Why Does the Car Horn Sound Different in Winter?
3 Answers
The reasons for the change in car horn sound during winter are: 1. The rubber of the horn becomes hardened due to weather conditions; 2. Damage to the horn relay, horn contacts, or the horn's power supply circuit. Precautions for using car horns include: 1. Avoid getting the horn wet when washing the car, and dry it immediately if it gets wet; 2. Avoid pressing the horn for extended periods to prevent premature burn-out of the contacts. The working principle of a car horn is: When the horn button on the steering wheel or elsewhere is pressed, current from the battery flows through the circuit to the electromagnetic coil of the horn relay. The coil attracts the moving contact switch of the relay to close, allowing current to flow to the horn. This current activates the electromagnet inside the horn, causing the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound.
I usually enjoy studying car mechanics, and it's quite common for car horns to change their sound in winter. Low temperatures cause the metal components inside the horn, such as the coil and diaphragm, to contract. When the temperature drops below freezing, the increased resistance weakens the vibration, resulting in an unnatural sound. Moisture is also an issue—condensation can interfere with electrical current flow if it seeps in. More seriously, unstable battery power supply is a problem, especially noticeable in electric vehicles or older cars. Preventive measures include parking in covered areas to reduce temperature differences or pre-warming the vehicle by starting it early. For safety, always test the horn before driving to confirm it's working properly. If any issues are detected, promptly visit a repair shop to check the wiring—don't wait until it affects driving safety.
Last winter, my car horn suddenly sounded like an old cat meowing, which was quite embarrassing. I asked a mechanic, and he said that in low temperatures, the horn materials can 'freeze up,' causing the electrical signals to slow down and distort the sound. Damp and cold weather can also oxidize wire connections, and even a slight looseness can cause issues. I tried fixing it myself: first, I wiped the horn casing clean with a towel to remove snow, then started the engine to warm it up for about ten minutes. Once the car warmed up, the sound returned to normal. For long-term maintenance, it's important to be more diligent—avoid parking outdoors for too long and regularly check if the wiring is secure. With more rain and snow in winter, ensuring the horn works properly is crucial; don't let minor issues compromise driving safety.
