Best Car Horn Upgrades in the UK
Best Car Horn Upgrades in the UK
Blog Article
A car horn is not necessarily a vital component like the engine or tyres, but it serves an important purpose by informing other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists of your arrival, most importantly in times of emergency. Yet, numerous car horns are lacklustre in both pitch and sound level, and hence it is hard to be heard on the road. Fortunately, for UK drivers who want to improve their car horn’s effectiveness or simply make their vehicle sound more impressive, there are a variety of horn upgrades available.
This article explores the Best Car Horn Upgrades in the UK, from air horns to electronic upgrades, focusing on quality, loudness, and style.
Why Upgrade Your Car Horn?
Upgrading your car horn isn't merely a matter of getting your car to sound louder—it's about improving safety, visibility, and personalisation. Here are a few reasons why you may want to upgrade:
Better Safety: A louder, more distinct horn is audible from a greater distance, lowering the chances of accidents or collisions by notifying other road users of your arrival.
Improved Communication: In urban areas with heavy traffic or along highways, a louder horn can better alert other drivers, enhancing the general driving experience.
Personalization: People who own cars will look to personalize their cars as well, and the car horn is a great means to do this, with you being able to choose a sound that suits your personality.
Types of Car Horn Upgrades
There are various forms of horn upgrades with varying benefits. Let us explore them one by one:
1. Air Horns
Air horns are the most popular upgrade among those who want the highest sound output from their horns. These air horns utilize compressed air to deliver a strong, audible sound. Air horns are available in various configurations ranging from simple single-tone models to multi-tone air horns for a richer and more attention-calling sound.
Benefits:
Very Loud: Air horns are capable of producing sounds as loud as 150 dB, which is far louder than regular car horns.
Unique Sound: Air horns usually have a distinctive, truck-like sound that's hard to miss.
Long-Lasting: Most air horns are built to endure tough conditions, so they're ideal for use throughout the year.
Top Air Horn Brands in the UK:
Stebel Nautilus Compact Air Horn: A powerful yet compact choice, the Stebel Nautilus is an intense 139 dB sound in a smaller package than most air horns.
Fiamm Freeway Blaster: With its deep tone and durability, this air horn is a favorite among auto hobbyists who desire a powerful and commanding sound.
2. Electronic Horns
Electronic automobile horns are an upgraded feature of modern times with a major boost over the stock horns. These are electricity powered instead of compressed air, being more convenient and lighter in weight. Electronic horns may be either single-tone or multi-tone in nature and present better sound quality.
Advantages:
Loud and Clear: Electronic horns are clear, sharp in tone and audible over a significant distance.
Low Maintenance: In contrast to air horns, electronic horns do not need a compressor or air tank, which means they are less maintenance-intensive.
Compact: They tend to be smaller and lighter than air horns, so they are more suitable for smaller vehicles.
Popular Electronic Horn Options in the UK:
Bosch Premium 12V Electronic Horn: It has a rich, resonant sound and is a favorite among those who need a strong upgrade without an air compressor.
Piaa 400Hz & 500Hz Twin Tone Horn: With its dual-tone capability, this electronic horn makes a loud, notice-getting sound and is also easy to install.
3. Dual-Tone and Multi-Tone Horns
For those wanting to introduce a bit of complexity to the sound of their car, dual-tone or multi-tone horns are the way to go. These horns play two or more tones in combination to produce a distinctive, layered sound that is different from the usual honks of other cars on the road.
Advantages:
Distinctive Sound: Multi-tone horns provide a more complex sound that is easier to identify from other car horns.
Variety of Tones: Dual-tone horns mix high-pitched and low-pitched tones to achieve a well-balanced, powerful honk, and multi-tone horns can introduce even more.
Increased Attention: The different tones are more noticeable than normal single-tone horns, so they're perfect for occasions when you must be heard urgently.
Popular Dual-Tone and Multi-Tone Horn Choices in the UK
HELLA Twin-Tone Horn: This popular brand provides a variety of dual-tone horns that are commonly used for their volume and tonal range balance.
Kleinn 102 Horn Kit: A multi-tone choice, this kit features a compressor and several horns for a deep, layered sound. It's ideal for drivers who want an added touch of flair and attention.
4. Train Horns
For anyone who wants to make an extreme statement or has an actual truck-like experience, train horns are the most powerful and loudest choice. These huge horns are specifically made to resemble the blast of a train's horn, with the ability to give a rightfully thunderous blast. Though legal in the UK for use on some vehicles, they are perhaps too intense for normal usage in everyday driving.
Benefits:
Extremely Loud: Train horns are the most extreme horn variety, frequently emitting sounds of around 170 dB.
Dramatic Sound: Train horns make a low-pitched, deep sound that will certainly turn heads and catch everyone's attention in the area.
Best for Bigger Vehicles: Ideal for big vehicles such as trucks or vans, train horns are typically seen in off-road vehicles or added as a playful feature for performance cars.
Most Popular Train in the UK:
Wolo 419 Train Horn Kit: A highly sought-after kit containing all the items you require for fitting a loud train horn system. It is meant for big vehicles but can be installed in most cars as long as there is sufficient space.
Kleinn Air Horns Train Horn: Known for their quality and durability, Kleinn offers a range of train horns with a deep and thunderous sound that’s perfect for those looking for maximum volume.
Considerations When Upgrading Your Car Horn
While upgrading your car horn can be fun and beneficial, there are several things to keep in mind before making a purchase:
Loudness Laws: In the United Kingdom, regulations on the sound level of car horns exist. Make sure your selected horn is within legal sound restrictions, particularly if you're driving in built-up areas or residential areas.
Installation: A few horn upgrades, such as air horns and train horns, have more complicated installation. Think about whether you possess the technical know-how or would require professional help.
Vehicle Type: Make sure the horn you select is suitable for your car's electrical system and space. Train horn systems or large air horns might be too big for smaller vehicles.
Purpose: Consider why you are upgrading your horn. Do you want a louder horn for safety, or are you seeking a fun, different sound for your vehicle?
Conclusion: Improving Your Car's Sound
Upgrading your car horn is a great way to boost safety, make a personal statement, and enhance your driving experience. Whether you opt for the powerful blast of an air horn, the clarity of an electronic horn, or the unique sound of a multi-tone system, the UK market offers a range of options to suit every need and vehicle.
Before you upgrade, ensure that you take into account the legal regulations, installation demands, and your personal objectives. With the correct car horn upgrade, you'll not only enhance your visibility while driving but also make your car stand out like a gem.