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Upgrades for Your Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe and GMC Yukon

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades

As some of the largest people-movers on the road, the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe can benefit from the countless upgrades that are available for them. Whether you want a subtle improvement in audio system performance with a custom-fit subwoofer solution or you want to shake the paint off the walls with an all-out SPL system, the Suburban and its little brothers, the Tahoe and Yukon, have become popular with people who want big sound combined with space and comfort. Let’s dive into what your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer offers to personalize your full-size General Motors SUV.

Stereo System Upgrades for Full-Size General Motors SUVs

Every great mobile audio system needs to start with a premium source. Companies like Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer and Alpine have amazing multimedia receivers that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. These smartphone integration technologies allow the driver or passenger to use simple voice commands to make phone calls, send text messages or choose from dozens of entertainment options.

Even cooler, navigation applications like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze provide detailed turn-by-turn navigation instructions to almost any address in North America. These nav apps use real-time traffic flow information in major urban areas to plot the most efficient route possible to your destination to help save you time.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The XAV-AX7000 from Sony is a 6.95-inch touchscreen multimedia receiver with CarPlay and Android Auto.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The DNX697S from Kenwood is a 6.8-inch navigation DVD receiver with CarPlay, Android Auto and HD Radio.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Metra 99-3015G dash kit will allow your installer to integrate a double-DIN multimedia receiver into the dash of a 2015 or newer Suburban, Tahoe or Yukon.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The RadioPRO 5 RP5-GM51 allows an aftermarket radio to be integrated into late-model GMC and Chevrolet trucks and SUVs.

If you want to add smartphone integration to a vehicle with an existing touchscreen, a few companies offer add-on interfaces that work with the existing hardware. Many of these solutions add CarPlay and Android Auto and include additional video inputs for backup and parking cameras.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The GM-LVDS Smart Link Package adds CarPlay and Android Auto to many General Motors vehicles with the 8-inch GM MyLink I05 and I06 source units.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The ZZ-2 IT2-MYLINK interface adds CarPlay, Android Auto and front and rear camera inputs with dynamic parking lines to many I05/I06 MyLink-equipped GM vehicles.

Once you’ve established a source solution for your mobile sound system, it’s time to choose great amplifiers and speakers to convert your digital audio collection into something you can listen to. We’ve talked at length about the importance of selecting amplifiers and speakers that add as little distortion as possible to the audio signal. For amplifiers, the signal-to-noise (S/N or SNR) ratio and the total harmonic distortion (THD) specifications will be the telltale numbers to look at to determine quality. When possible, look for brands that offer specifications that comply with the CTA-2006 standards for S/N. This standard makes comparing specs from one brand to another easy and accurate. Companies that post specs citing maximum power output simply try to inflate numbers to make themselves look better than their competitors. Look for S/N ratio numbers around 80 dB or better referenced to 1 watt of output and THD numbers under 0.03%. It should go without saying that outrageous claims from bargain-basement and internet-only brands are worth ignoring.

You’ll notice that we didn’t talk about the power production capabilities of the amplifiers you choose first. That wasn’t an oversight. Power production has little or nothing to do with the quality of the amp you choose. There are subwoofer amps that produce thousands of watts for only a few hundred dollars. Sadly, they are often inefficient, electrically noisy and add a lot of distortion to the audio signal. Sticking with top-quality brands found at specialty mobile enhancement retailers is a good first step in picking a solution that will sound great and last for years. The Product Specialist you are working with can recommend an appropriately powerful amplifier for your audio system upgrade.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The ARC Audio ARC Series 1000.6 can be upgraded with the IPS8.8 DSP to deliver the power and processing performance needed to create an amazing mobile audio system.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Punch P1000X5 from Rockford Fosgate is a high-performance five-channel amplifier that can drive an entire mobile audio system upgrade.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The eight-channel Audison AP F8.9 bit includes an integrated digital signal processor that your technician can use to calibrate your mobile audio system.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Helix M FOUR DSP is a compact four-channel amplifier with an integrated eight-channel signal processor.

