SAN ANTONIO – In San Antonio, celebrating a Spurs victory often takes to the streets with fans honking their car horns in jubilation. However, this spirited tradition has led to unintended consequences for some vehicle owners, resulting in costly repairs and damaged car horns.
Kaidon Mattison experienced this firsthand after the Spurs’ impressive win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. “It was my first time going honking,” Mattison recounted. “I got about halfway through Commerce Street, and my horn just gave out on me.”
Describing the sound of his malfunctioning horn, he likened it to a “low, slow boat honk” or the “deepened sound of a clown horn.” Unfortunately, he’s not alone; many Spurs fans have reported similar issues with their car horns after enthusiastic celebrations.
According to Erik Garcia Jr., owner of Erik’s Automotive, his shop has been inundated with calls from fans facing similar damage. “What people are doing after the games while celebrating,” Garcia explained, “is they’re really mashing into the steering wheel and breaking all the components in there.”
Garcia emphasized that car horns are not designed for constant use, which increases the risk of overheating the electrical circuit. He noted that repairs can take as little as an hour but can range in cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.
To minimize the risk of damaging your vehicle while enjoying the post-game festivities, Garcia offers a simple piece of advice: “I would just palm it.” This technique involves pressing the horn gently rather than mashing it down forcefully.
For those who notice their horn sounding off or malfunctioning, Garcia encourages seeking professional assistance rather than attempting a DIY fix, as this could lead to further complications. By taking care of their vehicles while still celebrating the Spurs, fans can ensure that their honking remains a joyful expression of team pride without the burden of costly repairs.
