Paint protection film, or PPF, is a popular automotive upgrade, but is it a good investment?

This innovative process began as a method of protecting the rotor blades of helicopters. Today, you can add this high-tech product to any type of vehicle – not just passenger cars, trucks and SUVs. You can have PPF applied to your RV, motorhome, motorcycle, Razr, trailer, etc.

When applied by an experienced technician, PPF will protect your vehicle and keep it looking like new for years, even on the highways and byways of northern Utah.

What Is Paint Protection Film?

PPF is a type of thermoplastic film that, when applied correctly to the surface of your vehicle, creates an invisible, impact-resistant layer of paint protection.

This product is applied in two layers. The bottom layer consists of an adhesive film that, when impacted by a rock or other debris, bounces the offending object away. The top layer has a gloss finish, providing a durable and attractive visual effect that keeps your vehicle looking like it just rolled off the showroom floor.

PPF is custom fabricated and cut to precisely fit your vehicle. You have the option of having PPF applied only to the hood of your car or, if you prefer a full layer of protection, it can be applied to the doors, fenders, mirrors, bumpers, etc.

What Are the Benefits of Adding PPF to Your Utah Vehicle?

The northern Utah climate is particularly harsh on your vehicle’s finish. Between the harsh summer sun and the slushy conditions of winter, your paint takes a beating all year long. Flying rocks, bugs and all types of road debris can cause pitting, dings or scratches.

When your vehicle’s finish sustains damage of this nature, it looks bad and decreases the value of your vehicle. It also exposes the underlying structure to moisture and environmental contaminants, potentially leading to rust and corrosion.

The cost of having your car repainted is high, especially if it requires removing rust and repairing other damage. When you compare the cost of body work and painting to the cost of PPF, you’ll quickly recognize the benefit of adding this high-tech level of protection to your vehicle.

Trust an Expert for Paint Protection Film Installation

You’ll find a host of mobile auto detailers – many of whom are just guys with vans – who offer PPF installation. As a consumer, it pays to be wary of anyone who isn’t an established automotive upgrade business. You could end up with a poor-quality installation that looks bad and fails to protect your car’s finish. If the applicator fails to prep all surfaces correctly, your PPF could degrade prematurely, begin to peel away or, worse, damage your perfect paint job.

At Laketown Speed and Sound, located in Draper, we are northern Utah’s go-to experts for PPF installation. Our technicians are trained and experienced, and we have a state-of-the-art shop with all the specialized equipment necessary for a truly customized application.

Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of paint protection film, or to request a personalized price quote for your car audio system needs and other automotive upgrades.

As we swing into spring, Father’s Day and graduation season are just around the corner. For the car enthusiasts on your gift list, automotive accessories may be exactly what you need to make their special occasion even more memorable.

From the simple to the sublime, you can choose accessories of all types – and in every price point – depending on what the lucky recipient might like best.

Automotive Accessories for Comfort & Style

Dads and grads don’t have to be automotive enthusiasts to appreciate accessories that improve the comfort and style of their vehicles.

In northern Utah, floor mats are always a thoughtful and appreciated gift. Seat covers, seat cushions and steering wheel covers are all perfect for improving the comfort of cars, SUVs and light trucks.

If you want to make a real impression, consider new leather upholstery. You also have the option of adding seat heaters or even full seat replacement with customized leather racing seats.

Of course, practical gifts are always appreciated too. Consider an automotive safety or tool kit, flares, fire extinguisher or an emergency blanket to keep in the trunk.

Automotive Accessories to Refresh the Vehicle’s Exterior

If your dad or grad has an older vehicle, consider giving them the gift of new headlight bulbs and covers, to help improve safety and visibility at night.

You could jazz up their vehicle’s exterior with chrome accents like fender strakes, grille guards and gas caps. New tires and wheels are always an impressive gift, as are bumper guards and running boards.

For the truck-driving and off-road enthusiasts, tonneau covers and spare tire covers are always a popular choice.

Tech Upgrades & Automotive Accessories

Aftermarket performance upgrades have gone high-tech these days and, if you have gift-giving in mind, performance modifications will thrill your grad or dad every time they get behind the wheel.

