Choosing a new aftermarket car radio entails several steps, from deciding how much you would like to spend based on your budget, selecting features, determining if you want HD or satellite radio, figuring out the factory car radio setup, and finding out what radio fits in your vehicle. Here you’ll learn about how to select the right car radio for your vehicle.
Determine How Much You Want to Spend
The first step when selecting an aftermarket car radio is to determine your ideal price range. In many cases, you can find a good-quality radio for under $100.
Look for a USB Port
If you happen to have a smartphone such as an iPhone, certain car radios have a USB port that will be able to read certain files off your device, play music from it, and charge it through a USB connection. Even if you don’t have a smartphone, you can use a USB port to connect devices such as flash drives to play your music.
If you want to spend less, you can find a radio with an auxiliary audio input port that allows you to connect your devices into your radio. However, you won’t be able to control your devices or read files off of them with this method.
Think About Extra Features
If you travel a lot, certain car radios have XM or Sirius satellite radio tuners. In some cases, a car radio will be satellite radio-ready, requiring only an antenna to run. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for a subscription to satellite radio service.
Decide if HD Is Worth Getting
If you want more than the typical AM/FM radio stations on your radio, you may want to consider buying a car radio with a built-in HD radio tuner. This radio is free to listen to and provides better audio quality than what you get with a standard radio.
Do You Want Bluetooth?
If you’re in your car more often than not, some radios will allow for Bluetooth compatibility. This is ideal if you want to make or receive calls in your vehicle using a hands-free device. Subsequently, Bluetooth capability will improve safety when driving and calling.
Is the Installation DIY or Do You Need Professional Help?
Determine if you can install the radio yourself or if you need professional installation. You may need to get installation services from a company that understands your vehicle’s requirements. In some cases, you may need to disassemble the dashboard when installing a new radio.
Taking these steps can help you find and install the right aftermarket car radio in your vehicle. You can find the right radio when you shop at an online store like M&R Electronics. M&R parts can give you everything you need for the perfect aftermarket car radio, along with other components for your vehicle, regardless of what you need.