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.

For vehicle owners interested in upgrading both their car’s security and overall convenience, a remote start system is a top option. Radio-controlled devices that are installed into your vehicle, remote start systems are controlled by a transmitter that will turn the car on from inside, plus often preheat or pre-cool the interior for increased comfort.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re proud to offer a variety of vehicle security systems in addition to our car audio installations, including several remote start options available at your request. While remote start systems are a great investment for many car owners, it’s important to avoid a few mistakes that might be possible while you’re searching for the proper system and installation services – and these might make the process more costly or introduce unneeded hassle. This two-part blog will go over several remote start system purchasing and installation errors to avoid.

Going Too Cheap

As you browse various options available when it comes to remote starters, you’ll find a pretty wide range of prices and quality levels. And while those on a budget might be tempted to go with the cheapest option available, assuming they all work relatively similarly, this is often just as much of a mistake as it is in many other fields.

For starters, cheaper starters often have weaker signals and Bluetooth connections. Price tag isn’t the only factor that should be playing a role in your decision, but you get what you pay for, as the saying goes, and going cheap above all else could be a major pitfall.

Making Assumptions

Another mistake buyers of remote start systems commonly make is assessing their options too quickly and making assumptions. Not all remote start systems come with the same features, and not all will necessarily be compatible with every feature in your vehicle.

For instance, many buyers make assumptions about how certain car air systems will interact with their remote starter system. Rear and front defrosters are often a point of concern here – most remote start systems do not allow them to start as part of the system, but many simply assume they will without even asking. Be sure you’re clear on features like these before making your choice.

Poor Installation

No matter which kind of remote start or vehicle security system you choose, it’s vital you have the system installed by our experienced professionals. Not only will professional installation keep you safe from any mishaps that might come up if you attempt installation yourself, it will also ensure all components are installed properly and there’s no risk of installation-related damage down the line.

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

In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the issues with relying on visuals when you purchase or install new car audio equipment. Apart from the more obvious reality that audio component decisions should not be based on visual factors alone, many such components are made to look sleek and modern, but may actually be limited in their true sound quality.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, this is an issue you’ll never run into during our comprehensive car audio installation services, which feature only truly high-quality products that will bring numerous upgrades to your system. In today’s part two, we’ll dig into a few other vital car audio upgrade areas where appearances might not necessarily be what they seem, plus the true qualities to value as you’re considering various such upgrades to your audio system.

Amplifier

Once you’ve selected excellent speakers, which we went over in part one, it’s time to consider your amplifier. Even the best speakers will not provide the right sound if they aren’t powered correctly, and this is where the amp comes into play.

Once again, sadly, some unscrupulous individuals in the car audio world attempt to manufacture amplifiers that look modern and shiny from the outside, but in reality house a relatively low-quality amp. The amplifier might not be capable of meeting the power needs your speakers come with, which will leave you with distorted and limited sound quality.

Subwoofers

For some looking to “show off” their new car audio systems, the subwoofer (or subwoofers) can be a big draw. Many want to be able to open up their trunk and reveal subs blasting away; it’s hard to look much cooler, after all.

And while we can certainly do our best to accommodate these needs, we’ll remind you again that the primary factors here should relate to your sound, not how the setup looks. If the proper placement for your subs for optimal bass and deep sound quality is under seats rather than in a visible area, we highly recommend going this route even if you might lose a bit of visual appeal.

Value of Professional Installation

Finally, this entire theme we’ve covered in this blog series is precisely why it’s vital to perform car audio upgrades through experienced, reputable professionals like ours at Laketown. Not only do we know the difference between car audio components that simply look good and those that are truly of high quality, we’re also experts on every wire connection, component placement need and sound dampening technique that might be required to bring your vehicle the optimal sound clarity and quality you desire.

For more on separating looks from true audio quality, or to learn about any of our car audio installations or other vehicle upgrades, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.

There are numerous industries where appearances do not necessarily always equal quality products, and a great example here is the world of car audio. Apart from the obvious here – car stereos and audio systems are about sound, not looks – there are several situations where audio equipment might appear high-quality, but in reality is not quite the upgrade you had hoped for in your vehicle.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we’re here to ensure this never happens to you through our detailed car sound system services. We’ll help inform you which of your options truly serve as upgrades to your current audio system, compared to which might be all looks with limited actual quality. In this two-part blog, well go over some of the issues with using appearance to gauge a given sound system, plus the various elements of a system you can consider upgrading for a truly elite car audio system.

Risk of Appearances

As we touched on above, appearances can be deceiving within the world of car audio. Sadly, many subpar products still exist in this realm, and those who attempt to peddle them to customers often design them to look modern, high-tech and high-functioning when they sit on shelves or in your vehicle.

If these products don’t have the proper audio components, however, then it simply doesn’t matter how modern or high-quality they look. They may sound only marginally better than your car’s stock audio system, or could even sound worse in some cases. And worse yet, car owners who don’t have training in vehicle audio might not be able to understand these differences until it’s too late.

From here, let’s look at several vital car audio areas where our pros will help you avoid low-quality materials just because they look great, instead steering you to the actual products you require.

Head Unit

Speaking of visuals created by the audio system, the single most visible component here is the head unit. Modern head units are generally touch screens that can play both video and audio, though you can still find old cassette decks or other previous versions here. Again, a reminder to drive home: Just because this unit, even one with a touch screen in some cases, looks cool and modern, does not necessarily mean it has all the proper audio components – our team will help you identify those that do have the proper qualities for your sound needs.

Speakers

Next, you have to ensure you have speakers that are not only high-quality themselves, but are also compatible with the head unit and have no connection issues. Modern speakers contain not only clean sound quality, but also noise reduction technology for the road and many other features.

For more on upgrading your car’s audio system in meaningful ways, or to learn about any of our car stereo installation services, window tinting or other performance services, speak to the staff at Laketown Speed and Sound today.