It’s estimated that the automotive aftermarket was worth $433 billion in 2021 alone. With countless modifications available for car and truck owners, there’s no shortage of ways to upgrade your ride. One of the most popular DIY updates is a car audio system.
Installing a car audio system can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, easily attainable. By following the tips we’re about to share you’ll be able to do the job yourself.
Depending on the complexity of the system, most people can install a car audio system themselves in 2-4 hours. If you feel this is above your comfort level, you can defer to professionals. The average cost to have a car audio system installed by a professional is $200 – $500.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make the right choice for yourself. Read on to get started!
Gather Some Supplies
Before installing your audio system, you’ll need to gather supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Speakers
- Amplifier
- Wiring kit
- RCA cables
- Installation kit (includes screws, brackets, and other hardware)
A great place to source everything you need is DS18. Once your supplies are gathered, you can start the installation process.
Installing Your Car Audio System
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start installing your new system. The first step is to remove the old speakers from your vehicle.
You’ll just need to remove the screws that hold the speaker in place and then disconnect the wiring.
Next, you’ll need to install the new speakers. This will also vary depending on your car, but most speakers can be installed in minutes using the included screws and brackets. Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
Now it’s time to wire up the amplifier. This is probably the most complicated part of the installation, but with a little patience, it’s not too difficult.
Once you’ve decided on a location for the amplifier, you’ll need to run some wiring from the amplifier to the speakers. You can do this by following the wiring diagram that came with your kit.
Once the wiring is complete, connect the amplifier to your car’s electrical system. This is usually done by using a power cable and a ground wire.
Testing Your New System
If you’re experiencing problems with your car audio system, the first thing you should do is check the wiring. Make sure all of the wires are properly connected and that there are no loose strands that could cause a short circuit.
If everything looks good, try turning on the system and see if the problem persists. If it does, you may need to take your car in for service.
If you’re confident in your abilities, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
No sound: This is usually caused by a blown speaker or a disconnected wire. Make sure all of the wires are connected properly and that the speaker is properly installed.
Static or distortion: This is usually caused by a bad connection or a loose wire. Make sure all of the connections are tight and that there are no stray wires.
Low volume: This is usually caused by a blown amplifier or a disconnected wire. Make sure all of the wires are connected properly and that the amplifier is properly installed.
If you’re still having trouble fixing the problem, you may need to get professional help.
Still, Need More Information?
So you want to install your own car audio system. It’s definitely a doable project, and we’re here to help make it as easy as possible for you.
We’ve got all the information you need to get started, from picking out the right equipment to avoiding common installation mistakes.
Ready to start rocking out in your ride? For more articles like this, check out the rest of our blog!
