Customization is one of the first tasks on a new Jeep owner’s to-do list. You want to outfit your ride with all the right equipment, ensuring it’s durable enough to handle your weekend off-road outings.

What exactly do you need to know about some of the most popular Jeep customization projects?

Lift Kit Upgrades

One of the first Jeep customizations owners go for is an upgrade to the lift kit. Raising the suspension gives you greater clearance and more off-roading capability. But this type of project isn’t as straightforward as you think, and it’s not something an amateur mechanic should undertake in their home garage. Why?

First of all, a medium or high lift means you’re going to need larger tires. You also may need a new drive shaft, new gears, springs, shocks, wheel spacers, longer brake lines and more. While not all of these parts are expensive, they must be installed correctly, or you could have major problems.

Once the parts are installed, the Jeep should be tested before you take it out of the garage, whether you’re venturing on- or off-road.

Engine Tuning Gives You More Power

You already have one of the best off-road engines on the market if you’ve purchased a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The Pentastar V6 engine has a 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque output, but you don’t have to settle. Like all other aspects of your Jeep, you can find an upgrade for nearly every feature, and that includes the engine.

When you get professional engine tuning, you can tweak the performance output even more, enough to achieve an additional 25 horsepower or more. It’s a minor cost with a major benefit that could make your trail experience that much more intense.

Add Heavy-Duty Bumpers and Winches

Adding a solid bumper to the front of your Jeep will help you take on rough trails without fear of exterior damage. You can find bumper kits that have a winch plate included, which is another helpful addition, especially for those who like to off-road and commonly find themselves in mud pits and ravines.

Many other exterior Jeep customization products — such as skid plates and rock rails — can help you give the vehicle your own personal stamp as well as protect your undercarriage from rocky trails.

Don’t Make Hasty Decisions

When you’re considering a Jeep customization, talk to a professional about all the changes you want to make, and consider the extent of each project on your wish list. At Laketown Speed and Sound, we can give you price quotes for all the changes you have in mind. Our affordable, professional services can help you create your dream car.

High-res audio can change your listening experience. Instead of background noise, all of a sudden music becomes an event that captivates your attention.

When music began to transition to digital files, a large percentage of the data was lost in translation. Though you may feel content with the quality of music you listen to, you likely won’t feel the same once you’ve experienced a perfectly engineered high-res audio system.

Digital Music Compression

Decades ago, vinyl records were the primary way to listen to music. Over time, formats shifted, from eight-track tapes to CDs to mp3 files. While the focus was on convenience, most listeners didn’t realize they were paying a price when it came to listening quality.

In order to make a digital music file small enough for playback, it must be compressed. There are two ways this can happen: lossless or lossy compression. Whereas lossless compression enables the compressed portions of the file to be restored later, lossy compression eliminates parts of the file for good. When you play back lossy files, there is a significant drop in quality.

Definition of High-Res Audio

High-res audio is officially defined as sound quality that is equal to or better than the quality of a CD. A CD contains lossless files with a 16-bit rate delivering 1,411 kilobits per second (kbps).

On the other end of the spectrum, an mp3 file that you may download from iTunes typically has a bit rate of 256 kbps. High-res audio will deliver at least CD quality, but likely much better, with a 24-bit rate, delivering 4,608 kbps.

So while the advantage of mp3 downloads is that you can fit over 10,000 albums on a one-terabyte hard drive compared to only 630 albums of 24-bit, high-res audio, higher-quality files deliver a superior listening experience closer to what the musicians, audio engineers and producers intend.

For the Mobile Audiophile

Even if you download high-quality audio tracks, without the right playback system, it won’t enhance your listening experience the way you expect.

Take visual content as an example: If you download 4K video content only to watch it on a 1080p TV, you’re not getting the full effect of the 4K quality. On the other hand, watching 1080p video on a 4K monitor isn’t going to magically transform the 1080p content to 4K quality. You need both high-quality files and high-quality playback equipment.

The same can be said for your audio system. If your car’s head unit and speakers aren’t specifically designed for high-res playback, your audiophile ears won’t be happy.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, you get professional assistance in your quest for a high-res audio sound system for your vehicle. Browse a wide selection of the best speakers, head units and amplifiers, and let the knowledgeable technicians piece together a specialized system for you designed to deliver the ultimate music experience.

