Installing a remote car starter brings a world of convenience. The days of gingerly gripping the ice-cold steering wheel or cooking on a piping-hot leather seat are gone. Now, your car can be ready for you before you get behind the wheel.

Make it easier to remove snow and ice from your windshield and keep the kids happy — no more forcing them into an icy-cold or suffocating-hot car!

Installation may look simple with a remote starter package. Just connect a couple wires and you’re good to go! But it’s not that easy. Why should you always opt for professional installation instead of the do-it-yourself approach?

Vehicle Wiring Is Complex

The wiring in your vehicle is interconnected. If you accidentally cross-wire any systems, your vehicle could go haywire. You don’t want to set off the horn or mess up the heating or air conditioning, and this is entirely possible while you’re trying your hand at mechanical engineer.

An Amateur Job Can Mean an Expensive Fix

Besides setting off the car alarm and not knowing how to silence it and making an enemy of your neighbor in the process, an incorrect wiring installation can present the need for a technician’s expertise. Why not just get it done right in the first place?

It might end up costing even more to fix a botched installation.

Extra Complications Take Another Level of Expertise

It might be easier to wire a modern car, but if you’re installing a remote car starter on an older model, you will have more roadblocks to overcome. If you have a European model, a hybrid or a manual shift, it’s better to trust a pro.

Also, if the remote car starter won’t work without a bypass module, this will need to be installed as well. These devices function by tricking the car’s engine into thinking there’s a key in the ignition, and some vehicles with anti-theft systems won’t allow remote start without this modification.

Get the Professional Service You Deserve

If installing a remote car starter is beyond your scope of knowledge, no worries — Laketown Speed and Sound can help. We know from personal experience how helpful these devices can be in both cold and hot weather, and we also know how tricky some installations can be as well. However, given our years of experience installing these systems on a wide range of makes and models, we’re confident we can get the job done for you too.

Give us a call today and we’ll give you an estimate on the cost of installing a remote car starter based on your vehicle’s specs and the type of system you’re looking for.

Where can you find a car audio system that will elevate your on-the-go listening experience? More specifically, what brand will deliver on its promises? Which manufacturer offers the best long-lasting quality?

You must consider multiple factors when choosing car audio system components for your vehicle, but no matter what, don’t skip the steps below.

What Features Are Most Important to You?

Assess your expectations for your car audio system upgrade. Are you looking for a deep, rich bass? Are you looking for road noise insulation and strong Bluetooth capability? What does your current car audio system not do that you’d like to remedy?

Answering these questions can help you prioritize your features list and more quickly narrow down the options.

Read Reviews

Next, get a third-party perspective by reading manufacturer reviews. What do other car owners have to say about the system? Do they have specific complaints? What do they say the system does well?

Reviews aren’t always accurate and sometimes they’re misguided but coupled with your own critical thinking, you can take the opinion of past users into account as you make your decision.

Get a Professional Opinion

Next, consult the pros. Talk to an unbiased car audio installer about the systems they prefer to use and why. Which manufacturer components do they find themselves having to repair more often than not? What do they recommend you choose?

You can talk to the technicians here at Laketown Speed and Sound if you’re looking for the experienced opinions of helpful audio installers in your neighborhood.

Decide on Budget

Now it’s time to talk money. Once you have a few options in mind, you can use your preference on budget to eliminate the systems that are above what you’d like to spend or are lower quality and cheaper than you want to look at.

Test it Out

Before you make a firm decision in any capacity, it’s important to listen to the system and see what it can offer. Whether you test it out in a showroom in a friend’s car, this is the best way to get the assurance you’re choosing the right upgrade.

Come to Our Shop

Laketown Speed and Sound can help you reach the level of audio quality you’re looking for: the kind that makes you never want to step outside your car.

When you’re shopping for a system you can fully appreciate and enjoy every day, come to our shop and we’ll introduce you to our craftsmanship. Between affordability and serviceability, you’ll find your ideal car audio system here at Laketown Speed and Sound.

