Your car horn alerts other drivers or pedestrians to your vehicle’s presence. However, if abused, the car horn is also a potential hazard that could cause an accident. To ensure you are only using this device when appropriate, the auto repair professionals at Quality Transmission Service discuss when you should and shouldn’t honk.

Do:

Alert drivers.

If you notice that there is an object obstructing the road or a driver is swerving into your lane, feel free to beep the horn and alert them to a potentially dangerous situation. You may save a life, not to mention an auto repair bill.

Be patient.

Bumper-to-bumper traffic is no fun for any driver stuck in the jam, and beeping your horn will do nothing to create movement. Instead, be patient and respect others who are on the road alongside you. If you’re prone to getting agitated while driving, consider changing your schedule to avoid peak traffic hours. For example, get to work and leave earlier to avoid rush hour.

Don’t:

Lay on the horn.

Safety should be your number one priority on the road, and that means avoiding any situation that sparks road rage. Avoid laying on the horn to express anger, as this will only cause more problems between you and the other driver.

Immediately honk.

Don’t blast the horn moment the traffic light switches to green. It may take a moment for the car in front of you to move, whether it’s due to a distraction or obstruction on the road, and honking unnecessarily could alarm other drivers and cause an accident.

If your car’s performance is contributing to road rage and frequent honking, it’s important to have an auto repair technician you can trust. The ASE®-certified team at Quality Transmission Service in Anchorage, AK, specializes in clutch replacements and repairs, as well as transmission work. Call (907) 561-8767 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their auto repair solutions.