Can i improve in-car phone reception?

[PugwasHDJ80]

I hvae a Merc CLS estate- 2014 model and a Galaxy S6

is there any way of improving the in car reception for the Phone? i spend a lot of time making calls whilst driving up and down the motorways of the UK- anything i can do to improve reception would be brilliant.

Alledgedly the car has an aerial in it, but i can't work out how to connect to it- are there aftermarket aerials available?

[Mercky]

I find that in areas of bad reception it helps if you wind down the drivers window and hold the phone to your right ear.

[PugwasHDJ80]

Mercky said:

I find that in areas of bad reception it helps if you wind down the drivers window and hold the phone to your right ear.

especially driving at 40 past schools yes? i always turn my music up too

and have a fag

and drive with my knees

I know all the tricks

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

Years ago, there were 'car kits' available which were installed via aftermarket installers and car electronics specialists. They contained antenna's which did improve reception.

Nowadays, with the increase in signal masts they've all but disappeared. Which network are you on? you could try another network and test them out on your usual routes.

I've just had a quick scan of ebay and 'hands free car kit' and there's nothing that comes up in terms of those old style kits. Another scan of in car audio installers etc, it's the same.

Does your car have the coated windscreen which can interfere/block signals? If so, then you'll perhaps need to use a holder closer to the side window which most likely doesn't have that coating.

Cheers, Dennis!

[OldGermanHeaps]

Older phones had the coaxial connector to add an external aerial, most new phones don't have this. Dedicated cab phones still do but i haven't seen any 3g ones and 2g masts are dwindling. Beat just to try a few payg sims and see what network gives best coverage, or purchase a multi network roaming sim.

[OverSteery]

I also wonder if the modern smart phone isn't actually optimised for telephone calls? the iphone/Samsung battle for hearts/mind/sales isn't going to won with "excellent clarify for telephone calls".

Maybe try and buy a second hand nokia off ebay