Why do cars horn

[mustang1]

I noticed some drivers use the horn as a means to thank the other driver for letting them get in front.

 

[johnnyb47]

At work I usually operate the security gates to let the various work traffic in and out. The drivers have got into a habit of blasting there horns to alert me because they can't be bothered to get out of there vehicle's and press the intercom button. It doesn't bother me either way but it's driving the local residents mad with the constant blast of truck air horns and works vans. Trying to get this across though to some drivers hasn't gone down to well with them as it means they have to get off there back sides to press the intercom button. I've now had to resort to telling them I won't open the gates unless they contact me with the intercom. It's the only way I can stop them from blasting their horns and upsetting the locals.

 

[johnnyb47]

At work I usually operate the security gates to let the various work traffic in and out. The drivers have got into a habit of blasting there horns to alert me because they can't be bothered to get out of there vehicle's and press the intercom button. It doesn't bother me either way but it's driving the local residents mad with the constant blast of truck air horns and works vans. Trying to get this across though to some drivers hasn't gone down to well with them as it means they have to get off there back sides to press the intercom button. I've now had to resort to telling them I won't open the gates unless they contact me with the intercom. It's the only way I can stop them from blasting their horns and upsetting the locals.

 

[Ian H]

I read somewhere that manufacturers take a lot of trouble to get the horn sounding right, because the first thing a car buyer does is try the horn.

I have never, ever done that.

 

[KnackeredBike]

Because some drivers know your telepathy isn't up to much so they remind you to start paying attention.

 

[johnnyb47]

My old cavalier was retro fitted with an old 1920s horn. It was funny seeing the reaction on peoples faces when ever I used it , but when used in anger i somehow never felt I had the last word with it (as the other road user would usually burst out laughing at me )

 

[Drago]

In the nineties I was at work. My Escort Police car was parked in the sun when the horn suddenly went off and wouldn't stop. After much ripping off of parts I discovered the mechanism for the horn pad on the steering wheel was simply glued together, had melted in the sun, and the contacts had collapsed onto one another.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have a different slant on this.

In Denmark we share our cycle paths with mopeds and scooters. On the whole, we do it very well. My only complaint is the electric scooters. They have a top speed of 45kph and they come from behind in stealth mode and frighten the beegeebas out of me, as they whizz by.

A little courtesey beep on the horn as they approached from behind would be greatly appreciated

 

[MikeG]

Horn is a verb.
View attachment 363508

I'm not sure which sense is being used above, though
(thank you Oxford Dictionary)

No. Horning or horned are verbs, according to your link and quote. Horn isn't.

 

[jefmcg]

No. Horning or horned are verbs, according to your link and quote. Horn isn't.

Um, no. They are the present participle and the past tense of the verb to horn. Were you home sick they day they taught grammar?

If you need a sentence "I horn your husband", "That bull is going to horn you out of the way"

Edit: fixed because I left the verb out while being smug about grammar. Doh!

 

[Drago]

When I had my pickup I bought some bits from another L200 owner. He duly arrived in his own L200, the parts I needed in the back.

I couldn't help but notice the signs on his door advertising his business selling...air horns. He told me to look under neath, and sure enough there was a mahoosive set of genuine Amtrak train horns. As he drove off he gave them a blast and the noise was like nothing else on Earth!

Here's his company...

http://www.hornstaruk.co.uk

 

[flake99please]

Because they have a horn, so they will use it

Its a shame the same cant be said for indicators...

 

[Drago]

...or eyes!

 

[ufkacbln]

I read somewhere that manufacturers take a lot of trouble to get the horn sounding right, because the first thing a car buyer does is try the horn.

I have never, ever done that.

It is one of the "Show and Tell" questions in the Driving Test

B06 - How To Check Your Horn
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

DSA Answer
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Our Guide To The Driving Test

1. Show the examiner the horn which is located in the centre of the steering wheel.
   
   
2. Ask your examiner if they would like to to check the horn. If they do then give a short beep on the horn.
   
   
3. Remember: There is no need to start the engine or power the car to answer this question.
   

 

[snorri]

I hoot my hooter every year, just before driving to the MoT test centre.