What to Do If the Car Antenna Breaks?
4 Answers
If the car antenna breaks, you need to check whether it affects some functions of the car, such as radio signals and GPS signals. If there is no impact and you don't mind the aesthetic effect, you may not need to replace it; if there is an impact, you should replace it promptly. You can buy an antenna at an auto parts store and install it. Here is some information about car antennas: 1. Definition of Car Antenna: A car antenna, also known as a vehicle antenna, is generally used for the car's radio and communication devices. It can be divided into built-in and external antennas. 2. Classification: Radio and communication antennas mainly include AM/FM antennas, soft PCB digital antennas, AM/FM/TV antennas, etc. Depending on different functions and uses, the frequency of the antennas used also varies.
A few days ago I also encountered a broken antenna situation, really annoying. Quickly found some transparent tape to wrap the broken part temporarily to prevent water ingress. But this is just a stopgap measure - during rain or snow, water can still get in and corrode the wiring, especially with those old-style telescopic antennas which are more prone to problems. I drove to an auto repair shop and got a new antenna installed. The worker said an OEM one costs around a hundred yuan and installation was pretty quick. If you're reluctant to spend that much, you could buy a used part online and install it yourself - just remove the A-pillar trim to find the antenna connector. However, if you're not handy with DIY, it's better to have a professional do it. Wrong wiring connections can affect radio signals, causing more trouble later.
My car antenna was snapped by a tree branch last winter. Considering safety issues, the broken antenna could easily scratch the car paint or even injure someone. I recommend removing the broken part immediately and covering the base with a plastic bag to prevent water leakage. Replacing the antenna isn’t too expensive—a basic straight rod type costs just over a hundred, but compatibility should be checked as different brands may have different connectors. If only the radio function is affected, it might be tolerable since most people connect their phones for music now. However, some car antennas integrate GPS and network signals, in which case prompt repair is necessary to avoid navigation and positioning issues.
That day, a bird hit my car and broke the antenna—what bad luck. But it turned into a modification opportunity, so I took the chance to replace it with a shark fin antenna. This low-profile oval design has less wind resistance and won’t scrape the ceiling in parking garages. When installing, make sure to choose a model with a waterproof gasket, otherwise, water might leak into the roof when washing the car. If your car has satellite radio, confirm that the new antenna supports signal-boosting technology. The guy at the modification shop reminded me that for metal roofs, it’s best to add a signal amplifier, or the navigation might glitch. Actually, many new cars now come with hidden antennas—definitely a feature to consider for my next car.
