Why do new cars still have antennas?

Despite the rise of streaming and cloud-connected apps, new cars still rely on multiple antennas for essential functions such as radio reception, navigation, and vehicle connectivity. The antennas are often tucked into roof fins, glass panels, or discreet housings to maintain a sleek look while delivering reliable performance across several frequency bands. This article explains what antennas do in modern cars, where they’re located, and why they remain a standard feature.

What antennas do modern cars use?

Automakers install several antenna systems to support different services, often sharing multi-band hardware to save space and cost.

How multi-band antennas share signals

In practice, many systems don’t have separate physical antennas for every service. A single multi-band module can handle multiple bands, or multiple services can share a single aerial array, reducing clutter and cost while preserving performance.

• AM/FM radio antenna to receive broadcast radio signals (AM and FM bands).


• GPS/navigation antenna for satellite-based positioning data used by maps and apps.


• Satellite radio antenna (e.g., SiriusXM in North America) or DAB in regions that use it for entertainment services.


• Cellular/4G/5G antenna for telematics, built-in connectivity, and mobile hotspots.


• Wi‑Fi hotspot antenna for in-car internet and connections for passengers’ devices.


• Bluetooth antenna for short-range wireless connections with phones and accessories.


• Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) antenna for DSRC or C‑V2X communications with other vehicles and roadside infrastructure.


• ADAS radar antennas (front/back) as part of driver-assistance systems, sometimes sharing the same housing as other radios.

Today’s vehicles typically use a mix of dedicated and shared antennas, often integrated into a few modules that cover several bands to minimize protruding elements while maximizing signal reach.

Where are antennas located and what do they look like?

Antennas are installed in discreet housings and within glass to minimize drag and preserve aesthetics. Common placements include roof-mounted "shark fin" or blade units, glass-integrated antennas in windshields and rear windows, and occasional bumper or trunk-mounted modules for specific services.

Common placements and design choices

Location choices balance reception quality, aerodynamics, and styling. Roof-mounted units typically serve multiple bands, while glass-embedded antennas save space but require careful design to avoid interference with other electronic systems.

• Roof-top domes or shark-fin assemblies that house multiple bands for radio, cellular, GPS, and Wi‑Fi.


• Windshield or side-window coatings and embedded antennas for GPS and some cellular signals.


• Rear window antennas or bumper-mounted modules for satellite or DSRC/C‑V2X signals.


• Dedicated radar sensors for ADAS often have separate radome-covered antennas at the front and rear of the vehicle.

Automakers increasingly favor integrated glass and roof-mounted solutions to reduce clutter while maintaining signal quality and reliability.

Why do we still need physical antennas?

Even with widespread streaming and cellular networks, dedicated antenna hardware remains essential to ensure reliable reception, regulatory compliance, and robust performance in varying environments. Different services require different radio frequencies and propagation characteristics best served by purpose-built antennas.

• FM/AM radio remains common in many regions, providing dependable audio even when data networks are spotty.


• GPS provides precise positioning for navigation and location-based services, which is valuable in urban canyons and tunnels where signals can falter.


• Satellite radio offers broad, consistent coverage and high-quality audio where available.


• Cellular/5G connectivity requires multi-band antennas and sometimes external modules to maintain links at high speeds and in rural areas.


• V2X communications enable vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure messaging to improve safety and efficiency.


• Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi often share antennas but may require dedicated placements to minimize interference and maximize reliability.

Thus, the industry pursues a hybrid approach: multiple discrete antennas and/or integrated multi-band units that balance cost, aesthetics, and performance.

What does the future hold for car antennas?

Expect continued integration and evolution as vehicles become more connected and autonomous, with emphasis on glass-integrated and conformal antennas, higher-frequency bands, and smarter tuning via over-the-air updates. Expanded V2X and advanced driver-assistance systems will rely on dedicated antennas and improved RF design to ensure reliable communication in complex environments.

• Glass-embedded, conformal antennas that blend into the vehicle surface while maintaining signal integrity.


• 5G and advanced Wi‑Fi 6/6E antennas with multi‑input multi‑output (MIMO) for faster, more reliable connections.


• OTA tuning updates that adjust frequency profiles to regional regulations or service changes.


• Expanded V2X deployments with dedicated antennas and secure communication protocols.

As the electronics suite grows, expect antenna systems to become more modular, with shared multi-band units that minimize parts while supporting a broad range of services across trims and markets.

