Installing new speakers is a cost-effective way to improve the sound of your car's audio system. Aftermarket speakers are not only inexpensive, they are also usually easy to install. Evaluate potential car speakers using the same specs you would for your home audio speaker system. The major difference is that car speakers have a lower impedance and higher sensitivity ratings. This compensates for the lower power outputs of car stereo receivers. To produce a sound that balances all frequencies, consider the number of drivers in the car speaker. You will want a woofer for the lower frequencies, a mid-range driver for the middle frequencies, and a tweeter for the higher frequencies. Multi-element speakers by Infinity or JBL are good choices for upgrading your car speaker system. They consist of an integrated tweeter and mid-range/woofer. Both the Infinity and JBL speakers are designed to fit right into your vehicle with few, if any modifications. Now, you are almost ready to install your new car speakers. Before you begin the speaker installation process, make sure you have the appropriate tools. While different types of speakers (as well as different makes of cars) require their own unique installation tools, there are a few that are common to all. You will most likely need a variety of screwdrivers, a drill, an Allen wrench, a socket wrench set, a wire cutter, a panel removal tool, electrical tape, and an Exacto knife. You can replace dash speakers by removing the grilles. Since these are held down by screws or friction fittings, you will need a 90-degree screwdriver to remove the screws near the windshield. When you remove the old speakers, make sure to note the polarity of their terminals. Use your wiring harness to install your new speakers in the correct terminal. If your previous speakers were door speakers, you're in luck! These are usually the easiest to replace. Use a screwdriver to dismantle the grille, then remove the factory speaker. If you think you might want to sell your car at some future date, be gentle when removing the speaker, since you might want to reinstall it. If the manufacturers have used a sealant foam to mount the factory speakers, gently cut through it with a utility knife, and then mount your new speaker using the provided hardware. |