Why do some cars not have shark fins?
2 Answers
Because not all car antennas are installed as shark fins. Some car antennas are arranged inside the car, which is called a built-in antenna or hidden antenna. Traditional car antennas also include telescopic antennas, whip antennas, and car glass antennas. The following is about the installation of shark fin antennas: 1. Wrap the shark fin antenna with 3M tape as flat as possible. 2. Remove the light on the rear seat of the car and take off the antenna base. 3. Determine and mark the position where the shark fin antenna should be placed. 4. Apply a circle of glue inside the position where the antenna will be pasted, then peel off the tape of the shark fin antenna and paste it in the correct position. 5. After the shark fin is installed, fix it with tape and remove the tape after 24 hours.
Some cars don't come with shark fin antennas, primarily due to design philosophy. I believe manufacturers prioritize the overall visual effect of the vehicle. While shark fins look sleek and stylish, they might disrupt the clean lines of minimalist or retro models. From my experience, entry-level and mid-range cars often omit them to cut costs, as shark fins incorporate more functional modules and are significantly pricier than basic antennas. Additionally, aerodynamics play a role—at high speeds, shark fins increase drag and impact fuel efficiency, which is why some economy models opt for smaller antenna designs. I've also noticed that with the rise of electric and new energy vehicles, shark fins are being replaced by embedded antennas, using roof or window-integrated technology. Tesla, for example, uses hidden antennas to reduce exterior protrusions. This not only enhances the streamlined aesthetic but also reduces maintenance hassles. Ultimately, the presence of a shark fin boils down to personal expression—it's more about style than necessity. Automakers weigh safety and efficiency, while consumers often care more about in-car features than exterior details.
