how to install car speakers yourself : The factory OEM (original equipment manufacturer) speaker systems that come in new cars are not built for long-lasting use. Mass-produced materials in a low-powered system will degrade over time. Aftermarket speakers and accessories are the best way to boost your car’s audio capabilities. The following will take you through the DIY installation steps to get your car audio performing like a concert on wheels.
Selecting New Speakers
Check your vehicle’s audio specifications to see what type of system it came equipped with. Take note of how much power your head unit (aka radio or stereo) puts out to the speakers. This will tell you how many channels and therefore number of speakers you can install into your car. Too many units can cause your system to fail or damage existing equipment.
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Check the dimensions of the existing speakers so minimum modifications will be needed to fit the new ones in. Speakers come in different shapes and sizes, so a planning to mount a replacement speaker, knowing if the original was a 6X9 inch oval rather than a 4 inch (10.2 cm) round one will help choose the best fit.
Consider material quality. Speakers with composite or fabric cones are usually noticeably better than those with paper, and ceramic permanent magnet speakers will out-perform wound electromagnetic speakers at the same power level.
Select speakers and necessary adapters. Even with the correct aftermarket speaker size, there are variations in any vehicle’s make and model that may interfere with a perfect fit. You may find many different styles and colors of trim and covers in a similar price range, so it makes sense to pick the ones that look good, not just sound good.
Look at the electronic characteristics of your speakers. Some have inline resistors to prevent static and crosstalk, some allow wiring in a series circuit configuration to allow you to add woofers and tweeters where you need them, and some can only be wired terminally to maintain the correct system impedance.
Consider the power requirements of your new speakers as it will affect the wiring. High wattage, low impedance speakers may not be able to perform with the factory wiring.
Getting Ready to Install Your Speakers
Gather your tools. What you’ll need to install your new speaker system will most likely include the following, but are not limited to these :
- A variety of screwdrivers (flathead, phillips head, etc.)
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Crimping tool
- Allen wrenches
- Socket wrenches
- Hobby knife
- Soldering iron (and solder)
- Electric drill
- File
- Torx driver
- “Panel popper” tool
- Electrical tape
Ensure that the speakers you’ve chosen fit your car. Many after-market speakers will fit into the spaces for the stock speakers, while others will require minor modifications, like a mounting bracket or spacer, the drilling of new screw holes, etc.
- Note that many speaker retailers offer online tools for determining which of their products best “fit” your car.
Prevent electrical damage by disconnecting your car’s battery. With nearly all types of electrical work, it’s important to protect yourself and the system before beginning.