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Car aerial: replacement and selection

When and why aerial needs replacement

An automotive aerial has no certain lifetime limit. The car part is replaced in case of corrosion, mechanical damage and also when the wire which connects it to the car audio unit is broken. Moreover, in some aerial types the retracting mechanism can break down.

Corrosion of aerial elements usually takes place because of a long-term moisture influence, for instance, when the car is not in use. Heavy impact, particularly at a road accident, leads to mechanical damage of the component or its elements.

Car aerial breakdown is indicated by full absence of signal or low-quality radio reception (interferences). Characteristic signs of malfunction of a telescopic aerial are jamming, foreign sounds when lifting mechanism starts.

Depending on the component type the replacement process has specific features. For example, before installing the internal aerial you should apply degreasing liquid to the mounting place (the front or rear windshield). When mounting the external aerial you should install the amplifier between the device itself and the receiver. Moreover, aerials of this type should be installed on the highest part of the body in order to improve the signal.

How to choose a car aerial

There are external and internal car aerials. The external aerial has better receiving quality but such components are passive. It means that their correct work is possible only with an amplifier which increases the radius of signal receiving.

The interior aerial differs by longer service life in comparison with the external one because it is less subject to influence of moisture and bad weather conditions. Interior components are active: they have an inbuilt amplifier. The disadvantage of an interior aerial is weaker signal.

External aerials can be retracted manually or automatically. Devices of the second type are rather convenient in use but in winter there can be troubles in work of the retracting mechanism.

Standard aerials are made for FM and AM ranges. There are also special devices for TV and GPS. They can be additionally installed if necessary.

aerials of such brands as GP Group, BERU and others are popular. These are high-quality products with affordable prices.

Components differ by length which, as a rule, influences power of signal receiving. Thus, the longer the aerial rod is, the better is the radio transmission quality. Moreover, components can be installed in different places: on the body or inside the cabin (on the windshield or rear window). According to this car aerials differ by cable length and fixation type.