A new car stereo is an excellent way to improve your vehicle’s audio quality. Car Stereo Installation Providence RI can also increase the value of your car, which may be especially important if you plan on selling it in the future. To install a new car stereo, you first need to remove the old one. This can be done by removing the screws or nuts that secure it.
A shaft-style stereo is a type of car audio that is mounted on a rail within the dash in certain vehicles. This requires the removal of one or more dash trim panels to gain access to it. Before removing the factory stereo, be sure to set your parking brake and disconnect your negative car battery wire to avoid accidentally short-circuiting something. In addition, if your new stereo includes a touchscreen or video display, connect a ground wire to the emergency/parking brake wire that acts as a switch for the monitor when the parking brake is applied.
Once you have removed the factory stereo, follow the directions that came with it to install the new unit in your vehicle’s dash. Often, you’ll install the mounting kit in the dash first, then slide the new stereo’s metal mounting sleeve into it and secure it with screws (Figure 2).
When installing a new stereo, you first need to determine what type of head unit you need. The most common is the double-DIN, which means that it is twice as tall as a single DIN unit.
However, some vehicles use a 1.5 DIN head unit, which is another popular size. These head units can be difficult to install, so getting the right bracket and installation kit is important.
Double-DIN stereos often offer features that can’t be found in single-DIN models, including touchscreen support and backup camera displays. They also usually come with multiple connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and USB ports. These functions can make it easier to listen to music, check email, or use other features on your phone while driving.
A universal collar is a convenient way to upgrade your car’s stereo without purchasing an expensive custom mounting kit. Depending on the vehicle’s dash mounting brackets, you may need to use a special universal collar to install your new stereo. These collars have metal tabs that can be bent to grip the sides of your dash receptacle. Some also come with a wiring harness adapter to connect your stereo to your car’s factory wiring.
Before installing your stereo, make sure to hook up your power and ground wires to your car’s wiring harness. A good ground connection is critical for proper stereo performance and to eliminate unwanted noise. Some high-powered stereos require a constant power connection at the positive terminal of your car’s battery. Typically, this requires you to run a heavier gauge power wire and use an in-line fuse (usually included with the stereo).
The ability to play your favorite tunes wirelessly from your mobile device can be a life-saver on longer drives. Bluetooth is a relatively simple technology that allows you to stream music, make hands-free calls and navigate your way through driving directions without the need for cords.
Bluetooth works on many devices, including cell phones, headsets, GPS navigators, personal computers and audio equipment. It can also connect your car stereo to other electronics in your vehicle. In addition, a Bluetooth-enabled car stereo may let you see incoming calls and access your phone’s contact list. It can even act as a transmitter for a USB flash drive, iPod or MP3 player.
If you want to add Bluetooth capability to your existing car stereo, various types of universal Bluetooth adapters work with most models of radios. These adapters are generally more basic than those that come with Bluetooth built in, and they are often less expensive.