Should I Upgrade My Car Antenna: what is a good buy?

It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy hip hop, pop, soul, country, rock, or any music in between. Radio antennas on vehicles give you the luxury of listening to the music you love when you want and almost anywhere you want. In fact, AM/FM radio allows you to enjoy your favorite music or listen to your favorite talk show on your way to work or anywhere you go. 

But, if you’re having trouble picking up a good signal, perhaps it’s time to change your antenna.

Do modern car stereos need an antenna?

Newer vehicles no longer have long, rod antennas. They, however, still have a type of antenna to help them receive radio waves. Today, automobiles feature shark fin-style antennas that are more aerodynamic. 

They’re also more aesthetically appealing. And with this design, you still receive high-quality sound. 

 

How do you tell if you need to replace your antenna?

You should consider a replacement if you don’t have any AM signal or many of your FM channels are fuzzy or won’t connect. Try troubleshooting before you call it quits and replace the antenna, though, unless you want to upgrade. 

To troubleshoot, try resetting the radio. Once you have a station that comes in at least partially, try moving your antenna to see if you can enhance the signal. Do this by holding the bottom portion of the antenna and jiggling it slightly. 

Fortunately, if you notice the sound is fading in and out as you move the antenna, you might have a problem with a loose connection is all. Try tightening your antenna if this is the case. -If that doesn’t work, your antenna may be corroded.

To fix the problem, you’ll need to replace the antenna. Keep in mind that an antenna will wear out quicker depending on your location. For instance, a steel antenna will wear out quicker if you live near the ocean due to the salt in the air that’ll speed up corrosion. 

Keep in mind that you may need to replace your antenna if it’s six to eight years old or older. 

Should I upgrade my car antenna?

You may want to upgrade your car antenna if you have poor reception and notice your antenna is broken or detect the antenna is corroded, as noted above. However, if you’re missing a few stations or they won’t come in clearly, a new antenna may not solve the problem. In this case, you may want to get an antenna booster, instead, of a new antenna.  This is because you could experience poor signal if you’re too far from the radio stations, and the booster will help you pick up the signal.  

You could choose to upgrade your car antenna if you would rather have a shark fin antenna due to its stream-line appearance. 

On the other hand, maybe, you desire an antenna that retracts when not in use. You won’t need to worry about this antenna sustaining damage when you leave it unattended. Additionally, a retractable antenna contends with the elements less than what a traditional antenna would. 

How to choose the best antenna

When you’re looking for an antenna, you should first take into consideration if you want an actual rod antenna or would rather have a shark fin antenna. This is a personal preference based on appearance. 

Next, you should consider if you would like a motorized one or not. This is also a preference issue. And you may want this variety if you have children that play around your car or worry about when you leave your vehicle parked. 

You’ll also want to make sure the antenna is compatible with the make and model of your vehicle.

In terms of size, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A longer antenna will get a better range. However, you should focus on an antenna that matches the frequency of the radio stations you desire.  

As you’re looking for a new antenna, take into consideration the size of your vehicle. You may not want an ultra-long antenna if you have an already-tall vehicle. If you have too tall of an antenna, you may find it difficult to drive your vehicle in parking garages. 

You should take into consideration the installation process. Some antennas are more difficult to install than others. Therefore, if you plan on doing the process yourself, you should aim for one that’s easy to install. However, if you plan on hiring someone to install it, this isn’t necessary to consider.  

Don’t forget that price is a factor as well. Choose one that’s within your price range. 

An example of a good antenna

If you’re unsure of which one to choose, the AntennaMastsRus is a prime example of a good antenna. This particular antenna gives you the option to choose between eight different colors, so you can find one to match your personal style or vehicle color. 

The antenna is available in various lengths, which means you can find one that’s suitable for you. Plus, all versions of this antenna are under $35. 

You don’t need to worry about your antenna wearing out prematurely. This particular antenna consists of stainless steel threading as opposed to brass, and the steel is more flexible. 

Besides the metal, it also uses durable rubber. In fact, it consists of EPDM rubber, which is more flexible than standard rubber. It may even withstand up to 257 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. While you’ll never have your vehicle in this high of temperatures, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that even on the hottest days, your antenna will hold strong.  

In terms of reception, the AntennaMastsRus provides high-quality sound and a high number of radio stations. Its performance comes from its copper coil, which is a high-quality metal for antennas when compared to steel or aluminum.

When comparing it to other antennas, it’s up to 85 percent more conductive. Therefore, you receive more stations with this antenna than you would with various others. 

There are a few reasons why you’d want to upgrade your antenna, such as appearance. You may also want to change your antenna if it has visible damage. Fortunately, you have many cost-friendly options to consider.

Further reading:

https://carsoundpro.com/Best%20Car%20Antennas

https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/31973/best-aftermarket-car-antenna