Radar detectors are drivers’ main defense against expensive tickets and points on their insurance. Many speed limits are designed to establish a flow of revenue to the municipality, and are only selectively enforced. However, thinking that there won’t be law enforcement out on the road to catch you going too fast is no excuse for doing it in the first place as getting a ticket could result in a fine; you may even want to get legal help involved on your behalf if you’re trying to contest it. The main takeaway is to just not speed in the first place.

By installing a radar detector, you may be able to avoid paying fines and dealing with insurance hikes. But you must make sure you purchase a quality brand and install it correctly.

Without having a radar detector installed in your car, you are increasing the chances of receiving a traffic ticket, and therefore, you will be putting yourself through unnecessary stress when trying to find insurance, as well as having extra points on your license. It could be important to remember that if you do pick up a traffic ticket, you could get it revoked by completing this ca traffic school course (or something similar) so it doesn’t show up on your driver records. This could be worth your while, especially if you don’t have a radar detector installed. That’s why it could be even more beneficial if you have one.

Here are four ways you can make sure you’re getting the most for your money from your radar detector:

1. Make Sure it’s Mounted Correctly

Installing radar detectors can be challenging. It might seem like an easy do-it-yourself job, but if the device is mounted in the wrong spot, it won’t pick up the radar signals in time to warn you of police presence.

It’s tempting to mount the device high on the windshield, but there are a few problems with this. First, since police may train the radar gun on a car’s license plate, it may not pick up the signal accurately.

Also, if the police pull you over, they won’t be happy to see the device mounted in the middle of the windshield, even if it’s technically legal. They will likely issue you a speeding ticket and perhaps tack on a citation for having a visual obstruction.

The best way to make sure your radar detector works effectively is to have the device professionally installed. The technician will know exactly where to put it for maximum performance.

2. Get Familiar with How it Works

Study the different modes, such as city versus highway. Learn how to identify a weak signal and not mistake it for a false signal. The more familiar you are with the alert system, the quicker you will be able to react accordingly.

3. Don’t Leave it in Plain Sight

Radar detectors are commonly stolen out of vehicles. Always store yours out of sight, and take down the mounting equipment as well, if it’s easily seen through the windshield or windows.

4. Don’t Get Overconfident

Anyone who has owned a radar detector will tell you that as convenient as the device is, you shouldn’t use it as license to speed. Stay conscious of your surroundings so you can begin to brake as soon as it transmits an alert without putting yourself or other drivers at risk.

Trust Laketown Speed and Sound to install your radar detector so that it works just the way the manufacturer intended, and you expect. Save yourself frustration and a traffic stop – make an appointment for a professional install today.

A remote car starter makes your winter morning much more pleasant. Instead of climbing into an icy cavern, jump into your toasty cabin. Driving to work or school isn’t much fun, especially in subzero weather, but this device can remove some of the chill.

How Does It Work?

A remote car starter allows you to start your car from the safety and comfort of your home. To accomplish this, a module is connected to the ignition, starter, power and brakes and synced with a separate key fob. When you press the key fob button, a coded radio signal goes to the module, and the ignition starts the car without the key.

Usually, these aftermarket systems are professionally hard-wired into the car’s electrical system, and may also come with a remote lock feature, a security system or a backup camera.

Increase Your Comfort

Avoiding extreme heat and freezing cold are two of the main motivating factors for vehicle owners considering installing one of these devices. As long as you remember to hit the button on your key fob, your car will be comfortably cool or warm by the time you’re ready to go.
Also, it’s better for your car to let your engine warm up, especially if it’s been sitting in freezing temperatures all night long. Both you and your vehicle’s engine will be much happier.

Make Your Car Safer

If your car is parked in your driveway, ice and snow pile up on the windshield and make getting on the road that much more difficult. You have to chip and scrape away the precipitation before you’re ready to drive. If you don’t, it impacts your ability to see other cars. Also, ice and snow could fly off at high speeds and hit other vehicles, potentially causing an accident. A snowy or icy windshield is a major hazard, posing a risk to you, your passengers and other cars on the roadway.

A remote car starter heats the interior, melting ice and snow faster. It gives you a clearer view and improves safety.

