Once upon a time, the car radio was the only entertainment option in an automobile. In-car entertainment has evolved a lot since then, but the humble AM/FM or even satellite radio is still a common feature in cars. They depend on a car antenna to get a clear signal, but how much would it cost to fix that part if it breaks?
A car antenna replacement can cost $50 or less, as it's not a particularly complex or expensive replacement part. Still, you can buy a used antenna or a universal aftermarket replacement to save even more or get added features. They work the same as an original equipment (OE) replacement part.
Read through this guide to understand more about how much it costs to replace a car antenna and whether that's worth the cost.
How Much Does a Replacement Car Antenna Cost?
A replacement car antenna is inexpensive because they’re not particularly complicated components. You will find the replacement part you want for around $50 at your preferred auto accessories supplier, or even less for inexpensive aftermarket parts.
Of course, you’ll pay higher for an original equipment (OE) replacement car antenna because it is specifically designed for your car brand and model.
That’s especially true if your car is old and the OE replacement part is no longer easy to find.
You can reduce costs by purchasing a second-hand or used part instead. The replacement car antenna can still be an OE product, but getting it used from a car wrecker or used parts seller will save you money.
If you want something affordable and brand-new, you can purchase an aftermarket universal car antenna replacement instead. Those products are made by third-party manufacturers and work just like a brand-new, original equipment replacement car antenna.
Besides the lower cost, compatibility isn’t a significant issue when it comes to aftermarket replacement car antennas. That’s because most car antennas are universal and can be connected easily to your car to replace the old one.
Lastly, aftermarket replacements come in a variety of designs. You’ll have no problems finding one that suits your preferences and needs.
The best car antenna replacement isn't necessarily the most expensive one but the most effective at the cheapest cost.
Should You Replace a Broken Car Antenna?
A car antenna that goes bad does not put your vehicle in a life-or-death situation, nor does it affect the car’s performance. So, should you replace it when it breaks?
Well, that depends on your answer to these two questions:
1. Do You Use the Car’s AM/FM or Satellite Radio Often?
The purpose of a car antenna is to capture broadcast signals for the radio, whether it's an AM/FM unit or a satellite radio. So, a broken antenna will prevent you from listening to your radio stations.
However, people these days rarely rely on their radios for in-car entertainment. Instead, many are connected to streaming services or listen to music from their smartphones.
If you rely on your AM/FM or satellite radio, you'll definitely want to replace your broken car antenna.
However, people who don’t listen to their radios at all don’t necessarily need a replacement car antenna. At that point, a working antenna becomes a ‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘need to have’ accessory.
2. Does the Broken Antenna Affect Your Car’s Aesthetics?
Whether or not you listen to your car radio, you undoubtedly care about how your car looks, just like most other car owners. That's why you'll want to replace a car antenna if it's broken so bad other people can see.
Remember: a ‘broken’ car antenna might not be physically broken on the outside, only damaged or corroded from within. But if it's broken in half or visibly damaged, you’ll want to replace it to make your car look whole again.
How Do I Know If My Car Antenna Is Bad?
Here’s how you can tell if your car antenna is bad and might need a replacement:
- No clear signal: The first sign that your car antenna might be bad is the radio fails to maintain a clear signal. Instead of your favourite radio stations, you’ll hear static and other kinds of interference. That’s the first hint your antenna might be bad, but it’s not the only sign.
- Physical damage signs: Some antennas are visibly damaged, and you can see that from afar. For example, the antenna might have snapped off or broken, exposing the wiring inside.
- Internal damage or wear: Antennas can also be damaged internally without any external signs. For example, the wires inside could have experienced corrosion or even snapped.
It’s also possible that it’s not the antenna that’s causing statics or interference—the problem could be with the head unit or its wiring. The same can also be true if you're driving in an area with too many tall buildings or if there's signal interference coming from elsewhere.
So, before you conclude that your antenna needs a replacement, rule out all other possibilities first.
Can You Put Any Antenna on Your Car?
Yes, in most cases, you can put any antenna on your car. That's because car antenna replacement parts are mostly universal and can be wired to any vehicle.
There are some exceptions, of course. For example, you need to be mindful of compatibility if replacing a satellite radio antenna.
Whether you’re looking for new or used car antenna replacement parts, your first stop should be CarpartAU. The Marketplace has excellent deals on used parts, while you can also use the Part Finder if you’re looking for something more specific.
By Ray Hasbollah