FM reception issue on test drive

[BN61705]

I took a test drive of several cars Thursday including a Stinger GT2. It was overcast and there were rain clouds over a town to the west (about 50 miles away). During the test drive we listened to FM radio and the Stinger's radio was having lots of trouble bringing in two stations from the next town over that I typically listen to. One of those stations has HD radio, but the other doesn't. There were long periods of scratchy noises with occasional clear audio on both the distant stations. Local stations came in fine. Ten minutes before in a test drive from a different manufacturer that station came in much better. Ten minutes after in my own car (from a third manufacturer) those stations came in significantly better.

Has anyone had issues with FM reception for stations in the 40-50 mile away range (especially when weather isn't perfect)? I know it could have been the distant rain, but it didn't seem to affect two other cars hardly at all. Springtime here in central Illinois it rains pretty much every other day, so I have concerns if the Stinger's radio/antenna won't be able to pick up stations that all of my other vehicles can when it rains.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I plan to go back to the dealer and try again the next chance I get where it is rainy in the other town but not here to try to recreate it.

 

[MerlintheMad]

This a new one I haven't heard of before. I only listen to one FM station; it has booster/transmitter stations, so I can't say how it would sound if the transmitter wasn't there: the station is over forty miles away from where I usually drive, and the sound is really good.

 

[mandasol]

I have the base head unit so YMMV, but I also noticed poor radio reception. I always have my phone plugged in to use Android audio so often I'll stream even local radio for clearer reception. Sometimes it's a hassle because some stations will be exclusive to certain radio streaming apps.

 

[BN61705]

I think I may have discovered an explanation and I don't think it is a radio/antenna problem with the Stinger I test drove. The static blanked out two stations that are 45 miles away, and this occurred within two blocks south of the dealer. When I drove away in my Ford we went north and didn't have any issues. I assumed that 45 miles away from the station's tower a block north or south wouldn't make a difference. I happened to drive south of the dealer today and weather conditions are similar to last Thursday. Both of those stations cut out on my Ford also. I asked some friends and there is a cell tower 2 blocks south of the dealer. Combine a cell tower with distant radio stations and storms in the air, and I think that is to blame.