Add to Vehicle Value

If your vehicle didn’t come with a remote car starter, you can upgrade your current model. Many drivers are focusing more on this feature, so much so that manufacturers are beginning to include it in the standard packages of newer models. By adding this feature, you will regain some of the cost if you sell or trade in your car.

Ready to warm up? Contact Laketown Speed and Sound and schedule a remote car starter installation today, before winter’s over, and make your morning commute more tolerable.

An ATV audio system can make your next weekend out on the trails more fun than ever. Installing a sound system in your off-road vehicle lets you play the latest hits and your favorite playlists while you ride.

But before you pick just any old set of speakers, learn more about what you should look for in an ATV audio system.

Power

The roar of the motor while you’re zipping around curves on the trail or gunning it up a dune will drown out a weak set of speakers. The best ATV sound is powerful. It needs to project so that you and your passengers can hear every frequency from treble to bass. Otherwise, it’s just extra noise.

Functionality

You should look for a system that allows you to hook up your smartphone or mp3 player via Bluetooth. Fewer wires means less clutter. Wireless connectivity is also more convenient, since you’re able to pause and play as soon as you rev up your engine.

Regardless of whether you go wireless or install a stereo with an Aux cable, think about functionality. If you have a remote installed that controls the audio source, you don’t have to hold your smartphone to change the song. You can hit the skip button if it’s installed right next to your handlebars. It’s safer and easier to listen to the songs you like.

Weather-Resistance

Your off-road vehicle takes a beating, and your ATV audio system has to be able to as well. You should invest in components designed for rough weather, such as waterproof marine products.

Lightweight

You can’t install an ATV audio system that’s too heavy, or else it will affect your vehicle’s performance. Find lightweight products that still provide the quality sound you’re looking for and you’ll have found the perfect balance. Then they must be installed so as not to interfere with the vehicle’s ergonomics.

Invest in a Professional’s Touch

Designing an ATV stereo system isn’t easy for an amateur. The speakers’ positioning, the correct level of amplification and the wiring challenges involved take time to plan and execute. It’s best completed by a professional technician with the right training and tools.

Laketown Speed and Sound offers professional off-road vehicle sound services. Our technicians design systems that provide first-rate sound quality and fit perfectly to your ATV or UTV’s frame. Contact Laketown Speed and Sound today for a free quote, and learn more about our team’s process of crafting and installing an ATV audio system that rocks.

When you’re upgrading your car audio system, what specific features should you look for to produce a quality, superior sound?

A first-class car audio system has five important characteristics and you shouldn’t settle for less.

Sufficient Amplification

The amplifier is one of the most important components of a vehicle audio system. If the amplifier isn’t good quality, the sound will be distorted at high volumes. It doesn’t matter if you have top-of-the-line speakers — if you have an insufficient amplifier, the sound won’t measure up.

Wide-Range Speakers

Factory-grade speakers that come with most cars are made with cheap materials. They’re designed to function, but not to deliver the best quality sound.

Investing in a speaker upgrade will vastly improve your audio, especially if you focus on finding speakers with a wide range of sound, from high frequencies to low bass.

Separate Subwoofer

Another way to enhance vehicle audio is to install a separate subwoofer speaker. Even the best quality speakers aren’t equipped to fully transmit a deep bass. A separate subwoofer delivers a frequency range that will transform your audio experience. You won’t just listen — you’ll feel the music.

Smartphone Integration

A modern vehicle sound system should be easy to sync to your phone. The head unit should have a USB port — this allows your smartphone to charge during playback. An aux input is another convenient feature because it lets you connect to nearly every type of music player. And Bluetooth integration is essential because of the convenience of wireless sync technology.

Sleek and Functional Head Unit

When you’re upgrading the main receiver, you should like the look of your investment. Make sure it has a display that’s easy to see so you can quickly read the face, so your eyes are off the road for less time. Even better, try to find a system that responds to voice commands to increase your safety. And choose a system with controls that are functional and intuitive — it means less of a learning curve after installation.

Pre-Installation Testing

Before you invest in a new car audio system, it’s a good idea to try out each component. Be aware that the sound you’ll experience in a large showroom is slightly different than what you’ll hear in the smaller confines of your vehicle.

The best decision you’ll make is to also invest in professional audio installation. Don’t purchase a whole new system only to have it sound off balance. When you trust audio engineers with experience, they fine-tune each component to ensure you’re getting the best possible result for your money.

