For those who are looking into tinting their car windows, there will be a few major aesthetic decisions to think about moving forward. Two of the most important, which are related but not the same – though often confused – are window tint color and window tint shade.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re happy to offer high-quality window tinting services in addition to our car sound and other performance solutions. We offer a variety of window tint colors and shade percentage options to meet your every need, plus staff who will break down these basics for you and help you understand how they work. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over everything you need to know about tint shade and color, plus how to make the optimal selection for each based on your needs.

Tint Basics

Firstly, it’s important to understand what tint really is to grasp the choices you’ll be making on color and shade. It’s vital to realize, for instance, that you aren’t actually changing the color of the glass or the window – rather, you’re placing a film on the window that will impact aesthetics.

Why is this important? For starters, anyone leasing a car or worried about a warranty concern will not have to stress, as tint is not actually altering the vehicle’s stock makeup. For another, if there’s any chance you might be changing your tint at some point in the future, this can be easily done without impacting the window itself – you can even remove tint at any time, and the window will go back to looking good as new.

Tint Percentage Vs. Tint Color

So what is being referred to when you hear about tint shade (also called tint percentage) compared to tint color? The former refers to how light or dark the film is – the “percentage” tag speaks to the percent of UV rays that are blocked by the tint in question. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint will be, meaning a 35% tint allows just 35% of the available UV rays in.

Tint color, on the other hand, is the actual color hue itself. A given window tint color selected may look very different with a 5% tint compared to a 50% tint, for instance.

Colors Available

Now that you have a basic understanding of how these two aesthetic areas work, we generally recommend selecting color first and then deciding on shade second. Some of the colors typically available for vehicle window tint shade include black, grey, bronze, gold and charcoal, though other specialty colors may be available.

For more on vehicle tint color and shade considerations, or to learn about any of our window tint, car audio or other automotive performance accessories, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic issues that may take place in your car audio system and how to remedy them. Whether due to a stock system that’s wearing down or an aftermarket upgrade from another company that wasn’t done too well, there are a few such issues that may arise.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re here to help. We provide a wide variety of car audio system services, from high-quality parts that won’t have issues to experienced pros who will offer expertise on how to use and tune your system properly for optimal lifespan. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll dig specifically into speaker issues that may arise, plus the steps you should take to get to the bottom of them and remedy the concerns.

Testing Audio Input Channels

If you’re not getting sound from your speakers, the first thing you should think about before proceeding to more in-depth potential fixes is your audio inputs. Most vehicles, especially modern ones, will have several different audio inputs, including the radio, CD player, AUX, plus several potential Bluetooth or other media channels as well.

You’d be surprised how many of our clients think they have a stereo issue, only to realize they were set to the wrong audio input channel. Test each channel first – if you don’t get sound from a single one, you know there’s a bigger problem at hand.

Check Head Unit

In other cases, the problem could be due to settings on the head unit that have been altered for some reason. We’re talking about things like the balance levels, fade or pan settings and even the default volume, which can be changed on most head units. Before moving to issues of wiring or others that might involve taking apart components, make sure your settings haven’t been changed at some point.

Wiring Issues

If neither of the above issues is the culprit and you still have no sound, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a disconnected or broken wire, or an issue with the amplifier connection due to similar concerns. If you feel you’re capable of doing so safely, one simple way of testing this is running a temporary speaker wire from the head unit directly to the speaker – if it still doesn’t work, this will tell you it’s not a wiring problem, but rather something with the speaker itself.

If you’re unsure you can perform this task safely and properly, call our team for basic tests of your speakers and other potential issues.

For more on common car audio problems and how to remedy them, or to learn about our car audio installations, window tinting or other automotive upgrades, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

No one wants to deal with problems or malfunctions in any area of their vehicle, and car audio components are no exception. Not only can issues with the car stereo and various audio fixtures be frustrating and annoying, they can also be hazardous and detract from vehicle value in many cases.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re here to help. We offer a huge range of upgraded car audio installation services, ranging from car stereos and subwoofers to advanced head units and pristine sound quality themes. What are some of the common issues with car audio that our sound professionals will help you solve, either for a stock audio system or a previous upgrade that wasn’t installed well? This two-part blog will dig into everything you need to know here, including how to remedy such concerns if you’re comfortable (you can always call our pros if you aren’t).