Just as with the selection of a car audio amplifier, choosing speakers for your SUV should be based on quality and accuracy. When executed correctly, technologies like aluminum shorting rings, copper magnet caps and XBL^2 motor geometry can dramatically reduce the amount of distortion a speaker adds, especially at higher volume levels. You also want to choose speakers that offer the flattest frequency response possible. Any peaks, dips or bumps in their response is a sign of unwanted resonance in the cone, dust cap, surround or suspension. A well-engineered speaker will sound excellent with any type of music.

You’ll want to work with your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer to choose solutions that work with your vehicle and will deliver smooth and natural balance throughout the entire listening environment. This type of upgrade may require creating a three-way front stage speaker system with a dedicated mid-woofer, midrange driver and tweeter on each side of the vehicle. Depending on the year and trim level of your big SUV, the option for custom fabrication of dash, A-pillar and sail-panel mounts will increase your speaker upgrade options.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Rockford Fosgate T4652-S component speaker set features ring-radiator tweeters and woofers with a multi-pole neodymium motor for great sound.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The ARC Audio RS-Series speakers are available in the 6.5-inch 6.0, the 4-inch RS 4.0 and the 3-inch RS 3.0 mid-woofer and midrange sizes to complement the RS 1.0 tweeter set.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The 165 R2 speaker set from BLAM includes a pair of 6.5-inch woofers, ¾-inch tweeters and external crossovers with tweeter level adjustment.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Audison TH K3 II A Orchestra three-way speaker set offers a studio-quality listening experience for your car or SUV.

Audio System Calibration Is Crucial

If you’re a car guy or girl, you know that an engine needs to be tuned to function smoothly and reliably. Having new speakers integrated into your vehicle requires the same amount of calibration to ensure that what you hear sounds amazing. If you’re planning an audio system upgrade, make sure the retailer you are working with has included a high-quality digital signal processor in the system design and an appropriate amount of time allotted to its configuration.

A digital signal processor will take care of crossovers, level control between different size and efficiency drivers, equalization and signal delay. If you want your music to sound like it did in the recording studio, then proper system design, installation and adjustments are crucial.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The ARC Audio PS8 Pro DSP offers eight input channels, eight output channels and is compatible with the Maestro AR as a direct upgrade for many GM vehicles.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Hertz H8 DSP is an eight-channel DSP that’s designed to make it easy to upgrade factory-installed audio systems.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Helix P SIX DSP MK2 is a compact six-channel amplifier with an integrated eight-channel digital signal processor for system calibration.

Subwoofers – The Ultimate Car Audio Upgrade

If you thought we were going to forget to talk about car audio subwoofers, you were mistaken. Often considered one of the best car audio upgrades for your money, adding a subwoofer to your big SUV will not only improve the reproduction of low-frequency audio information, but it also allows the midrange speakers in your vehicle to sound better and lets them play more loudly.

Subwoofers for your Suburban, Tahoe or Yukon come in two flavors. For those seeking realism, a solution that blends with the cosmetic styling of the vehicle is a wise choice. If you want to make the most bass possible and rattle your fillings, well, that’s most certainly an option as well. Fitting an off-the-shelf subwoofer solution in the cargo area or having something built specifically for your vehicle are great options. Talk with your salesperson about the subwoofer enclosure options for your vehicle and your listening preferences, as well as how much space it will take up in the back.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The crème de la crème of subwoofer upgrades for full-size 2007-2013 GM SUVs is the JL Audio SB-GM-ESC/10W1v3/TN Stealthbox.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Rockford’s Power Series P3-2X12 enclosure features a pair of T3 12-inch subwoofers that can handle a combined 1,200 watts of power.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The Match PP 10E-Q is a compact down-firing subwoofer solution that includes a 10-inch driver with quad 3-ohm voice coils for use with Match amplifiers.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Known as the Kicker Quad, the massive 47QL7R12 features four 12-inch Kicker L7R subwoofers and is rated for 2,400 watts continuous power handling.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The cargo area of an SUV is the perfect location for a custom installation. Jeff’s vehicle features Signature Edition ARC Audio amplifiers and a 15-Inch ARC Series Subwoofer.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Sweet Sounds Car Audio in Mankato, Minnesota, built this custom subwoofer enclosure in the back of a Cadillac Escalade – the luxurious big brother of the Suburban.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
A Memphis Car Audio subwoofer upgrade was created for the back of this Escalade by Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville, Florida.

