Car stereos are a great way to take your car from “average” to “awesome.” Most people think that the only thing they need to worry about when buying a car stereo is making sure that it has all of the features they want.
However, there are actually many other things you should consider before purchasing your next car stereo so that it becomes future-proof.
This blog post will discuss 7 factors to take into consideration when looking for a new car stereo system.
Music Listening Preference
Different car stereos have different sound quality. Some people prefer a more crisp, high-quality listening experience while others don’t mind having a lower volume or distortion of their music.
It is important to think about your personal preference when selecting which car stereo you want because it will greatly affect the enjoyment that you get from your new system.
Apart from the quality, the features of the stereo also require your attention. Those are:
Playing Music From Phone, USB
The device should be able to play music from your phone. This is because it is a common method of playing music nowadays and it makes it a breeze to enjoy the same music without any interruption, irrespective of your presence in the car or in your house.
Plus, look for USB flash drive compatibility in order to listen in high quality.
Radio Tuner
The radio tuner should be strong and have good reception. This ensures that you will always get to listen to your favorite station while driving around town or on the highway.
MP-Equalizer
The MP equalizers give you the ability to customize your sound. Some people like more treble, while others want a more bass-heavy music experience and this feature helps them achieve that.
Source Selection
This is an option offered on some car stereos where users can quickly switch between different sources of input such as switching from radio to the auxiliary input.
Satellite Radio Functionality
If you are a fan of satellite radio, then your car stereo should have the ability to offer this. They usually come with an SCC-E input which allows users to plug in their SiriusXM antenna and listen to hundreds of different channels that they wouldn’t be able to get on normal FM or AM stations.
Non-Music Features
A few years back, people were satisfied with a stereo that could only produce good music, but things have changed.
Today, people want their car stereos to have some fun features that they can enjoy on the side. This includes:
Bluetooth & Wifi Compatibility
These are for hands-free calling and music sharing. It allows you to connect your phone via Bluetooth and use it as a speaker system without any wires involved. A car stereo with Bluetooth, GPS, and Backup Camera is something you should get for a seamless experience.
Voice Command
This is an option that most people stick to nowadays. This allows you to control the different features of your car stereo by using voice commands, which makes it much easier and safer than having to look at a screen while driving around town.
Android And iOS Compatibility
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are two different systems that allow you to sync your car stereo with your phone.
This makes it easier for people to access their favorite apps through the head unit and navigate around them by using voice commands or touch, which can be much safer than having to look at a phone screen while driving.
Backup Camera Compatibility
If you want to get a backup camera, make sure the car stereo has the capability of working with it. Otherwise, you might end up losing out on some features that would otherwise be present had they worked together.
Durability Of The Product
You should consider the durability of your car stereo because that determines how long you will be able to use it.
Most modern units are made out of high-quality materials and they have a strong build, which means they can last several years without any problems arising. But there are still some lower quality brands available in the market that make sub-par products.
Ease Of Installation
A lot of effort goes into installing a car stereo and you do not want to go through all that hassle if it does not provide any value.
Look for ease in installation and determine how long it will take before your new system is up and running, without needing any visit from mechanics or other professionals.
Also, make sure your new radio comes with the radio activation code or you may have trouble getting it up and running, although, there are services like this one that offers free activation codes.
A complicated product can leave you frustrated and might even cause you to give up on it. So, look for something that gets the job done without overcomplicating things.
Price Of The Product
The price is another important factor that you should consider before making a purchase. Higher-end models tend to cost more but they also have several features that make them worth it in the long run, whereas lower quality units might not be as good and chances are high that they won’t last very long either.
Large Display
A larger display gives you more real estate to work with and allows you to see the different features that the unit has.
If you are not able to read small text or numbers, then a large screen might be what you need in order for your head unit experience to go smoothly without any problems arising from it being too complicated.
Plus, a large display means your children can watch movies and cartoons on long road trips without having to plug in any other screens.
Warranty Of The Product
The warranty that comes with your car stereo determines how much protection it offers against defects, malfunctions, or damages. This is especially important if you drive a lot because some systems might develop problems after extensive use.
Since stereos can cost as much as two thousand bucks depending on how advanced features they come with, they should be well under warranty so that you can have it repaired or replaced if anything goes wrong.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new car stereo, there are several things to consider before making your purchase. You’ll want to look at the ease of installation and how durable it is.
If you plan on mounting the device on a single DIN enclosure, then the size will be an important factor as well.
Compatibility with other devices like backup cameras or Bluetooth might also make more sense than one without these capabilities if they work better with what you need from this type of product.
Lastly, take into account warranty length and price range when deciding which unit would best suit your needs while still providing value for the money spent – something we know all customers appreciate!