Overheating Risks

We mentioned hazards above, and we wanted to start with one issue that fits in this category and should be prevented against. Usually due to speaker systems that have not been wired properly, such as cases where wires are combined when they should be running in their own separate areas, overheating poses fire and related risks.

This is especially true if there are flammable liquids nearby, which is often the case in vehicles. If you ever see any smoke or other signs of overheating in your stereo, stop driving immediately and, if you’re comfortable doing so, check your wiring to ensure each wire runs separately. If you prefer to bring this to our pros, we’re happy to take a look.

Blown Radio Fuse

Other audio issues in the vehicle will trace back to the radio itself, and the most common such concern is when a fuse has blown in the main fuse panel box or behind the radio (for aftermarket installations). Luckily, fuses are pretty cheap compared to most other audio components, and they can be easily replaced, either by a handy vehicle owner or by our automotive professionals.

Head Unit Problems

Another possible issue with the radio that might show up in a few different ways is a problem with the head unit. Head units that are struggling to show a display while the vehicle is having sound issues will generally signal a problem with power, which might require an upgrade. On the flip side, if your display is only turning off during bumps or certain driving conditions, this means a connector is loose on the back of the unit and needs to be tightened. Finally, it’s possible your head unit is simply malfunctioning or the radio itself has worn down and requires replacement.

For more on possible car audio issues and how to deal with them, or to learn about any of our car stereos, window tinting or other automotive services, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the specific advantages held by aftermarket car sound system components compared to the stock options generally present in vehicles. While newer vehicles on today’s market certainly do have better audio capabilities than they would have a decade or two ago, they still lag far behind the best components that can be found on the aftermarket in terms of sound quality, entertainment and several other notable areas.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re proud to offer a wide range of car audio installation services, from basics like the speaker or car subwoofer to comprehensive entertainment systems including LEDs, head units and numerous other features. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll dig into a few additional reasons why aftermarket parts are not only absolutely worth the money you spend on them, but also major upgrades on the stock audio components generally present in your vehicle to begin with.  

Entertainment Versatility

One of the key areas you can upgrade with aftermarket parts that simply isn’t available in most stock vehicles, even brand new 2020 models, is the head unit and several related entertainment areas. While it’s true that newer vehicles bring you touch-screen and related options that are upgrades on previous generations, these still lack several major areas of audio integration, including detailed sound adjustment in several areas the music connoisseur will have a keen ear for.

In addition, though, upgraded heat units and related areas offer a far greater range of broad entertainment options than you might find. On top of quality Bluetooth and Smartphone integration, which some older vehicle models might not have available, you also have access to things like hands-free calling, upgraded navigation and even several pure entertainment-only areas.

Sound Depth

We talked about sound quality in part one of our series, and sound depth is a related – and vital – area to consider as well. When we talk about “depth” of sound, we’re referring to how rich and detailed it is – how easily listeners are able to pick up complexities and nuance of the music being played, and separate various instruments or sound sources. Better depth means a clearer, more robust sound from anywhere in the car, and this is far more easily possible with aftermarket parts like subwoofers, amplifiers and others.

Audio System Lifespan

Finally, an added benefit of upgrading your audio system is improving its expected lifespan. Upgraded parts simply last longer than stock components, plus often come with extended warranties that cover you for many additional years. In plenty of cases, our upgraded audio equipment actually outlives the vehicle itself, and can be transferred to a new vehicle if needed.

For more on the many reasons to consider upgrading your vehicle’s audio system, or to learn about any of our sound system upgrades, window tinting solutions or aftermarket vehicle parts, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

When it comes to the vast majority of new vehicles manufactured, both today and in previous years, audio components are not the top priority. While stock speakers and audio components in vehicles have certainly improved over recent decades, a constant truth remains: Upgraded aftermarket stereo systems offer far more from a sound perspective than a vehicle’s standard offerings.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re thrilled to offer numerous car audio and stereo installations and upgrades to all our clients. From your basic head unit to upgraded speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and several other areas, we’ll work with you to build the ideal speaker system in your vehicle based on your budget and desires. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over the numerous ways aftermarket speaker systems serve as upgrades, plus how to ensure your stereo installation is worth the money you spend on it.