Laketown Speed and Sound provides cost-effective car audio system installations for clients in Draper, Utah, and the surrounding region — get personalized service today.

Auto performance upgrades help your car reach its full potential, so you’re not stuck with the mediocre product the manufacturers pushed out of the plant.

Auto manufacturers typically dial back a vehicle’s full performance capabilities because their goal is for the average consumer to be able to make the engine last as long as possible with as little maintenance as possible.

If you’re a car enthusiast, you’re less interested in being conservative and more interested in realizing the full extent of what your engine can do under the right circumstances.

Here are five upgrades you can make to your engine that will transform your driving experience:

1. Cold Air Intake

Since cold air is denser, it has less moisture, and the oxygen is more concentrated. When you add a cold air intake system, you’re overriding the engine’s usual temperature regulation and making the internal combustion more powerful, which means more horsepower.

A cold air intake system also facilitates air flow, since there are no baffles or components in the way. When engines get more air and more oxygen, they perform at a higher level.

2. Exhaust Upgrade

If your auto performance upgrades include maximizing airflow into the engine, you also should modify your exhaust system — how the air exits the engine. The faster exhaust fumes exit your engine, the more efficiently it will perform.

A standard exhaust pipe is bent in a way to slow the exit of exhaust. Upgrading this component to improve airflow will increase performance, and will also give your engine that rumbling, growling sound you like so much.

3. Sway Bars

Sway bars are one of the top improvements to make when you want better handling on sharp curves. Instead of spending a fortune on new shocks and springs, install sway bars on the front and rear and be amazed at the difference you feel when you take a turn.

4. Performance Reprogramming

Your vehicle’s internal computer regulates many systems in your car, from the braking system to the fuel-to-air ratio in the engine. It’s time to say goodbye to factory settings and unlock hidden auto performance upgrades. You can tell your car to use fuel more efficiently and control fuel injection timing.

5. Turbocharger

Install a turbocharger in your engine — you won’t regret it. Turbochargers are powered by lost energy from your engine, which spins a turbine and powers an air compressor that forces extra oxygen into the engine’s cylinders. They allow small-sized engines to produce even greater horsepower and also significantly improve fuel efficiency.

Some auto performance upgrades can be handled easily with a do-it-yourself approach, but others require the help of a professional to ensure no harm comes to your engine in the process. Talk to Laketown Speed and Sound about the auto performance upgrades you’re interested in, get advice on parts and skilled assistance from experienced mechanics.

Have you been thinking about upgrading your boat audio system?

There’s no better time of year to enhance your boat’s music-playing abilities than when it’s hot and the sun is shining. You can turn your boat into summer party central with just a few changes to its audio system.

Personalize Your Entertainment

The main reason to upgrade your boat’s sound? You get to add your own custom touch. Instead of relying on the radio for background entertainment, you can get a Bluetooth-capable system with CD inputs or satellite radio — all features designed to put you in charge of song selection. It’s your boat — you should have complete control of the music.

You’ll Have Less to Carry

Maybe you’ve been toting along your portable Bluetooth speaker because of the lack of quality and features in your boat’s sound system. Leave your external speakers and charging cords at home. With custom boat audio, you’ll have less to carry when you’re loading up for a day on the water.

Quality Boat Audio Has 3 Ingredients

When you are searching for an audio company that has your best interests in mind, make sure they understand that quality marine sound systems have three central components that have to be top-notch in order for you to notice a stark difference and get the most for your money: a source unit, speakers and power.

First, upgrading the source unit involves selecting the radio that has the features you want, whether that includes Bluetooth, satellite, a CD changer, AUX inputs or AM/FM channels.

Next, replace those stock boat speakers with top-tier products. Professional speaker installation is worth it, because experienced technicians know how to place speakers so you get a complete, balanced sound.

Finally, make sure you have the right power rating for your amplifier so you can be sure to get the volume you need, even when you’re cruising at high speeds.

Make Durability a Primary Factor

The specific characteristics of your custom marine sound system will vary based on your preferences and the size of your boat, but make sure durability is a prime feature. Your boat audio system has to stand up to wind and waves, so it has to be tough.

