This is how to improve your car radio reception

If you're experiencing poor reception, it's an indication that there's something wrong either with the car radio or reception.

Keep in mind that cars usually experience various reception issues that are different from portable radios. It is the main reason why it's frustrating to identify the issues with car radio reception.

Keep in mind that cars usually experience various reception issues that are different from portable radios

Philkotse.com will help you with this problem. You may not recognize it, but some of these problems are easy to troubleshoot.

Make sure the antenna of your vehicle is extended

The car radio is different from portable radios, and lots of don't pay close attention to the radio antennas of our cars. It is responsible for amplifying the car radio’s signal.

But you need to remember that car antennas can also be retracted. If that happens, it will significantly affect your car’s radio reception.

Don’t forget to extend the antenna if you retract it during a car wash. Remember that it could be easily pushed down by anything, even by just accidentally hitting it while passing by.

Don’t forget to extend the antenna if you retract it during a car wash

>>> Read more: Car antennas 101: There are more that you need to know!

Check if the car antenna is the issue

Most of the time, the main problem of a weak car radio reception is the bad antenna. In some cases, the connection between the car radio and antenna gets damaged by rust or any other similar factors.

It happens gradually over time. If this is the root cause of the problem, you can solve it by replacing your old antenna.

Make sure you replace it with the same antenna type that your car had. Remember that different car models have specific car antenna types.

You also need to take note that aside from your location, car antennas are the most crucial factor affecting the radio reception of your vehicle.

Most of the time, the main problem of a weak car radio reception is the bad antenna

Check the wires connected to the antenna

If you already replaced the antenna and the issue is still there, then try inspecting the wires connected to the car antenna. These wires are responsible for sending the signal from the antenna to the car radio. Damaged wires will affect the radio reception.

In this case, you can try to twist the antenna while the car radio is on. Listen to a radio station and check if the signal continues cutting and coming back while twisting it.

If yes, then it is an indication of a damaged wire. Tighten the car antenna and call a professional to fix the wire connections.

If yes, then it is an indication of a damaged wire

>>> You might concern: All you need to know about car antenna boosters

Switch the stereo of your car to “mono” mode

Not all vehicles have this option. So, you first need to check if your car has a "mono" mode. If it does, then it could be the reason for better reception on another vehicle. Most of the time, your vehicle is automatically doing it if it doesn't have this option.

Strong stations will provide better stereo reception while weaker stations increase the noise. Switching to mono mode will provide better reception for weak stations.

Check if your car has a bad stereo system

Even if the head unit looks pretty okay, it doesn't mean it’s perfectly fine at all. It can become damaged without showing many signs. If you already tried all that is mentioned above but can’t still resolve the issue, try checking if the car stereo itself is the culprit.

If your car stereo went bad, the best thing to do is to get a new one. It’s better and will be a lot cheaper instead of repairing your current stereo.

Try checking if the car stereo itself is the culprit

>>> For your information: 

• What you need to do to have a car radio fit for its vehicle
• What you need to know before replacing your classic car radio

Check your car for any possible reasons for interference

Cars are made up of different car components. Some of it can be the reason why your radio experiences interference.

You can contact a mechanic to see and check the parts that can be the reason for interference. Note that car stereo is different from portable radio because its only interference is other surrounding objects.

Car components such as the alternator and engine are the most common cause of car radio interference.

Car components such as the alternator and engine are the most common cause of car radio interference

>>> Just in case: Got car stereo amplifier issues? Here's how to deal with it!

Check if the problem is the location and strength of the radio station

Use the internet to search for radio stations near your area.

To determine if the problem is your location or the radio station from far away, it’s best to use the internet to look for radio stations nearby. Visit websites that have the list of different radio stations, their location, as well as their strength. 

You can utilize Radio-locator.com. It is a great option to locate radio stations.

Use the internet to search for radio stations near your area

Understand that mountainous or urban region will have poor reception

The presence of large objects between the transmitter and your location that blocks the FM radio waves can affect your car radio's reception.  If this is the case, you can only solve the problem by getting a good quality antenna and car radio.

Take note that location is one crucial factor for good radio reception.

>>> You might concern: Best in-car entertainment ideas to fight boredom while in a long drive

Check other cars

If you think you're the only one having trouble picking up a signal from a particular station, you can check other vehicles too.

Use other cars to test if it will also experience the same problems with your car radio. If yes, then most probably, the culprit here is the weak signal. You can't do anything to improve the weak signal because it’s out of your control.

Radio stations broadcast only at a particular strength. They can't just start to broadcast with a more powerful signal. 

Additionally, the radio station signal can also be affected by another station, which has a more powerful signal.

So, if there is a local radio station that operates near you, and closer to your location than your preferred station, then your radio will most likely lock onto the stronger signal. It’s normal because it’s how digital radio works.