Coilovers and lowering springs are the two main options for vehicle owners looking to upgrade their suspension and increase handling. When your car is lower to the ground, you can grip the corners better and get the high performance you want. As the saying goes: “Decrease the altitude, increase the attitude.” Both coilovers and lowering springs can get you there.

The Pros to Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are the simpler, faster and cheaper way to get better handling. First, they are physically shorter than original engine manufacturer (OEM) springs, so when you swap them out, they immediately bring your car lower to the ground.

The ride quality won’t be as smooth, but the trade-off is that you get more control over handling because there is less body roll, keeping your car even and level, even when tackling tight corners.

Lowering springs are beneficial because you don’t have to alter your suspension to accommodate them — you simply add them to your system. It’s a good “set it and forget it” upgrade, since you don’t need to make any tune-ups or adjustments after the installation. Your car is ready to go.

But beware — sometimes it can wear down your shocks prematurely since the lowering springs weren’t designed for them. Talk to a performance auto professional for more information.

Are Coilovers a Better Choice?

The term coilovers is slang for “coil spring over strut,” meaning this is a much more involved installation process than simply swapping out springs.

Coilovers give the vehicle owner so much more flexibility. You can adjust the height of the car whenever you like. For example, in the winter you can raise the height to accommodate the snow. In summer, just lower it again.

You can control damping as well, which gives you either a harder or a softer ride.

With coilovers, all components of the suspension are specifically designed to work with each other, so you will see a reduction in the wear and tear on the system. Overall, you’ll get the same increase in handling, albeit a much smoother experience.

Still, coilovers are a more expensive upgrade, so you should make sure they’re what you’re looking for before buying.

Still Have Questions?

Choosing between coilovers and lowering springs isn’t the easiest decision, and it’s not a choice you can make after just reading one blog post on the topic. Instead, get in touch with us so we can answer your detailed questions and give you specific recommendations based on your car’s make and model.

Laketown Speed and Sound offers full-service performance upgrades designed to help your vehicle reach its maximum potential.

More horsepower! It’s on every vehicle enthusiast’s wish list. In order to push your ride to its peak performance, it’s essential to maximize horsepower.

But what if you don’t have an unlimited budget?

There are still ways vehicle owners can get the extra horsepower they’re looking for without spending a fortune. Of course, a hefty budget helps, but start with the first few items on the list below.

Nonmechanical Upgrades: Tires, Air Filter and Total Weight

The top way to quickly increase your car’s horsepower is to unload it. Everything you’ve collected in the trunk has to go.

Next, get an alignment. This gives you the ability to gather speed quickly. Also, take out your stock air filter and replace it with a free-flowing product that will allow more and faster airflow to your engine.

Get a Cold Air Intake

Next, upgrade the cold air intake. How does this boost horsepower? It’s simple: cold air is denser. That means more oxygen enters the combustion chamber faster, potentially boosting the engine by about five to seven horsepower. A cold air intake typically isn’t drastically expensive, but it can provide instant results, so it’s worth trying.

Check Out a Cat-Back Exhaust System

While it may cost a little more, a cat-back exhaust system is another great method of boosting horsepower through increasing airflow. The pipes are larger in diameter and shaped precisely to force air freely through the system.

Besides adding torque, it could also improve fuel economy and give your vehicle the louder, deeper grumble.

Bigger Investment: High-Flow Catalyst

Replace your stock catalytic converter with a high-flow version and you’ll get more airflow and more power. Gases will pass through the system more efficiently, offering a big boost for vehicles that are depending on inefficient, outdated catalytic converters. But like with many horsepower-boosting upgrades, the change you’ll see will depend on where you’re starting from.

On the Pricier Side: Performance Chips

If you want to invest a little more in horsepower enhancement, one of the most comprehensive ways to do so is by installing a performance chip to override factory settings from the manufacturer. By adjusting factors like fuel-to-air ratio, ignition timing and more, you can achieve new heights, performance-wise.

