid coil attracts the moving contact switch of the relay to close, and the current will flow to the horn. The current makes the electromagnet inside the horn work so that the vibrating film vibrates and makes a sound.

 

Classification of the automobile horn

 

According to its pronunciation power, the horn can be divided into the electric horn and air horn; According to the shape, it can be divided into a spiral shape, barrel shape, and basin shape; According to the audio frequency, it can be divided into tweeters and bass speakers; According to the wiring mode, it can be divided into single line system and double line system horn; According to whether there is contact or not, it can be divided into contact (ordinary) electric horn and contactless (Electronic) electric horn. Among them, the air horn is mainly used on heavy-duty trucks with air braking devices. The electric horn has the characteristics of simple structure, small volume, light weight, pleasant sound, and convenient maintenance, so it has been widely used in small and medium-sized vehicles.

 

Precautions for using the automotive horn

 

1. When a motor vehicle approaches a sharp bend, the top of a ramp and other sections that affect the safe sight distance, as well as overtaking or in case of emergency, it shall slow down and honk.

 

2. When a motor vehicle stops and waits in line or drives slowly in front of it, it should stop and wait or drive in turn. It is not allowed to enter the non-motor vehicle lane or sidewalk to drive, and it is not allowed to honk to urge vehicles and pedestrians.

 

Automotive horn maintenance

 

• Always keep the appearance of the horn clean and the wiring firm.

 

• Regularly check and tighten the fixing screws of the horn and bracket to ensure reliable grounding.

 

• The fixing method of the horn has a great influence on its pronunciation. To make the sound of the horn normal, the horn cannot be rigidly installed, so it is fixed on the buffer support, that is, a leaf spring or rubber pad should be installed between the horn and the fixed support.

 

• Check the generator output voltage frequently. Too high voltage will burn out the horn contact, and too low voltage (lower than the rated voltage of the horn) will make an abnormal sound.

 

• When washing the car, do not directly wash the horn with water to avoid water entering the horn and making the horn not sound.

 

• When repairing the horn, pay attention to the position of each metal pad and insulating pad, and do not install them incorrectly.

 

• The continuous sound of the horn shall not exceed 10s to avoid damaging the horn.

 

• Do not put all kinds of foreign matters into the horn to avoid the abnormal sound.