Improved Capabilities

First and foremost, the simple reality is that the factory-installed speakers and systems installed in your vehicle, even if it’s a brand-new 2020 model, will be of lower quality than many of the same products offered on the aftermarket. As we noted above, this just isn’t a priority for the vast majority of auto manufacturers, who prefer to sink major dollars into performance areas like the engine and safety considerations based on consumer need.

For those who require a more advanced audio system, though, there are numerous features available. We’re not just talking an upgraded head unit, which helps improve your control over the entire system – we’re also referring to features like security and tech integration that are not possible using factory components. Our staff will be happy to detail several of our most cutting-edge solutions down these lines.

Aesthetics

Not only do upgraded car audio systems bring improved sound, they also come with major aesthetic upgrades if you desire them. There are numerous modern head units available today, for starters, featuring LED displays and various other designs. You also have your choice of stylish items like subwoofer casings and sleek amps – these items are usually hidden by factory manufacturers, but those who promote their audio systems can make them more visible to complete the experience.

Sound Quality

And of course, the single biggest factor here for the musical purists among us is the sound quality you get from aftermarket speaker parts. Stock options simply can’t match the added depth, richness and clarity of upgraded subs and amp packs – if you’ve ever taken the time to listen to a stock system and then an upgraded system one after the other, you’ll know exactly what we mean here.

For more on the numerous reasons why upgraded audio systems are superior to stock offerings, or to learn about any of our car stereo or automotive accessory upgrades, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the top automotive accessories to consider if you’re looking to make your vehicle safer. From car alarm systems to numerous other potential additions, modern vehicle technology offers a huge range of such accessories for owners of virtually any car out there.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re proud to offer car alarm systems as well as numerous aftermarket automotive accessories, many of which will bring direct safety benefits to your vehicle when installed. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go over a few additional areas you can consider if you’re looking to increase one of several areas of vehicle safety moving forward.

Backup and Parking Cameras

One area of technology that’s made major leaps in the vehicle sector in the last decade is cameras, both within cars and, more importantly where safety is concerned, outside them. It’s now possible to outfit a variety of vehicles with cameras to assist with parking, the most notable of which is the backup camera. Instead of craning their neck and perhaps missing other impediments in the process, drivers can now simply use a high-definition backup camera that gives them a full view of what’s behind them.

In addition, these cameras can be used in other areas of the car. There are some that can be placed on mirrors or in other areas to limit any risks while driving or parking. Some even consider dash cams so they can record everything that takes place as they drive.

Vehicle Sensors

Down similar lines, motion tracking technology now makes it easily possible for vehicles to be outfitted with various sensor formats. These can be used in several areas, including blind spot detection, lane departure, collision warnings and several others – they don’t require the user to actually look at a screen, rather providing helpful sounds or lights that alert the driver if they’re entering a dangerous situation. As you get closer and closer to an impediment, the speed and severity of such notifications will increase.

Bluetooth Integration

Finally, while many think of car audio areas like Bluetooth integration as entertainment-oriented, these upgrades have a real impact on safety as well. Integrating a completely hands-free Bluetooth system for vehicle audio, for instance, allows drivers to keep their eyes fully on the road at all times, even while taking phone calls, changing music or performing other similar tasks. There’s a reason so many modern vehicles come with these systems already outfitted: They make a real impact not only on your convenience, but also the safety of your driving experience. For more on how various automotive accessories benefit your safety, or to learn about any of our car stereo or window tinting services, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, safety and security are some of our top priorities while providing services to your vehicle. From our automotive security products to numerous aftermarket automotive accessories, many of which improve vehicle safety features, we have you covered if you’re looking to make your car not only more stylish and modern, but also safer.

In today’s modern world, there are so many potential parts or additions to a vehicle that it can be head-spinning to wade through all of them. With this in mind, this two-part blog series will dig into several of the accessories or add-ons that are best for making your vehicle safer and more convenient to operate, from some of the basic areas you’d expect to a few others you may not have considered as closely.

