While a custom paint job can turn heads, nothing turns heads like a blaring sound system. By instantly transforming your vehicle from the factory to a custom one, you can easily and affordably upgrade your vehicle with a host of high-quality auto electronics that add style and comfort.
One of the most convenient additions (and a necessity in most states, unless you want to avoid getting pulled over just for talking on the phone) is a hands-free device. Hands-free car kits feature Bluetooth technology, pairing your phone directly to your stereo, routing calls through its speakers for crystal clear clarity and true hands-free calling. When a call comes in, it mutes its radio and plays the call through its front speakers. And it comes with a deluxe noise-canceling microphone, so you can speak naturally instead of shouting like the Iron Sheik. Also, if you are a Mac user, you can prevent your iPhone from slipping by installing an iPhone car dock. Many hands-free car kits will even allow you to pair your MP3 player directly to your car stereo, giving you the convenience of a digital music library without having to purchase any additional accessories for connection.
Connect your iPod or iPhone to a car power inverter and never worry about getting stuck in the car with a dead battery again. These handy devices can charge all your electronics while you drive, including mobile phones, GPS devices and anything else you can think of to connect. A car power inverter is available with 200W, 400W or 1000W of power and has built-in protections including high and low input voltage alarms, overload protection, short circuit protection, auto power off and an internal cooling fan. .
But before you start plugging it in, you might want to quickly think about your power system.
The more you’ve connected to your system, the more power you’ll need to keep everything running. Your vehicle’s electrical system has many components, but the two most important things to focus on when adding electronic equipment are the battery and the alternator. Your car’s battery provides the main source of power when the vehicle is not running, and the alternator provides power after you start the engine. The main functions of the battery are to start the vehicle and to provide power when the vehicle is not running. Depending on your car’s stock electrical system, it may not supply enough power to run your aftermarket stereo system and other electronics. Generally speaking, systems that generate less than 500 watts will not need an upgrade. Anything higher, and it’s probably a good idea to have a qualified technician test the battery and electrical system to see if it can handle the additional load.
Frequently discharged batteries are a good indication that your electrical system is not keeping up with your car’s electronics, and your alternator may need to be upgraded. Doing so will give you the boost you need to run all of your electrical components, including your stereo system, headrest monitor, iPod car adapters, and radar detectors, without draining battery power. The problem is that your alternator is not sized properly for your new electrical requirements and relies on the battery to provide additional power, reducing battery life. But again, have this checked by a qualified technician before investing in a larger alternator.
To avoid getting stuck with a dead car battery, it’s always good practice to have a jump starter in your trunk. A personal battery jump starter has enough energy stored to jump-start your power station when the battery runs low, so you won’t have to call a tow truck or hassle the person parked next to you to jump out.