Want to find out what’s the best way to start upgrading your car’s horsepower? Come to Laketown Speed and Sound. Our experts can give you recommendations based on your make and model and any updates you’ve already started.

Your boat audio is an important part of your wave-surfing experience. When you’re cracking open a cold one and relaxing in the sun with your family and friends, the setting isn’t complete without feel-good tunes in the background.

It’s probably hard to picture doing any of that right now when you’re surrounded by harsh Utah winter weather, but summer is just around the corner, so now is the time to upgrade your boat audio. 

It’s a Drastic Difference

You will be shocked at the difference in sound quality. When you’re transitioning from a stock system or a Bluetooth speaker to built-in, high-end boat audio, it’s a transformative change. Instead of the engine and the waves drowning out the music, the sound cuts through all that noise as clear as day.

Durability Means a Higher Return on Investment

Also, professional-grade speakers and components are more durable. They are built to withstand salt water and sun. If you’re working with a Bluetooth speaker that isn’t designed for the water, you’re probably constantly trying to protect against splashes, and that doesn’t make for a fun experience.

It’s a Worthwhile Expense … And Might Be More Affordable Than You Think!

It can be tempting to try to upgrade your boat’s audio components yourself, but consider the value of having a professional handle the job. Your audio will be perfectly integrated with your other boat systems and there won’t be any missteps in wiring that affect navigation or lights. When you’re in DIY-mode, this isn’t a guarantee unless you’re experienced with projects like this.

Before you write this project off as too expensive, come into Laketown Speed and Sound for a quote. It’s likely that transforming your boat’s stereo system is more affordable than you might guess!

Also, think of the value a professional upgrade can offer. Whether you’re trying to impress your guests or looking to sell before summer, it’s a great feature to add.

Get a Quote from Laketown Today

Ready to redo your boat audio before summer? Call Laketown Speed and Sound today and beat the rush. You can tell us what you’re looking for — more balance? More power? Both? Give us your feedback and vision for what you’d like to see, and our audio technicians will get to work.

With the right skills, plenty of experience and most importantly, an ear for quality sound, Laketown Speed and Sound is the best installer around and the expert you want working on your watercraft. Get your free quote today!

When your car audio system falls short of expectations, it’s likely due to the fact that it’s the built-in, stock system that came with your car. While manufacturers are making improvements all the time, it’s usually in other areas, such as the engine. They’re not as concerned with the preferences of audiophiles!

When you spend a significant amount of time in your car (and even a 10-minute commute is significant enough), you shouldn’t settle for subpar sound. It’s not the best way to start your day. At Laketown Speed and Sound, we can help you make simple improvements that fit your budget but result in big payoffs in terms of sound quality. And when you’re ready to revamp your car audio system, we are here for you then, too.

Below are the first three steps to take to improve your vehicle’s audio.

Add Sound-Dampening Materials

This might come as a surprise, but one of the best ways to easily improve your car is about contending with the outside, not the inside. Exterior noise is one of the biggest roadblocks to beautiful sound. Luckily, there is a solution.

You can add dampening materials to the interior of your vehicle and drastically expand your audio system’s capabilities. The trunk, the doors and the floor are the first sections to address. If you have a fair level of hands-on expertise working on cars, you could take this project on yourself.

Upgrade Speakers Next

The second easy way to upgrade your car audio system is to replace those low-quality stock speakers. Your built-in dash stereo system is probably capable of a lot more than the speakers are capable of delivering. If you have to choose just one set of speakers to replace due to budget constraints, replace the front speakers, where you’ll receive a majority of the noise.

Then Consider Replacing the Amplifier

The next step is to address the amplifier. The car audio amplifier is an important component in the whole-vehicle sound system because it’s the piece that converts electrical signals to sound waves. The power of the car amplifier directly dictates how loud the resulting sound will be. A low-quality amp means high distortion, so replace this component next if this is the main issue you’re dealing with.