Car Alarm System

Atop our list for somewhat obvious reasons, a car’s alarm system is the first and most prominent line of defense against burglars, thieves and others who might have nefarious goals in mind when it comes to your vehicle. And while most modern vehicles will come with alarm systems already outfitted, there are several additions that can be made.

In addition, there are some older vehicles that have inadequate or even nonexistent alarm systems. In these cases, adding a system that’s configured properly – not too sensitive, not too loose – will provide enormous security value to the owner. Our systems include not only traditional noise elements, but also light and other notifiers to help make any issue obvious to those in the area.

Remote Start

Another fantastic tool for vehicle safety, both from unscrupulous individuals and unsafe driving conditions, is remote start capability. For one, it allows you to start the car without actually leaving your keys in it, which cuts off one common avenue thieves have for attempting to steal cars (they look for people who have left their keys in the ignition, even for a moment, and simply take off).

In addition, however, remote start features are enormously valuable for driving safety. This is particularly true during a Utah winter, where ice and snow commonly build up on vehicles – remote start allows you to warm the vehicle up and ensure windshields and windows are completely clear before driving. This warmth also can extend to tires and other vehicle areas impacted by ice, making your driving periods far safer.

GPS Tracker

Not only are GPS trackers installed in the vehicle a much safer method of navigating while driving than using a cell phone in your lap, they also offer long-term vehicle security. They allow users to download a basic phone app that connects to the vehicle’s GPS, meaning if your car happens to be stolen, you can use the app to keep tabs on where the vehicle is at any given time.

For more on the top automotive safety accessories to consider, or to learn about any of our car stereo installations, window tinting or other services, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

For many vehicle owners, lease holders and others in similar situations, a vehicle warranty is a major element they want to maintain. Vehicle warranties, which protect vehicles and allow many repairs to be covered by the manufacturer or dealer, require the vehicle owner or operator to ensure damage doesn’t take place to various areas that might void the protections.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re regularly asked whether any of our vehicle upgrades, from car audio installations to various aftermarket vehicle parts and many others, might impact existing car warranties during installation. There really isn’t a single direct answer here, as potential warranty impact will depend on the parts involved, the warranty in question and other factors – but the broad reality is that while warranties might be a minor concern in certain cases, they usually aren’t a big enough problem to halt any of your desired vehicle upgrades. Let’s learn about why.

Vehicle Warranty Basics

A warranty is a written guarantee from a manufacturer or vehicle dealer that ensures that within the agreed-upon period of time, the vehicle in question can be returned for repairs or repair parts if faults of some kind are found. In many lease situations, vehicles will fall under a total warranty for the first few years, during which time all standard maintenance areas will be covered as well.

The important note here for non-lease warranties is that issues must be the fault of the manufacturer or vehicle design for issues to fall under the warranty. If the issue is something of the customer’s own creation, this will generally fall outside the warranty.

Aftermarket Parts and Warranties

With the above in mind, the real question when installing new car audio systems or other aftermarket parts is whether these installations would be considered “damage” to some area covered by a warranty. If so, there is a chance this could be considered damage at your own fault, in which case you might have warranty issues.

Partial Voiding

However, areas like car stereo installations either usually are not covered by standard warranties or will only void a very small part of it. Most warranties cover separate items specifically, and while you might void the warranty for the radio you’ve replaced or nearby parts, this will be a relatively tiny piece of the overall warranty. As long as the new system is installed properly – something you can count on with our team – you won’t have much to worry about.

Read Carefully

In the end, this comes down to reading the fine print of your warranty as carefully as possible. Ensure you understand the details of your warranty and whether a small change like an audio upgrade will impact none, part or all of it. For more on ensuring you consider warranties during vehicle audio upgrades or other aftermarket parts, or to learn about any of our car stereo installations or other services, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re proud to serve as your one-stop shop for all car audio installation and sound system needs in Utah. Our staff holds expertise in every conceivable car audio component or upgrade you might be interested in, and we can advise you on everything from minor additions or tweaks all the way up to a full-on overhaul of your entire system.

