What does AM mean in a car?
2 Answers
Car radio mode: There are two modes for car radios, one is AM and the other is FM. Generally, drivers use the FM button more often when listening to the radio, as FM is used to operate the radio's frequency modulation, while AM is used to adjust the radio's band. AM vs. FM: AM and FM are two different broadcast reception systems with distinct working principles. They operate independently and do not interfere with each other. Typically, FM provides better sound quality without intermittent broadcast signals, whereas AM band reception usually offers lower sound quality.
When I first got the car, I was also puzzled by the AM label on the center console. It actually stands for Amplitude Modulation, which receives medium-wave radio stations. During my commute, I often press this button to switch to local traffic stations, especially during rush hours, to get real-time traffic updates that are even faster than navigation. The signal coverage is quite extensive, maintaining connection even on highways, though there's occasional static interference in tunnels or near tall buildings. The AM frequency range in older cars is roughly 530 to 1610 kHz, and modern digital radios generally remain compatible. However, urban youngsters probably prefer connecting via Bluetooth to listen to music nowadays.
