AM Reception

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The AM band has a lower frequency range than the FM band. These longer wavelengths:

Bend around Obstacles
Follow the curvature of the earth
May reflect off the ionosphere (skip)

The AM frequencies have longer range due to the ground wave. The ground wave follows the curvature of the earth and is effected by its conductivity.

Greater conductivity equates to less signal loss thus transmission over water is better than over land.

The AM band has a range of 80-320 km (50-200 miles).