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.