Solutions for Your Budget

We’re lovers of great sound and we want to help you achieve the ideal balance in your vehicle. Come in to Laketown Speed and Sound today and see why we’re Utah’s trusted car audio system techs. We help deliver better sound, no matter your budget.

Your car audio amplifier is a key component in your vehicle’s sound system. It’s the muscle that you flex to get the most out of all your other components, from speaker to subwoofer. But when the amplifier is overheating, you have a problem — it shuts off.

Why is this happening and what can you do to prevent it?

Top 3 Reasons You Have This Problem

There are three main reasons your car audio amplifier might get overheated. First, you could simply have a low-quality amplifier. The cheapest components waste more energy than they use. This wasted energy is converted to heat, which causes the amplifier to shut down.

Second, the amplifier could be installed in a way that limits the ventilation surrounding it. If it’s upside down or crammed under a carpet, this is probably the cause of the problem.

Finally, there could be an issue with the speaker-to-amp connection. If there is a power mismatch and the speaker load is too strong, it can cause the amplifier to overheat.

What can you do to fix this issue?

Solution #1: Install Ventilation

First, try adding some ventilation near your amplifier. If there is a problem with the position of the amp, place it somewhere else. If it’s in a spot where it can be ventilated but you still have an overheating problem, you can mount a cooling fan to facilitate air flow.

Solution #2: Upgrade to a Better Amplifier

If you’re working with a stock part that clearly isn’t providing the boost your system needs and keeps overheating, you know it’s time to upgrade.

Solution #3: Check the Wiring

Sometimes if you drive on bumpy terrain, it can loosen the wiring, causing it to enter protection mode and shut down. Most drivers assume the cause is overheating, but sometimes it’s just loose wiring. Check all connections to get to the bottom of the problem.

Solution #4: Check Installation Quality

Finally, you should check and see that the amplifier was installed correctly in the context of the larger car audio system. Does it match the speaker and subwoofer power specifications? Was the ground connection established correctly? These factors could contribute to amplifier performance.

Get Laketown on the Job

We can help when your car audio amplifier isn’t performing up to spec. Laketown Speed and Sound installs and repairs all types of vehicle audio systems. Give us a call and get your free quote!

You might think repairing car speakers is pointless, but you can potentially salvage them. However, it’s important to know when it’s worth it to make the repairs and when it’s time to simply replace them. It comes down to cost versus benefit, and that’s a decision our team can help you with.

How to Tell Your Speakers Are Damaged

Fuzzing, hissing, static … these are all signs your speakers aren’t what they used to be. Rattling, popping or lack of vibration are also evidence your speakers have blown or become disconnected. If you’re having difficulty diagnosing which speaker or speakers are causing problems, bring your car to our shop and we can help.

How it Happens

Maybe the speaker received more power than it was capable of handling and wires or internal components burned or melted. Maybe the cone has moved out of position. Maybe speaker failed simply due to age.

When to Re-cone

Repairing is also known as re-coning. This process involves removing the voice coil, surround and cone and replacing them.

It’s possible to buy a kit and do the work yourself, but in many cases, it requires in-depth knowledge of a car’s electrical system. Most professionals recommend against DIY work for this type of job, especially if the speakers are vintage or expensive.

Replacing Speakers: Upgrade Your System

If your speakers are blown, you may want to upgrade the whole system. We can add subwoofers and boost amplifier power for a much-improved audio experience. If you’re concerned about the lack of sound quality in your car, why not get a quote and see if it’s an investment worth making?

You Deserve Nothing but the Best

From repairing car speakers to installing a new set, our Laketown Speed and Sound audio engineering staff is ready to create the sound you deserve in your vehicle. Car audio systems add value to your vehicle and enjoyment to your life. We can help balance and boost your system to reach its potential. Contact us today to get a free quote for repairs or upgrades for your vehicle!

Car audio amplifiers are a key piece of a sound system, but many vehicle owners aren’t fully aware of their power or how they work.