If you’re feeling more safety-minded, gift your special someone a new automotive security system or backup camera system.

Upgraded, high-tech rearview mirrors are also popular today. You can choose models that eliminate blind spots, function as dash cams and even those that have tiny video monitors to assist with parking.

Finally, if your recipient of choice is still saddled with his or her factory-installed car stereo system, you’ll make their year with the gift of a new car audio system. You can upgrade your package to include video and navigation, too, for a gift they’ll never forget.

In Draper, Utah, Laketown Speed and Sound specializes in car audio, automotive security, window tinting and automotive performance upgrades. We also offer a full range of automotive accessories that are perfect for gift-giving throughout the year. Contact us today to learn more.

Today’s aftermarket auto upgrades offer many different types of products, from lift kits to navigation systems, auxiliary fuel tanks to roof racks. In fact, there are so many types of aftermarket products available today that you could give your car a complete makeover if you wanted to.

Aftermarket upgrades are especially popular in northern Utah, where we use our vehicles in a variety of extreme and non-standard ways. So, the chances are good that you might want to add an upgrade or two to your vehicle.

Should you try to do the upgrade yourself, or should you have the work professionally done?

Pros & Cons of DIY Aftermarket Auto Upgrades

The current DIY trend is popular because many of us want to do things our way. It feels good to accomplish something on your own and have full bragging rights of “I did it myself!”

Another great thing about doing your vehicle upgrades yourself is that you can choose what components you want. You can do the work at your own convenience and you could ideally save yourself some money.

However, there’s always the possibility that you could cause a problem for yourself. Many aftermarket upgrade enthusiasts lack the skills and training they need to do the work and, as a result, they damage their vehicle and even end up voiding their manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros & Cons of Professionally Installed Aftermarket Auto Upgrades

Hiring a local expert to install your aftermarket upgrades will also let you choose your own components. Most shops will also schedule the work at a time that’s convenient for you.

Choosing professional installation rather than DIY can ultimately save you money. One reason is that a pro gets preferential pricing on the components you want. You won’t have to spend the time and effort figuring out how to install your upgrade and you will avoid the potentially costly mess of damaging your own vehicle.

Professional aftermarket upgrade shops also have insurance to protect you, in the unlikely event that something were to go wrong.

Choosing an Aftermarket Auto Upgrade Professional

When you’re ready to equip your car or truck with aftermarket auto upgrades, look for a locally owned and operated shop. Choose a shop that offers a wide range of products from the manufacturers you prefer. Select an installer who specializes in helping customers choose the right products and is happy to work within your budget.

Laketown Speed and Sound is locally owned and operated. We are proud to maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Spend just a few minutes looking at our customer testimonials and you’ll see that we care about our customers and we are committed to providing exceptional service.

We carry products from all the best-known and respected manufacturers and all our products carry full factory warranties.

Laketown Speed and Sound has a reputation in northern Utah for great customer service and our attention to detail. We go out of our way to makes sure your experience with us is a good one.

Choose Laketown Speed and Sound in Draper for all your automotive aftermarket upgrade needs.

If you’re considering adding a subwoofer to your car audio system – or to your boat, RV or trailer sound system – you have some decisions to make. 

The biggest concern most audiophiles have is where to put their low-range speaker components and how much room they’ll have to sacrifice as a result. But choosing the right subwoofer for your vehicle also requires consideration of any installation and amplification challenges. 

Why Add a Subwoofer to Your Car Audio System?

Although factory car audio systems are better today than ever, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an original equipment manufacturer’s system that produces a substantial among of low-range sound. The reason for this is fairly practical: not all vehicle owners are audiophiles who are willing to give up the space a subwoofer requires – and they definitely aren’t interested in increasing their purchase price accordingly.

For those of us who value the dimension that better bass provides their music, it doesn’t seem like much of a compromise to set aside a bit of cargo space. And, because you can find great subwoofers at every price point, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your vehicle “go boom.”

