The problem is, anything that emits an electrical field will produce static noise from your car’s audio system, and, unfortunately, there are a lot of systems in your car that can emit an electrical field.

They include but are not limited to, your car’s windshield’s wiper motor, to the alternator, and even the FM transmitter system itself.

If the problem only occurs when your car’s engine is running, and the pitch rises and lowers with the RPM, then the problem lies with the alternator. This kind of problem can be easily fixed by installing a static filter.

On the other hand, if you have a persistent static problem regardless of whether the car is running or not, then the problem lies with the station’s transmission or your audio system’s reception. In such cases, the only thing you can do is avoid those stations.

If the static only occurs when listening to the FM output, and not with audio CDs, then it could be as simple as a faulty antenna, or, again, your proximity to the source station.

One way to pin down whether your static problem emanates from a faulty antenna or your proximity to the source station is to drive around and see if the problem decreases or increases as you get closer or farther away from the source.

After you have ascertained that the problem is not external, but internal, te next order of business is to try to pin down the source of the FM static by checking the head unit’s grounding connection.

In some rare cases, it is possible to experience static whether you’re playing the radio, audio CDs, or even auxiliary audio sources. In such cases, the most likely culprit is a ground loop shortage, or some other component is introducing the static into the system.

Also, when grounding the head unit, make sure you don’t ground other components in the same place, as this practice could cause ground loop feedback.

Best FM Transmitter No Static

Most radio transmitters use what is called frequency modulation (FM) to differentiate between the source signals. FM waves are more static resistant than amplitude modulation (AM), but the FM receiver’s performance can be adversely affected by its proximity to other electronic devices. When other electrical devices are too close to the FM tuner, static can develop and interfere with broadcast quality.

This problem can be addressed in three ways:

Keep all devices, like cellphones or two-way radios at least 20 feet away from the FM tuner. Today’s cellphones are programmed to send out a ping for location purposes, and this pinging can interfere with FM receivers. One way to find out whether or not your cellphone is the culprit, place your cellphone next to the FM tuner and listen for any static interruptions when the cellphone pings.
If your FM tuner has an analog dial, set it to your favorite station, adjusting it until you have the best reception. During the day, the quality of an FM signal will degrade due to changes in atmospheric pressure. Consequently, you may have to make periodic changes throughout the day.
You might have to buy a larger external antenna. Most FM receivers come with attachments that allow for larger antennas. Use the modified attachment to connect the FM receiver and see if that doesn’t solve your static problem.

When all else fails, an FM transmitter can be a nostalgic and low-cost way to extend the life of your car’s audio system. Rather than buying and installing an expensive, new head unit, or FM modulator, an FM transmitter lets you expand your listening options at a relatively cheap price, and you’ll barely have to break a sweat installing it.

Best No Static FM Transmitter

However, the best way to ensure you get the best performance out of your FM transmitter is not to go too cheap. Although most FM transmitters are relatively cheap, there are some important features you should be on the lookout for.

The most important feature to e on the lookout for is manual tuning, since it is this feature that allows you to zero-in on the absolute best reception while avoiding unwanted stations. Be aware of transmitters that come with only a handful of preset frequencies, or don’t even allow you to change the broadcast frequency period. Making a mistake like that would be like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.