Deer Whistle for Car: How to Install a Deer Whistle on a Vehicle

by Karen CarterUpdated July 05, 2023
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Deer warning whistles have been around since the late 1970s. They are a small device that is attached to the front of an automotive vehicle to avoid deer collisions. As air moves through this device it produces an ultrasonic sound. Deer whistle manufacturers claim that it lets deer know that there is a moving vehicle heading their way. The range for the deer whistles is one-quarter mile and only works if the vehicle is traveling at least 35 miles per hour. You can usually find deer alert items and deer warning devices on amazon under deer whistles for car.

Steps to Install Deer Whistle

  • Measure the area in the front bumper of your vehicle to ensure that there is enough room to install the deer whistle. The ideal place is in the grill where the most air flow occurs.
  • Clean the area with soap and water or go for a car wash. Rinse well so there is no soap scum left.
  • Clean the area with rubbing alcohol. This removes any oil, wax or other substance that will prevent the deer whistle from sticking.
  • Wipe the base of the deer whistle with rubbing alcohol to remove any manufacturing dust and grit so the adhesive tape sticks. Attach the double-sided tape to the bottom of the deer whistle when dry.
  • Stick the whistle on to the grill. Double check that the deer whistle is level with the horizon. Keep the deer whistle facing forward.

Tips

Save a deer whistles can be very handy in rural parts of the country, especially if you experience deer-vehicle collisions a lot.

Disclaimer

The effectiveness of deer whistles isn’t always linear, especially if its a DIY project in installing deer warning whistles. You might just hit deer on the side of the road anyway. Deterrents and repellents aren’t 100% effective.

Video: Do Deer Whistles Really Work?

Helpful Comments fro the Video:

  • When night driving in forested areas, flashing high beams when there is no oncoming traffic, or tapping the horn lightly and quickly when sections of the road ahead aren't visible, have also proven helpful.
  • Been driving a truck for 30 years now and the only time i hit one and my wife hit one is when we didn't have an alert on the truck. Maybe they work and maybe they don't, but it's an awful strange coincidence. I'll always use them.
  • That was some piss-poor science-ing right there. I know many state, county and municipal police forces that automatically equip all of their vehicles with these. The people who said she "installed" it wrong are correct. She didn't even clean the surface, as she said to do, while attaching it. So clearly not supposed to be an instructional video. I've had these on every vehicle I've owned or leases since 1988. The last deer I hit was in 1987. The only time I've ever seen deer in front of one of my vehicles since then is when they're running away. Even squirrels don't mess around when they hear these coming. If you live in deer country, get these. Don't listen to idiots. They could save your life.

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