What to Look for When Choosing a Subwoofer

You have hundreds of options for adding subwoofers to your vehicle, ranging from basic, inexpensive models to high-fidelity, luxury components. The good news is that, whatever your budget may be, you can find a reliable, high-quality speaker that delivers for you.

Start by determining where you want to locate the speaker and how much space you have to work with. If you aren’t sure where your bass box should go, get some help from a car audio professional.

A car stereo installation expert can evaluate your current system to determine if you have enough amplification power and identify any logistical challenges that could come up.

Car Stereo Installation Challenges When Adding a Subwoofer

The primary challenge of adding a subwoofer to your vehicle is space. By their nature, these low-range speakers are typically large. 

In passenger cars, most subwoofer installations use a portion of the trunk for locating the speaker box. For a boat audio system, you may want to consider what’s known as a free-air design, which is capable of producing the low-range sound you want while taking up much less space.

You may also need to reevaluate your vehicle’s amplifier before you boost your bass. Subwoofers require a substantial audio signal boost, although you can select a speaker that has its own amplifier. 

The audio experts at Laketown Speed and Sound have all the knowledge and experience you look for when considering upgrades for your car, truck, boat, RV, trailer or motorcycle audio system.  We have a full range of components to suit every budget. Our installation team has a reputation for exceptional work, from the most basic components to fully customized audio systems. 

We are conveniently located in Draper, serving customers from throughout northern Utah. Call or drop by today to get the answers you need, or for a customized price quote for adding a subwoofer to your vehicle.

If your car stereo system doesn’t have Bluetooth capability, you’re missing out on one of today’s most powerful and in-demand technologies.

Not only can Bluetooth integration provide you with a variety of communication and entertainment options in your vehicle but it’s also one of the most effective ways to stay safe behind the wheel.

Safe, Handsfree Phone Calls with Bluetooth Audio Integration

When you add Bluetooth to your vehicle, you gain the ability to make and receive phone calls in the car without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

You will hear the caller’s voice through your car stereo speakers. An innocuous but sensitive microphone picks up your voice, allowing you to have a safe, natural-sounding phone conversation.

Automated attendants, either through your phone or integrated into the car stereo system, allow you to make calls using voice commands. You can also send and receive SMS (text) messages in the same way.

Use Bluetooth Audio to Access GPS Driving Directions

Another potential safety issue relates to accessing GPS maps and driving directions on your smartphone or other device.

When you integrate Bluetooth connectivity with your car stereo system, your GPS system will provide step-by-step driving directions through your speakers. This ensures that you never have to look away from the road or take your hands off the wheel.

Stream Audio Content Via Bluetooth Connectivity

You can use your car’s audio system to stream content of all types, including music, podcasts, audiobooks and more.

You can listen to content downloaded to your device or use streaming services like Pandora and Spotify. You can listen to the live audio feed from sporting events, news outlets and more.

You have the option of pairing multiple smartphones and devices to your vehicle’s sound system. That means that the driver and passengers can all stream content, depending on what you want to listen to.

Integrating Bluetooth Connectivity with Your Car Audio System

Utah’s distracted driving laws currently prohibit texting and driving. This legislation has been looked at by many a Texting While Driving Accident Attorney specialist in the time it has been active. However, the state legislature has repeatedly put forth laws to ban any manual manipulation of smartphones while driving. You can safely assume that our state – like many U.S. states already have – will implement a handsfree law in the near future.

Even without a law on the books, you can reduce distracted driving and improve safety by adding this technology to your vehicle. If you have young drivers in your household, this is even more imperative. So many accidents are caused by drivers using their phones at the same time that they should be focusing on the road. In some serious cases, distracted driving has caused other road users to become seriously injured, and some people have even passed away due to another person’s reckless driving. If you know anyone who has passed away at the hands of someone else’s negligent driving, you could claim for wrongful death compensation. It might be worth getting in touch with Valiente Mott, for example, to see if they can offer any legal advice to help you with a wrongful death claim. To prevent this sort of thing from happening, more drivers should put their phones down and drive carefully. You shouldn’t be putting other people at risk.

