The stereo systems in most modern cars coming from the manufacturer are generally good quality, but if you are considering adding something that offers a little more, it can be challenging. Car stereo systems range from simple to incredibly complex. The installation is often best left to a professional installer to ensure that it will work the way you expect it to.

Selecting a Stereo

It is crucial to determine what you want from your car stereo system and take some time to compare the features available when you are looking at them. If you are on a specific budget, you may need to skip some features, but there are many stereos available in various price ranges that might fit your needs. 

For most people, a stereo upgrade is less about replacing a low-quality stereo and more about adding something extra to the car, so the features may be important. If there is something you want in your system, talk to an associate at an audio shop before you buy a car stereo to be sure you get the right one for your needs. 

Professional Installation

Car stereo systems have become more complicated than they used to be, and installing them in newer cars often involves a lot of disassembly of the dashboard or console to access the mounts and wiring. Often accessing the area behind the dash requires special tools to do the job properly and avoid breaking the retaining clips or the dash panel itself. 

Hiring a professional installer to put your new car stereo in can save a lot of time and frustration and ensure it is done correctly. If you add additional speakers to the system or install an amplifier, it is critical that everything is compatible so that nothing in the system gets damaged. 

Often the shop you buy the stereo system from may offer professional installation as well. Allowing them to do the work can come at an additional cost, but you can be confident that the new car stereo system will work properly when they are done. Typically professional installation comes with a warranty if something does stop working down the road.

Used Stereo Systems

It is not uncommon to find used car stereos for sale online or at local pawn shops and other resale businesses, but you must carefully check the stereo if you are going to buy a use one. You need to see the stereo working before even consider it. If you cannot see and hear the stereo functioning, you might be better to skip it. 

If you are going to buy used, source the car stereo from an audio shop that can guarantee the used car stereo condition and demo the unit for you.