Summary

Even as cars become smarter and more connected, antennas remain a practical necessity. They provide reliable radio reception, precise navigation, and dependable connectivity, while increasingly being integrated into glass and roof designs to keep vehicles sleek. The trend is toward smarter, multi-band, glass-integrated antennas that can support radio, GPS, cellular, Wi‑Fi, and V2X, all while preserving style and efficiency. The basic idea endures: reliable wireless communication is a core part of the modern driving experience.

Will car radio work without an antenna?

No, a car radio will not work well without an antenna because it needs an antenna to receive signals, and the car's metal body acts as a shield. Without one, you will primarily get static, with a very small chance of picking up extremely strong local stations, but this is not a functional way to listen. 
This video explains how car antennas work and what happens when you try to use a car radio without one: 46sHowcastTechGadgetsYouTube · Oct 28, 2011
Why the radio won't work

• Signal reception: An antenna is the primary component for picking up radio waves from broadcasts. Without one, the radio has no way to connect with the electromagnetic waves that carry the broadcast signal. 
• Signal interference: The car's metal body creates a Faraday cage, shielding the radio from external radio waves and preventing it from receiving signals properly. 
• Static and noise: The radio will turn on and the speakers will likely make noise, but it will be static from the lack of a signal, not music or talk radio. 
• Limited exceptions: You might briefly pick up a very powerful station if you are extremely close to its transmitter, but this is not a reliable or enjoyable listening experience. 

What you can do

• Install a new antenna: If the antenna is damaged or missing, you will need to have a new one installed to get proper radio reception. 
• Use an alternative source: While the radio will not work for broadcasting, you can still use other sources of audio like a CD player, a Bluetooth connection, or an auxiliary input for your phone. 
• Use a temporary antenna: As a temporary solution, you can try running a wire and using the entire car as a makeshift antenna by connecting it to a ground, though this is unlikely to provide good results. 

What's the point of an antenna on a car?

Cars have antennas to receive wireless signals for features like AM/FM and satellite radio, GPS navigation, and cellular services. While older cars used a single, long rod antenna for radio, modern vehicles use multiple, integrated antennas (like those in a "shark fin" or built into the glass) to handle a variety of communication needs more efficiently and with a cleaner design.
 
This video explains the evolution of car antennas from old-fashioned rods to modern shark fins: 1mYuhcarsYouTube · May 10, 2025

• Radio: To receive AM/FM radio signals for entertainment. Some modern cars have both a traditional radio antenna and one for satellite radio (SDAR). 
• Navigation: To receive GPS signals from satellites for the navigation system to function. 
• Communication: To handle cell phone signals for services like OnStar or other connected features. These can also be used for Wi-Fi hotspots and other vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. 
• Safety and Security: To receive signals for emergency notifications, security alarms, and keyless entry. 
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Some systems, like active cruise control, use radar antennas (often in the grille) to measure distances to other vehicles. 

Can I remove the antenna from my car?

Yes, you can take the antenna off your car, but the method depends on its type. Simple, screw-on antennas can be removed by hand or with a wrench, while others may require more effort like accessing them from inside the car to unplug a connector and remove a nut. 
For a screw-on antenna

• Look at the base of the antenna for flat sides or a nut-like shape. 
• Gently unscrew it by hand, or use an adjustable wrench if it's too tight. 
• If your car has a smaller, "shark fin" style antenna that is not easily removed, it might be a different type and you should check the vehicle's manual or consult a mechanic. 

For an antenna that requires more work

• You may need to remove an interior trim piece, such as the headliner or a pillar panel, to access the antenna's base from the inside.
• Once you have access, you can unplug the electrical connector and remove the nut that secures the antenna to the roof.
• The antenna mast can then be pulled out from the outside. 

Important considerations

• What to do with the hole: If the antenna is removed, the hole should be covered to protect it from the elements, such as rain and dirt. You can do this with a screw-on cap, or a new antenna adapter, depending on the type of antenna you are replacing it with. 
• Factory-installed antennas: These can be more difficult to remove and may require special tools. If you are unsure, consult your car's manual or a professional mechanic. 
• Retractable antennas: These are often motorized and require more complex steps to remove, potentially involving professional tools and knowledge. 

Why do cars still have antennas?

Here are some core reasons why cars have antennas: To receive AM/FM radio signals. To receive GPS signals for navigation.