Laketown Speed and Sound makes adding this technology to your vehicle simple and affordable. You have options for adapting a standalone Bluetooth handsfree and eyes-free device to your existing car audio system. Or you can add a new car audio system that has this technology already integrated. Stop by our Draper location today to speak to one of our car audio experts. We can explain your options and help you chose the best option for Bluetooth audio integration.

RV audio and video systems let you make your home-away-from-home feel just a little more like home. 

Recent advances in both audio and video technology have not ignored the recreational vehicle market. In fact, we have many amazing options for making your camper, trailer, bus or other type of RV even better. If you’re an RV owner, you may well be interested in having something like one of these Custom rv garages built on your own property to house your pride and joy in.

The RV audio experts at Laketown Speed and Sound can help you design the perfect system for you. Our experienced installers will give you a professional result and a price that fits within your budget.

Audio Upgrades for Your RV

Your RV likely came from the factory with a basic sound system, as most do. However, these OEM systems rarely provide the power and sound quality that you’re looking for. 

Many recreational vehicle owners want sound options for use when driving, when relaxing in the living area, the bedroom, and for use outside. But, equally important, you need to have all the options that are important to you. 

Gone are the days when a CD player and AM/FM radio filled the bill. Today, RV owners want Bluetooth connectivity, interface options for their devices, streaming capability and satellite radio. 

Speaker systems are also moving into the future, with smaller, less obtrusive profiles and more mounting and installation options than ever before. If you want surround sound for watching movies, that’s definitely an option. High quality outdoor sound is another popular option when installing RV audio.

RV Video Systems You Can Take on the Road

Unless you go on the road to get away from devices and video screens, you’ll likely want to add one or more video systems to your vehicle. And, just as is the case with RV stereo systems and audio options, you’ll want all the usual suspects for your video system. You can add satellite, streaming video, Blu-Ray, DVD, gaming consoles or all of the above.

You can also add a security system for your RV as well as backup and perimeter cameras for added safety on the road.

Setting up Zones for RV Audio & Video Systems

You may want more than one system in your rig. If so, consider adding a controller that allows you to control multiple systems. This step isn’t usually a requirement. However, it provides one very important advantage: ease of use. Otherwise, you must learn each system’s operation and, most likely, juggle multiple remote controls.

The car audio experts at Laketown Speed and Sound can design your system with all the features and components you seek. Stop by our Draper location and let us show you just how amazing we can make your RV audio and video system, using today’s state-of-the-art technology and our extensive knowledge and experience. 

If you have a convertible, car audio systems present a unique challenge. This is especially true if you’re an audiophile who wants high-quality sound and ample volume, even when you’re driving at full speed with the top down.

The good news is that it’s not an impossible challenge. In fact, when you work with an experienced car audio professional, they can help you create the system you’ve dreamed of. 

In some cases, you can make modifications to a premium factory system but, in most cases, you’ll need to replace most of the OEM components. If you’re willing to consider a fully custom car audio system installation, you may have an even better experience.

The Car Audio Challenges of Driving a Convertible

One of the best parts of dropping the top and cruising down the freeway is feeling the wind on your face and in your hair. But, as the wind is whipping by your head at freeway speed, it’s also blowing sound waves away from your ears.

Also, when you have the top down, you can hear all the ambient sounds that would otherwise be filtered out.

Even with the top up, convertibles pose more car stereo challenges than hardtop vehicles. These vehicles are designed with gaps that don’t exist in hardtops and, no matter how well-designed or well-built the vehicle may be, those gaps let air and noise in – and it usually worsens over time.

Designing a Car Audio System for Your Convertible

Because every vehicle and customer are different, every car stereo system is also unique. But, generally, car stereo designs for convertibles require a specialized approach when choosing components.

The head unit you select should have speed volume compensation (SVC) will boost volume as you increase speed, to compensate for the road noise. You will need an amplifier to provide enough power to get the volume you need. 

You’ll need speakers but, for the most part, you’ll probably have to focus the sound at the front of the vehicle and the top of the sound spectrum. Component speakers are probably the way to go for most vehicles. It’s worth considering adding headrest speakers if possible, as those often provide the optimal sound for driving with the top down. And, to make sure you fill in the lower range, you’ll want a good subwoofer to round out the system.

