Why Do Some Cars Have Antennas While Others Don't?
4 Answers
Car antennas are devices that intercept high-frequency radio waves transmitted by broadcasting stations and transmit them to the car's radio, mobile phone, or radio navigation equipment receiver for demodulation. Every car is equipped with an antenna, but the reason some don't have visible external antennas is mainly because certain models use glass antennas. Here are the relevant details: 1. External Antennas: In vehicles produced in earlier years, the in-car radio used manually pulled or electrically retractable rod antennas to receive radio waves, enabling the vehicle to receive radio signals while driving. Since these antennas protrude from the car body, they are more prone to damage when parking in lots or during car washes. 2. Glass Antennas: Also known as hidden antennas, these achieve signal reception by printing conductive lines on the rear windshield. They offer advantages such as low cost, low failure rates, and high reception quality, making them the future trend for car antennas. Glass antennas use metal coatings as antennas, coupling electromagnetic signals through metal patches or printed silver paste, which are then fed to the signal amplifier or radio via tabs.
I noticed that the differences in car antennas are primarily the result of technological advancements. In the past, cars commonly had external antennas, like small rods on the roof, because radio signals required them. Nowadays, many cars don’t visibly show antennas because engineers have embedded them into the car body. For example, shark-fin antennas integrate radio, GPS, and Bluetooth signals, hidden in the roof or rear windshield. This design reduces wind resistance, making the car more fuel-efficient, as well as more aesthetically pleasing and durable. If a car has simple functions, such as only basic radio, it might still retain the old-style external antenna. However, as car electronic systems upgrade, hidden antennas have become a trend. High-end brands like BMW often handle it this way, while some entry-level cars may use cheaper external antennas to save costs.
From a design perspective, the disappearance of antennas is aimed at making cars more stylish. Manufacturers focus on the streamlined body shape, where protrusions like antennas can disrupt the overall aesthetic. Therefore, modern vehicles often integrate antennas into shark-fin structures or window glass. This not only enhances the appearance but also optimizes aerodynamics, helping to reduce wind noise. Some cars even embed antennas into side mirrors or rooftops, revealing only slight traces during signal testing. Differences exist among brands as well—SUVs commonly retain visible antennas for signal stability, while sports cars tend to fully conceal them. I observe that design philosophies are continuously evolving, and future antennas may become completely invisible.
I usually notice that cars may or may not have visible antennas, depending on the model's features. If a vehicle is equipped with advanced navigation or audio systems, the antenna is mostly hidden and integrated into the body for signal reception. Entry-level cars with only basic radio functions might use simple external antennas, which are low-cost but prone to damage. Even cars without visible antennas usually have built-in systems, ensuring no impact on daily use. As an average user, I prefer hidden designs to avoid snagging on branches and to maintain the car's clean, aesthetic appearance.