Your ultimate goal should be to invest in an audio system that delivers clarity and sustained quality over time — a long-lasting system that you can enjoy for many summers to come.

Trust Laketown Speed and Sound to deliver. When you trust professionals to take stock of your list of wants, design a custom system and expertly install your boat audio, you’re going to love the final result. Call today for more information on boat audio installation and learn about your options.

An automotive security system makes you worry less about what could happen and allows you to outfit your car the way you’ve always imagined.

You can get a top-of-the-line stereo system, upgraded subwoofers and more, and you won’t feel like you’re taking a risk every time you park in an unknown neighborhood.

And an automotive security system does more than offer you peace of mind.

Avoid Car Theft

In 2014, 689,527 vehicles were stolen — one every 46 seconds. This number has been steadily dropping each year, but it’s still a valid reason to get an automotive security system.

Simply having an alarm does not guarantee protection from car thieves, but modern car alarms can send your smartphone an alert, allowing you to contact the police quickly. Alarms can also immobilize your vehicle so the would-be thief won’t be able to drive off like they’d planned.

And alarms discourage not only theft of your car, but any belongings inside as well.

Increase Your Car’s Value

If you were considering purchasing a vehicle and you had the choice between a base model and one with an alarm system, which would you choose? You will increase your car’s resale value when you install a car alarm, because most vehicle owners like the idea of added protection.

You May Get an Insurance Discount

Talk to your insurance company. Installing a security system could make you eligible for a discount on your premium.

Since the insurance company is less likely to have to pay for a damaged or stolen vehicle, they’re usually more than willing to pass some of those savings on to you.

Features of an Aftermarket Security System

The days of outdated car alarms are gone. Sophisticated, modern technology makes these products more effective and less of a nuisance. More than ever, you have choices when it comes to selecting the right system for you.

You can invest in a passive system, one that automatically activates as soon as you lock your doors, or an active product that you have to arm before leaving your car.

You also can choose between audible or silent alarm responses. With audible alarms, the car’s horn and lights are activated, but silent alarms only send out a notification to the vehicle owner’s key fob or smartphone.

While you’re getting an automotive security system, you could also have a GPS or remote starter installed to provide even more convenience. Call Laketown Speed and Sound today for a free quote.

A remote car starter is the ultimate convenience. Get your car cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter without setting foot outside. Some models even let you turn on the rear defrost or activate your heated seats too.

In your excitement to add this system to your car, you don’t want to accidentally make rookie mistakes.

Mistake #1: Buying the Cheapest Available Model

With a remote car starter, “you get what you pay for” rings true. You can’t expect the cheapest option to be the most durable or offer all of the features you’re looking for. And if you’re investing in this service for your car, don’t you want to spend your money on a product that actually works?

A remote car starter should have a significant distance range. It should come with more than one remote and it should have a warranty. Opting for the cheapest product may not provide the performance you’re looking for.

Mistake #2: Trying to Install It Without Experience

It’s not impossible to install one of these systems on your own, but if you don’t have the training and experience in vehicle wiring, you could not only ruin the product, but damage your car as well. You run the risk of hurting the computer system or detonating the air bag – two expensive repairs you’d rather avoid.

Unless you have the skill and the knowledge to work on your car’s electrical system, it will be better if you find a professional team like an auto repair garage to take care of the project – they’ll complete the job quickly and correctly.

Mistake #3: Choosing an Install Professional Based on Price Alone

When you call different companies and read reviews, your instinct may be to work with the team that offers the lowest price. Cost is definitely a major factor that will contribute to your final decision, but don’t automatically accept the lowest bid without looking at the company’s certifications.

It takes considerable time spent studying in order to fully understand how vehicle wiring works. Look at past customer reviews to ensure that the company has a history of installing these systems successfully. Ask about their training and any official industry certifications they have, and you’ll be confident you’re paying a professional and not an amateur to install your remote car starter.

Mistake #4: Paying for an Installation with No Warranty or Guarantee

Finally, don’t ever pay for installation service unless the company offers a guarantee for their work, and don’t purchase a product without a warranty. Make sure you read the fine print on all paperwork so you know exactly what’s covered in terms of labor and parts.

You can trust Laketown Speed and Sound for professional remote car starter installation – you get high-quality products, expert service and friendly customer care for all of your vehicle customization projects.