Making Car Audio Equipment Last Longer

This chapter will be short for no other reason than it's boring. But it's still important and is worth reading. Once you get your system how do you keep it working properly and lasting long? The first step is getting it installed correctly. The second is maintaining it.

When you have your system installed make sure you have it done right. Head units should be mounted solidly to prevent vibration. Wires should be connected with either solder and heat shrink or crimp connectors, never "twist and tape". Speakers should be mounted solidly with no air leaks around the mounting frame. Subwoofers should be in the proper size box with solid mounting screws. Amplifiers should not be power starved. Proper gauge wire and quality connections are needed to keep the amplifier working properly. Also make sure your vehicle's electrical system is operating within specifications. Over or under voltage will easily damage sensitive electronics.

After your system is installed you will occasionally need to maintain it. Head units should be dusted with a soft brush to keep excess dust from entering the unit around the media slots (CD, tape, etc.) and buttons. Speakers and subwoofers may need to be checked occasionally to ensure that their mounting screws have not come loose. Amplifiers and signal processors will need to have their electrical connections checked for tightness as well. The automotive environment has a lot of vibration and this will sometimes cause a screw to come loose. Occasionally wipe down your equipment to keep dust and dirt from building on the surface. This is especially true for trunk mounted units.

Some items are better left to a professional. Generally this is anytime you need to remove the cover of an electronic component. This will not usually be a problem but if someone accidentally shoved a credit card into your CD player (these things happen) then I wouldn't recommend trying to fish it out. If you don't know what you're doing you could easily damage the delicate electronic components inside of the case. You're better off finding a professional to help you. Ask around or call the manufacturer to find an authorized service center.

One final note about CD lens cleaners. I have yet to run across a CD player that was helped by using a CD lens cleaner. These are the CD-like devices that have a row of small brushes on the bottom of the disc. They're supposed to wipe the dust off of the CD player's laser lens and lessen skipping. They're a bad idea in my opinion. The brushes, especially on the cheaper models, can knock the sensitive laser out of alignment. This can only be remedied by a trip to a service professional. Take my advice and leave the CD lens cleaner on the shelf.

Car Audio Warranties

Videos
     Car Stereo Installation
     Car Alarm Installation
     Advanced Enclosures
     Fiberglass Fabrication
     Fiberglass Fabrication II
Back to School Special

Car Audio Background
     What is Sound
     Cabin Gain
     Kick Panels
     Ohm's Law
     Electronic Components
     Electrical System Upgrades

Car Audio Equipment Info
     Car Audio Head Units
     CD Changers and MP3
     Car Audio Speakers
     Choosing a Subwoofer
     Car Audio Amplifiers
     Signal Processors
     Mobile Video
     Satellite and Digital Radio
     Wiring and Power
     Power Capacitors
     Security Systems
     Exotic Components

Car Audio Planning and Buying
     System Planning
     What Fits Your Car
     Budget Systems
     Sample Systems
     OEM Upgrades
     Spotting Good Equipment
     Equipment Reviews
     Where to Buy New
     Tips for Buying New
     Get the Best Retail Deal
     Free Installation
     Common Scams
     Avoiding Bait and Switch
     Mail Fraud Laws
     Where to Buy Used
     Tips for Buying Used
     More Than You Can Afford
     Buying Wholesale
     Selling Used Audio
     Hidden Costs

Car Audio Installation
     Choosing Installers
     Installation Goodies
     Installation Pictures
     Installations You Can Do
     Ten Car Audio Myths
     Amplifier Installation
     Capacitor Installation
     Vehicle Wiring Diagrams
     Noise Troubleshooting
     Car Stereo Help
     Become an Installer

Car Audio Care
     Keeping Your Stereo Safe
     Car Stereo Insurance
     Making Your Stereo Last
     Car Audio Warranties
     Getting Free Repairs
     Avoiding Noise Violations
     Car Audio Safety
     Car Audio Competitions
     The Future of Car Audio