Don’t blame your speakers if you have subpar sound in your vehicle — it’s more likely that the built-in, stock amplifier isn’t providing the boost your sound needs to deliver the quality you want.

What Do Car Audio Amplifiers Do?

Since you don’t see car audio amplifiers, maybe you don’t realize how integral they are to your sound system. In the simplest terms, amplifiers do exactly what their name suggests — they make small sounds bigger and louder. Amplifiers transfer electrical signals to a specific wattage that allows other components of a car audio system, like a subwoofer and speakers, to perform better.

What to Know

Before you decide on an amplifier, consider the number of speakers you have in your car. More speakers mean you’ll need an amplifier with more channels.

You’ll also need to think about the system as a whole before you choose an amplifier based on its specs. Many experts recommend choosing speakers first, as this will determine the amount of wattage you’ll be looking for from an amplifier. You want to at least meet or even exceed wattage demand.

Preparing for an Amplifier Installation

One of the most important parts of this project is deciding where to place the car audio amplifier. An expert will tell you it’s best to put it at least 3 feet from the receiver to avoid interference. It also needs plenty of ventilation to avoid overheating.

The installation process is highly technical, and an in-depth knowledge of wiring is required to complete it successfully. From setting up power and signal cables to grounding the amplifier properly, make sure you are fully aware of the extent of the process before you begin.

Why a Pro Is Best for the Job

At Laketown Speed and Sound, we don’t frown on car owners who make the effort to upgrade their car audio on their own! In fact, we love to offer tips to help make your projects successful.

At the same time, we can certainly help ensure the final result is the best it can be. After all, we have the years of training and experience needed to comprehensively and efficiently assess your system’s weaknesses, install the right components for an amazing upgrade and tune it to perfection.

Car audio amplifiers can seem like a puzzle to be solved, but that’s a skill we excel at! Get a free quote for your system from Laketown Speed and Sound today. Good sound doesn’t have to be outside of your price range. We make it possible!

A subwoofer can optimize your car’s audio. It’s a valuable piece of stereo equipment, and when installed correctly, it can transform your listening experience!

While you likely already know you need a subwoofer, wouldn’t you like to know how it will change your listening experience?

Achieve a More Balanced Sound

If you have a manufacturer’s stock stereo, the sound you’re getting isn’t that great (in the case of most models). Subwoofers are speakers dedicated to reproducing the low-frequency sounds needed for bass tones. When your sound doesn’t include the augmentation of all the bass notes, you only hear higher-pitched tones and miss out on a quality listening experience.

Not only are subwoofers able to offer a more realistic representation of music, they also allow car owners to customize the frequency range. You’re able to take the pressure off other speakers that are attempting to filter sounds in the bass range, ensuring proper enhancement of all tones, instead of overloading one speaker with all frequencies.

Every aspect of your car’s audio system can then perform at a higher level.

In addition, subwoofers can offer the listener a better audio experience in the context of their car’s interiors. Stock speaker placement can be less than optimal, further taking away from the system’s performance. By adding subwoofers in the right position, you can balance out the sound and achieve a better result.

Resist Speaker Damage

Here’s another benefit of adding a subwoofer: Your speakers won’t be subjected to as much wear and tear. It doesn’t make sense to upgrade the rest of your speakers if you still aren’t going to provide them the support of the subwoofer — they’ll be taxed by trying to do the job of the subwoofer and could sustain damage as a result.

Don’t Be Fooled: It’s About More Than the Woofer

Any speakers, including subwoofers, are only as effective as the power they’re supplied with. That’s why a comprehensive car audio update includes the installation of an amplifier as well. How much power does your system need?

It’s a question our experts can answer. We can also offer plenty of recommendations for individual components that work together to achieve the result you envision.

Why You Should Depend on an Expert

Updating car audio involves a complete design and tuning process, not just the purchase of individual components. That’s why Laketown Speed and Sound is your best resource in your effort to upgrade vehicle sound. We do more than put parts in your car — we create the ideal listening experience. Call today for a free quote!