You might also want to consider adding a digital signal processor (DSP) to your system. You can choose a DSP with memory presets, allowing you to set profiles for when you have the top up, top down, top down with windows down, etc.

Consider a Custom Convertible Car Audio Installation

When you trust the pros at Laketown Speed and Sound to design and install a custom car stereo system, you’ll have the best sound available with a truly professional, stock appearance. Every visible component will appear as though it belongs.Our attention to detail and exceptional customer service set us apart in the northern Utah car audio industry.

We are located in Draper but our customers come from throughout the Salt Lake City area . Contact us today to schedule your appointment to discuss a car audio system for your convertible.

A great boat audio system can make the difference between a fun-filled day of listening to your favorite tunes while on the water and a silent – or worse, crackling – cruise with family and friends.

Unless you’re a fan of campfire-style singalongs, you may want to consider installing a boat audio system.

In Draper, Laketown Speed and Sound has the knowledge and expertise necessary to create the marine audio system of your dreams. We can assist you with anything from the most basic aftermarket marine stereo system to a fully custom installation. If you’re wanting to look for various products and audio connections to create your custom installation, it may be of some help to view websites such as Graham Slee HiFi and similar online stores for different audio items and components that could create a quality sound system installation for your boat or yacht!

Specialized Marine Audio Components

The harsh conditions aboard a boat can be brutal on sensitive electronics components. For that reason, we install only those components that have the necessary capabilities to stand up to the marine environment.

Boat audio components must resist moisture. Depending on the design and configuration of your system, you can choose between water-resistant and waterproof components.

UV resistance is also important, especially if your system will be exposed to the sun at any time. Finally, corrosion resistance is critical for the protection of your system components, especially if you ever take your boat out on the Great Salt Lake or the ocean.

Designing Your Ideal Boat Audio System

The right boat audio system for you is the one that meets all your goals and provides all the capabilities you want.

Are you a satellite radio fan? Or do you prefer to stream music, podcasts and audiobooks from your devices? Maybe you would like a system that offers both capabilities. Bluetooth audio integration and connectivity? That’s also a viable option.

You’ll need a receiver, amplifier, speakers and other components based on your objectives. You can also add navigation, a fish finder and, in some cases, a marine DVD and video player.

The Laketown Speed and Sound team will help you design the perfect system for your needs – and your budget.

Finding a Boat Audio Installer in Northern Utah

Although many car stereo installers also offer marine audio systems, the skills and knowledge required for designing and installing a great boat stereo system are decidedly different.

The mobile audio experts at Laketown Speed and Sound understand the challenges of installing a sea-worthy marine audio system. We will work with you to design a system that meets your needs and your budget. We carry components from the most well-respected manufacturers, all with full factory warranties.

We are known throughout northern Utah for our high level of integrity, customer service and attention to detail. We know we can help you create the perfect system for you.

Laketown Speed and Sound, based in Draper, provides a full range of mobile audio, automotive performance upgrades, window tint and automotive paint protection. We also specialize in the design and installation of audio systems for RVs, ATVs, Razrs, motorcycles and trailers.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you get the boat audio system you’ve been dreaming of.

If you think window tinting does nothing more than make your vehicle look good and improve your comfort during the intense Utah summers, you might be surprised by all the benefits it provides.

Over the past decade, technology has advanced significantly, allowing tint to provide a number of other significant benefits. In fact, many vehicle owners find themselves money ahead after adding tint to their car, light truck, or SUV. But, even more important, tinting might help you come through a car accident more safely.

Protect Your Investment with Window Tinting

Auto window tinting blacks the sun’s UV rays. That means, even if you don’t park in a garage or under cover, your vehicle’s interior won’t deteriorate as quickly as it otherwise would.

This means your upholstery won’t fade and degrade as quickly. Your dash won’t dry and crack like it otherwise would. And, as the vehicle’s cabin will stay cooler, any personal items you keep in your car will also be protected.

