While vehicles originating from Asia often have easy-to-use horns, European models tend to make horn usage more challenging.
Specifically, cars from Europe such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi… are often difficult to honk. To use the horn, drivers must press firmly in the center of the steering wheel with their entire hand.
In contrast, Asian models from countries like Japan and South Korea only require a thumb to honk the horn.
Experts explain that European car manufacturers design the horn mechanism based on the culture, habits, and preferences of European drivers.
Asians typically enjoy using their horns, whereas Europeans rarely honk when driving. Consequently, it’s uncommon to hear car horns in European countries. In fact, the noisy horn-honking behavior is strongly stigmatized and condemned in many European nations.
Europeans recognize that indiscriminate horn usage contributes to noise pollution, which negatively impacts the health of both individuals and the community. These considerations have shaped the cultural approach to horn usage among Europeans.
Understanding this, manufacturers design the horn mechanisms in European cars to be more difficult to activate, partly to discourage excessive honking and to align with European driving habits.
European car horns are generally harder to press and require more force compared to horns in Asia. (Illustrative photo).
Meanwhile, in Asia, the use of horns is prevalent, often resulting in indiscriminate honking that makes it difficult for other road users to discern the reasons behind the honks. Consequently, honking has become so common that it fails to capture the attention of other drivers. As a result, the horn loses some of its intended effectiveness.
The reason for this is the overwhelming presence of vehicles on the roads, which leads to erratic driving, congestion, and chaos, forcing drivers to honk frequently for safety while navigating through traffic.
Over the years, the overuse of horns has become a widespread habit among many people, as everyone wants to move quickly and expect their vehicles to be given way. The horn has thus become a tool and the only escape route.
