Car Horn And How It Works
What Is A Car Horn
A car horn is a sound-making device installed on motor vehicles, trains, boats, and other types of vehicles. The horn is activated to warn others of the vehicle’s presence or approach, or to call attention to some hazard.
The horn is a tool used to communicate between the driver and other road users. The horn is usually used to give a signal or sign to other road users for the safety of both parties, for example when you want to overtake, ask for road space, and so on.
Car Horn Functions
The main function of the horn is as a means of communication between the driver and other road users. However, over time, the function of the horn also changes. The function of the horn can be different in each country which is usually influenced by the culture of each country.
For example, in developed countries, the horn function is only used to warn drivers who are less orderly. Another function is to alert other drivers if it is predicted to cause an accident.
Meanwhile in Indonesia, the function of the horn can be more complex. Among them are used to notify the driver if a vehicle is coming at an intersection, warn if there is a potential danger, code to overtake, and even be used to express emotions.
The horn function will be even more unique to the country of India. The sound of the horn is often used as a greeting between drivers on the road. So do not be surprised if the streets of India are very noisy with the sound of honking horns.
How Do Car Horns Work?
The below steps below shows how a car horn works:
1. When a driver presses a horn, a magnetic force is applied to the solenoid, resulting in the disk’s concentrically flexing.
2. When the diaphragm flexes, the solenoid is de-energised, causing the electrical contacts to separate.
3. After electrical contacts re-close, the disc returns to its initial shape, allowing electricity to flow into the solenoid.
4. This entire cycle is repeated as long as the horn button is pressed.
In a car horn, the steel diaphragm flexes and de-flexes faster than the eye can see, forming vibrations that result in audible noise. You can also feel the vibrations if you touch the horn while operating.
Types of Car Horns
Vehicle horns can be classified into a variety of types. Some of the most popular types of vehicle horns are:
1. Air Pressure Horns: Air pressure horns operate by exerting air pressure. This type of horn produces sound when the compressed air inside the horn allows air to travel through a reed. Typically, vehicles with air tanks utilise air pressure horns, and also, in this manner, the air pressure brake mechanism is enabled. Furthermore, when there is extra air available to pressurise, a vehicle air horn becomes more effective. Using an air pressure horn, drivers can produce considerable noise by pumping air through the diverging metal tube to alert people on the sidewalks.
2. Bulb Horns: Bulb horns use bulb-shaped rubber for construction, and also a metal horn is connected with this horn. It turns on by pressing it. Following that, this horn produces a sound when airwaves emerge through its entrance. Bulb horns use the mechanism of sound reflection, and bicycles frequently use this type too. However, currently, buses and vehicles now use bulb horns because of technical enhancements.
3. Electric Car Horn: Modern automobiles, like private cars, frequently employ electric car horns. It generally comes in two varieties: wind tone and electric horn. Additionally, its function relies on the electromagnetic principle of both sound and brake systems. Nevertheless, the mechanism of producing sound is different for both counterparts. For example, in the wind tone type, the horn exits the diaphragm directly and travels to a windpipe. On the other hand, in electric horn, a solenoid is magnetised and demagnetised for producing sound.
4. Whistles/Ship Horns: Ships are prone to becoming lost in the ocean, and their only means of communication are horns and lights. However, the problem is that every ship has an air horn that runs on compressed air from the powerplant steam. This enables the whistle or thin sound to occur, which is effective in the oceans. Also, because ships have far-off targets, these noises tend to be less frequent. So, they often use it to herald their arrival from great distances.
5. Train Horn: As implied by the name, train horns are easy to identify. Primarily, trains run on compressed air from their own air brake systems. Because of this, the train horn is easily distinguishable from other types of horns in vehicles.
6. Klaxon: Klaxon is one of the most distinctive horn types since people only use it to distinguish electromechanical bran. Moreover, the Klaxon device is identical to those found in trains, ships, and automobiles. Additionally, Klaxon frequently makes other noises, such as “kalooga” or “ahooga.” However, interestingly, it comes from the Greek word “klaz,” which translates to “I shout.”
Reasons for a Broken Car Horn & How to Take Care of It
The horn is one of the features of a vehicle that has a very important function, especially for safety. Unfortunately, this feature also often gets less attention from vehicle users, so it is not uncommon for a car horn to die. This condition can occur for several reasons, including:
Causes of Dead Car Horn:
1. A problem with the horn cable
2. The horn relay is dirty or worn
3. The horn switch is damaged
4. The fuse in the car horn installation is blown
5. The switch is rusty
How to Care for a Car Horn
The main factor that causes the car horn to die is lack of adequate maintenance. This is because there are still many vehicle owners who do not care about the components of these features. Therefore, if you want the horn to function properly, make sure to take good care of it in the following way.
1. Don’t honk too often
2. Avoid buying poor quality horn
3. Keep the surface clean
4. Avoid getting the car horn exposed to water
5. Always press the car horn correctly
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