When its time to sell your car or trade it in on a newer model, your vehicle will be in better shape and, ideally, fetch a higher value than it otherwise would have.

Window Tint Protects Your Privacy & Comfort

Darkening your vehicle’s windows makes it difficult or impossible for would-be criminals to get a good look inside. And, when a thief can’t see what you have in your car, they’re less likely to break in.

You’ll also drive more comfortably all year long. Blocking the sun means your vehicle doesn’t heat up inside. You’ll be more comfortable, and you’ll need less air conditioning. And that means you’ll cut down on your fuel consumption and the amount of pollution you put into the atmosphere.

Window Tinting Helps You Stay Safer in an Accident

We’ve saved the most impressive benefit – safety – for last. What you may not know is that auto window tint can help keep you and your passengers safer in the event of an accident.

Tinting helps hold auto glass intact in the event of an impact. So, if you’re involved in a crash, your windshield, side and back windows are less likely to shatter and cause injuries.

When you add up all these benefits, you can’t deny that adding tint to your vehicle’s windows is a great investment.

In Draper, trust Laketown Speed and Sound for car stereo installation, paint protection film, backup camera installation, automotive performance upgrades and more. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of window tinting and to obtain a customized cost estimate for your vehicle.

Investing in a car audio system makes good sense for anyone who enjoys listening to music (or podcasts, audiobooks, etc.) on the road. But, if you’re going to install a good system, you naturally want to get the best quality sound you can.

With today’s advanced technology, you can enjoy high-fidelity sound even in your car, truck or SUV. However, placement is critical to the quality of your system’s sound. Not surprisingly, the speaker locations the vehicle’s manufacturer chose for the factory-installed system are not always optimal.

Placement of Car Audio System Speaker

When you listen to music (in your car or anywhere else), the music should feel as though it’s coming from in front of you – as though you were an audience member at a concert. In most car audio system installations, however, spatial considerations may require the speakers to be located in ways that makes this goal challenging to achieve.

In most vehicles, factory speakers are installed in the doors, typically low on the door surface. In some vehicles, manufacturers may place speakers in the dash or in the side space below the dash, known as the kickpanel. In non-hatchback models, they may place rear speakers on the deck above the back seat.

Installing aftermarket car audio speakers in the same location as the factory speakers may be acceptable but, in many cases, it poses a challenge – as we’ll see below. The tweeter (f you choose to include one in your system) should be mounted as close to ear height as possible. Subwoofers typically go in the truck if you drive a car. If you drive a truck or SUV, the subwoofer will likely also be located toward the rear of the vehicle.

Challenges of Car Audio System Speaker Locations

In most cases, vehicle manufacturers locate stereo speakers for convenience rather than fidelity. And, although your vehicle’s doors may be convenient for speaker placement, this location poses some serious sound quality challenges.

Vehicles today are designed and manufactured to provide the necessary level of safety and to muffle as much road noise as possible. Consequently, the materials and designs used can restrict speaker operation and that means you can lose much of your music’s fidelity.

We also have to consider the issue of seat placement. As the driver, you’ll be sitting much closer to the left speakers than the ones on the right side of the vehicle. This means the sound coming from the left will reach you before the sound waves coming from the right speakers. This phenomenon, known as side-biased listening, isn’t perceptible to you consciously. However, it will affect the quality of your music.

Likewise, if you have a subwoofer located in the rear of the vehicle, it can make it seem as though all the bass is coming from behind you.

Refitting & Rewiring Car Speakers

Laketown Speed and Sound understands the importance of giving your car audio optimal sound. To overcome the challenges associated with speaker locations, we approach each system installation based on the customer’s goals.

We have the option of doing a true custom installation, which allows us to take all the steps necessary to create balance and maximize fidelity. Depending on your vehicle, we may be able to adapt or modify the existing locations to provide better sound. Or we can work with you to find the best options to replace your factory speakers in their current location.

Laketown Speed and Sound is based Draper, Utah. We proudly provide a full range of services for our customers, including window tinting, automotive performance upgrades and motorcycle and RV audio. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve exceptional-quality sound in your aftermarket car audio system.