One of the single most important components for many vehicle stereo upgrades: The head unit, which serves as your control piece for the entire system. The heat unit is the baseline for any major upgrade, impacting everything from the appearance of your new dash to the ease of operation for several parts of the audio system. Let’s go over everything you need to know about head units, including some areas to consider while choosing yours.

Head Unit Definition and Importance

As we noted, the head unit acts as the main control for the rest of the system.Without a head unit, most stock car radio controls will be unable to handle the various demands of an upgraded sound system, which may include connections to specific sub-woofers and other areas just not possible with traditional radios.

It’s also an important factor in personalization and aesthetics. While many car audio components are placed out-of-sight and don’t matter much from a visual perspective, the head unit goes in a prominent area of the vehicle and will be seen often. It’s a great chance for vehicle owners to impart their own personal style and designs.

Proper Sizing

There are two standard head unit sizes to consider: Single-DIN and double-DIN (there may be some in-between options, but these are rarer). Determining the right one for your needs mostly comes down to some basic calculations, which you can either measure on your own or ask our pros to assist with.

Features and Aesthetics

There are also several features or aesthetic areas to think about here:

• Power: The greater your power sent to the speakers from the head unit, the louder your sound can get and the less distortion you’ll deal with. However, your head unit must be accompanied by speakers that match its power.
• Aesthetics: As we noted above, you will generally have a great deal of personalization options for head units.
• Features: Areas like MP3 usage, Bluetooth, digital radio or others will all be options depending which unit you choose.
• Compatibility with other components: As we referred to with power and speakers, you need to be sure other audio components can meet the required quality levels dictated by the head unit.

Budget

Finally, like with any other major vehicle upgrade, you’ll want to keep your budget in mind. Once again, this decision will involve also keeping a close eye on which other components you’re upgrading, and spreading out your funds as needed. For more on head units and how to choose the best one for your car’s audio upgrade, or to learn about any of our car stereo system installations or other vehicle services, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic tips on avoiding mistakes while purchasing a remote start system for your vehicle. While these systems are excellent auto security and convenience upgrades for many vehicles, there are several errors that are possible during the purchasing or installation process that might cause you to get much less out of your remote start system than you pay for.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re here to help you avoid these mistakes. Our wide array of automotive security systems includes several remote start options, and these are all in addition to our high-quality car stereo and window tinting services. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go over a few additional areas to keep a close eye on here, including a few feature-related themes and one that touches on the location of your purchase and installation.

Poor Remote Range

For many buyers, the range of a remote start system will be one of the single most important features. This is particularly true for those who work or live in situations where they have to park a significant distance away on a regular basis – in such cases, it’s very important you purchase a model that has the proper range for you.

All remote starter packages will list the basic device range information, and this is something you should not gloss over.

Improper Features

As we’ve touched on in this series, remote vehicle starter systems come with a variety of potential features for convenience and safety. Some are very simple, featuring just the ignition on/off capability, while others connect with several distinct areas of your vehicle. Such areas, and some basic tips on them, include:

• Keyless entry: Be aware that for many new vehicles, factory keyless entry formats do not function while the car runs. Luckily, a remote starter that includes keyless entry will solve this problem, allowing you to unlock your vehicle while it runs.
• Trunk release: Especially valuable for those who often carry things to and from the car or don’t have their hands available at all times, this is a feature you simply have to remember to ask about.
• Heated seats: Often available with remote start systems so you can be comfortable as you enter the vehicle.
• Window defrosts: As we noted in part one, the biggest mistake for any of these items is assuming they’re present without checking – if you want a feature, confirm it before purchasing.

Differing Purchase and Installation Locations

Finally, one of the biggest installation-related mistakes you can make with a remote start system is buying it from one shop, then having it installed in another. Many shops won’t even perform such an installation, and those that do are often second-rate facilities. Purchasing and installing at the same location is the ideal way to ensure you receive the proper services, plus future assistance with the system if needed.

For more on avoiding errors when purchasing a remote start system for your vehicle, or to learn about any of our car audio upgrades or other services, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.