What is the use of the 'shark fin' on the roof of a car?
The shark fin-shaped object attached to the roof of a car is not a decoration but has its own unique function.
Function of "shark fin"
Many cars today have a device that looks like a shark fin on the roof. This is not a decoration for the car but an antenna device, helping the car to receive phone and radio signals. In some modern cars, the shark fin antenna is installed right from the factory.
The "shark fin" antenna is usually hollow, with a plastic fin-shaped outer shell, and a signal-catching antenna wire cage inside. This accessory acts as a basic antenna to enhance the communication signal in the car. In addition, installing a shark fin antenna also makes the car more fashionable and sporty than using a normal antenna.
In addition, according to many car experts, besides the above functions, shark fin antennas also have other functions as follows:
Helps reduce vehicle drag: The split, elongated structure of the "shark fin" helps reduce air resistance for the car when running. Therefore, even when facing the wind, the car with shark fin can still maintain good speed.
Avoid electrical short circuit: Shark fins act as a neutral wire for the vehicle's electrical equipment. If you drive during a thunderstorm, it can reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
Signal noise reduction: Shark fin antennas on luxury cars can help prevent radio signal interference. This is a function reserved for high-end antennas, with a formula using the principle of air dynamics.
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| Shark fin antenna on car. Photo: Lao Dong |
How much does a shark fin antenna cost?
There are many brands of shark fin antennas on the market, depending on the price and origin, the quality will be different. The cheapest type from 50,000 - 400,000 VND has the main function of decoration and does not have the effect of enhancing the signal. The type above or below 1 million VND has an antenna wire inside and has a greater function.
In terms of quality, the shark fin antenna also has the same signal reception function as a regular antenna, but the signal reception ability will be slightly worse. For example, the original antenna will help the car catch a little signal when running through the basement, but the shark fin antenna will almost not catch the signal in areas with very weak signals.
