Car Audio: Fix it or Replace it?

I average about 15 calls per week from clients who have a factory radio that they say has broken and needs to be repaired. The problems range from bad tuners, failure to play CD’s and even no power at all. Generally, they've already contacted the car dealer and were told either nothing or that they could simply replace their radio at a substantial cost. It's at this junction that I always recommend replacing that tired factory radio with something current that- in most cases- offers much more in the way of integration and features, not to mention better performance.

What many consumers don't know about changing out a bad factory radio is that integrating it is relatively easy and looks very good. Yes, there are some exceptions where you simply cannot replace the factory radio and must bite the bullet, but in most cases, there is a nice looking solution that enables you to upgrade and enjoy the best the car audio industry has to offer.

The Technology:

There are many options available when it comes to selecting a radio and multiple features you can take full advantage of in the process. Great features include full iPod integration, Bluetooth wireless technology, Satellite radio, HD radio and even control of Pandora radio. Ask The Advisors offers some great models from names including Clarion, Kenwood Excelon and Pioneer alongside expert installation to finish the job right.

The Integration:

Aftermarket Car Audio companies have gone through great trouble to make integration as smooth as possible. This is no more apparent than in the design of custom aftermarket dash installation kits and wiring harness interfaces, which are available for just about any vehicle on the market.

Dash kits enable you to install an aftermarket radio into your factory location and retain a good look alongside functionality. In some cases, these dash kits even include the electronic climate controls to seamlessly integrate with your vehicle.

In addition to custom dash kits, manufacturers also provide a wide range of wiring harness adaptors and interfaces so that your new radio will "play nice" with your vehicle. Harnesses range from simple plug designs to elaborate interfaces that work with your vehicle's on-board computers and retain all factory systems, such as On-Star or factory amplifier integration.

If you have any questions or would just like to know more give us a call or send us a message by filling out the form located at the top-right of this page!

2011 Porsche Cayenne2011 Cadillac CTS-V

Tags: Aftermarket Radio, Car Dealer, Clarion, Consumers, Dash Kits, Electronic Climate, Exceptions, Expert Installation, Factory Location, Factory Radio, Functionality, Great Radio, Hd Radio, Kenwood Excelon, Pandora Radio, Pioneer, Satellite Radio, Technology Satellite, Wireless Technology, Wiring Harness, Wit

Click to share thisClick to share this