A car horn is one of the most crucial safety features of your vehicle.
Whether you’re alerting other drivers of your presence, warning pedestrians, or expressing frustration in heavy traffic, a functioning horn is essential.
If your car horn isn’t working, it can create a potentially dangerous situation.
In this blog post, we will explore why car horns stop working, the potential costs of repairs in the UK, and what you can expect when getting your horn fixed.
Why Is Your Car Horn Not Working?
Before diving into the repair costs, it’s essential to understand why your car horn might stop working. There are several reasons why this could happen, ranging from electrical problems to mechanical failure. The common causes include:
- Blown Fuse
The most common cause of a non-working horn is a blown fuse. A fuse acts as a safety mechanism that prevents excessive current from damaging your car’s electrical system. If the fuse blows, the circuit is broken, and the horn will not work. - Faulty Horn Relay
The horn relay is responsible for activating the horn when you press the horn button. If the relay malfunctions, the horn will not work, even though the button and fuse are fine. - Damaged Horn Wiring
Over time, the wires that connect the horn to the rest of the electrical system can become frayed or disconnected. This can interrupt the signal from the horn switch and prevent it from sounding. - Broken Horn or Horn Button
Sometimes, the problem is with the horn itself. Horns can wear out or become damaged due to exposure to harsh weather or rough driving. Additionally, the horn button on the steering wheel may malfunction, preventing the horn from activating. - Corroded Connections
Corrosion in the horn’s electrical connections can prevent the horn from working properly. If moisture or salt gets into the system (common in the UK due to damp weather), it can cause the connections to corrode, disrupting the flow of electricity.
Average UK Repair Costs for a Car Horn
Now that we understand why a car horn might stop working, let’s take a look at the average repair costs in the UK.
The cost of fixing a car horn can vary depending on the specific problem, the make and model of the vehicle, and where you get the repair done.
- Blown Fuse Repair
A blown fuse is one of the easiest and cheapest fixes. Replacing a fuse typically costs between £10 and £20, which includes both the cost of the fuse itself and the labor to replace it. Most garages charge a minimum labor fee, so it might cost a bit more depending on the shop’s rates. - Horn Relay Replacement
If the issue is a faulty horn relay, the repair cost will be a bit higher. The cost of replacing a horn relay typically ranges between £50 and £120. This cost includes both parts (the relay) and labor (which can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour). Some vehicles may require more extensive labor, particularly if the relay is in a difficult-to-reach location. - Wiring Repair
If the problem is caused by damaged or frayed wiring, the repair cost can increase significantly, especially if the wiring is difficult to access. The average cost of fixing the horn wiring can range from £50 to £150, depending on the complexity of the job. In some cases, if the wiring needs to be replaced throughout the vehicle, the cost could rise to £200 or more. - Horn Replacement
Replacing the actual horn can also add to the repair costs. A replacement horn typically costs between £30 and £100, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Labor costs for replacing the horn usually range from £50 to £80, so you can expect to pay around £80 to £180 in total for a horn replacement. - Faulty Horn Button or Steering Wheel Issues
If the issue lies with the horn button on the steering wheel, the repair cost can be significant. The steering wheel needs to be removed to access the button, which can be a time-consuming process. Repairs to the horn button generally cost between £100 and £250, depending on the complexity and the type of vehicle. In some cases, the whole airbag assembly may need to be replaced, which can push the cost higher.
Cost Breakdown by Vehicle Make and Model
The cost to repair a car horn can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Luxury or more complex vehicles tend to have higher repair costs due to specialized parts and labor.
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for various car brands in the UK:
- Ford:
For a Ford vehicle, such as a Ford Focus, a simple fuse replacement or horn relay fix will generally cost between £50 and £100. If the horn needs to be replaced, you might be looking at a total cost of £100 to £150 for parts and labor. - Volkswagen:
Volkswagen cars, especially newer models, may have more advanced electrical systems. Repairs for a faulty horn relay or wiring in a Volkswagen can cost between £80 and £160, while a horn replacement might run from £100 to £180. - BMW:
BMWs tend to be more expensive to repair due to their premium parts and labor costs. Replacing a horn relay or fixing damaged wiring could cost between £120 and £250. If the horn itself needs to be replaced, the total cost could be as high as £300. - Toyota:
For Toyota models, like the Toyota Corolla or Yaris, the cost of replacing a fuse or horn relay typically ranges from £50 to £120. A horn replacement would likely cost between £80 and £160 in total. - Audi:
Audi vehicles often have intricate electrical systems, so repairing or replacing the horn can be more costly. Expect to pay between £100 and £200 for fixing the horn, with higher-end models pushing the cost to £300 or more.
Labor Costs in the UK
In addition to the cost of parts, labor is a significant component of the overall repair cost. Labor rates in the UK can vary widely depending on the region and the garage’s pricing structure. On average, labor costs range from £40 to £100 per hour.
- Independent Garages: Generally charge lower rates, with labor typically costing between £40 and £60 per hour.
- Main Dealerships: Dealerships and specialist garages tend to have higher labor costs, often ranging from £70 to £100 per hour.
The time it takes to fix your car horn also varies based on the specific problem. Simple fixes like replacing a fuse can take as little as 15 minutes.
However, more complex issues, such as replacing the horn relay or repairing wiring, could take 1 to 2 hours.
DIY Repairs: Is It Worth It?
If you’re mechanically inclined, you might be able to fix a non-working horn yourself, which can save you money.
Replacing a fuse or horn relay is relatively straightforward and can be done with basic tools. Replacement horns are also widely available and can be fitted with some basic knowledge of the vehicle’s electrical system.
However, if the problem lies with wiring or the horn button inside the steering wheel, it’s usually best to leave the job to professionals.
For DIY enthusiasts, here’s a general guide to the costs of parts if you choose to do the work yourself:
- Horn Fuse: £5 to £10
- Horn Relay: £10 to £25
- Replacement Horn: £20 to £80
While DIY repairs can be cost-effective, if you’re not comfortable with vehicle electrical systems, it’s advisable to leave the job to professionals to avoid further complications.
Conclusion
The cost to repair a car horn in the UK can vary significantly depending on the cause of the problem, the make and model of your vehicle, and whether you choose to go to an independent garage or a dealership.
On average, the total cost for fixing a car horn ranges from £50 to £250. For more complex repairs, such as fixing wiring or replacing the horn button, you may face higher costs of £250 to £300.
If your car horn isn’t working, it’s important to address the issue promptly to ensure your safety on the road. Whether you choose to repair it yourself or take it to a professional, getting it fixed quickly will help avoid potential fines or accidents. Always remember to get multiple quotes from garages and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best value for the repair.