Remote Start and Secure Your Vehicle

Adding a remote starter to your SUV isn’t just a great way to warm it up in the winter. You can use one to run the air conditioning for a few minutes on a hot summer today to cool it off. Just as with audio system upgrades, the company and technician you choose to integrate a starter into your vehicle is as crucial as the products you select. You want to find a shop that will take their time with the project. Every wire should be tested for functionality before making an electrically and mechanically secure connection. Components should, of course, be adequately secured, and all cabling and wiring should be routed away from moving parts or sources of heat.

When shopping for a starter, you have a few options. First, the Product Specialist should begin the conversation by asking you where you park your vehicle at home and work. This information will help them choose a remote solution that has enough range capability to communicate with the vehicle. Remotes are available with range capabilities from a few hundred feet to over 3 miles. Keep in mind that extra transmitting power is needed when you’re in a building, even if you’re only a few hundred feet from your vehicle. Next, they’ll likely ask to see the vehicle key to help determine what features you may want to control from the remote.

Another option you’ll have is choosing between a one- or two-way remote control. A one-way remote sends a signal to the vehicle. If the signal is strong enough, the vehicle executes the function. In a two-way system, the remote sends a command to the controller in the vehicle. The controller transmits a confirmation message back to the remote so you know the doors are locked or the engine is running. Many two-way remotes will also work with security systems to let you know if the alarm system has been triggered.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The mother of all remote starters is the Compustar PRO T13 system. This security and starter system includes a 3-mile remote, a Drone telematics interface and class-leading reliability.

Finally, you have the option of a telematics system. Telematics use an app on your smartphone to communicate to a cellular radio module connected to your remote starter system. You can send commands to the starter or security controller in your vehicle using the app and your wireless internet connection. Likewise, the controller will respond when the command has been received and executed. Most telematics systems have the option to add GPS-based functionality such as vehicle locating, curfew alerts, towing warnings and much more. These location-based options usually cost a few extra dollars a month, but they are a great investment for business owners or families that need to keep track of a vehicle.

Truck Accessories

Once you’ve got the electronics on your SUV sorted, it’s time for some accessories. A set of vehicle-specific floor mats from a company like WeatherTech is a great way to protect your investment and keep it clean. These mats are constructed from a durable rubber that’s contoured to match the vehicle’s floor and extend up the firewall to contain sand, mud, dirt and slush.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
WeatherTech offers floor mats for full-size GM SUVs with either bench or bucket seats. The mats are available in black, cocoa, tan or gray to match the vehicle interior.

Other popular upgrades include side steps or running boards that make it easier to get in and out of a tall vehicle. Bug and wind deflectors made from high-strength acrylic will protect your vehicle from damage. Mudflaps as well as trailer hitch and bumper upgrades are also popular.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville, Virginia, upgraded this 2016 Suburban with a set of WeatherTech mud flaps to protect the rear bumper.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Precision Audio in Bainbridge, Georgia, installed a Ranch Hand grille guard and 20-inch Helo HE900 wheels wrapped in Toyo Open Country AT tires on this 2017 Chevy Tahoe.
Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Mobile Edge in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, upgraded this 2016 Tahoe with a set of motorized PowerStep side steps to make getting in and out easier.

If your SUV didn’t come with a backup camera, you might want to ask about adding one. With a rear window that’s several feet off the ground, seeing objects or people when parking can be difficult. Backup cameras can be integrated into a new multimedia receiver or, in many cases, into a factory-installed display screen in the dash.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The MCI-GM51 from PAC works with the LVDI screen on the 8-inch display in many GM SUVs to add four camera inputs with automatic side and rear triggering.

Another safety upgrade is to add dedicated left and right cameras to the side-view mirrors to act as a blind-spot monitoring solution. Many new Kenwood radios include multiple camera inputs, and some modules will work with the factory-installed MyLink screen to display a camera image when the turn signal is activated.

Window Tint and Paint Film Add Premium Protection

It’s hard to deny that a black Suburban with tinted windows isn’t a classic piece of kit. Window tint not only looks great, but it can block as much as 99% of the ultraviolet energy from the sun to protect the occupants. This UV rejection also helps to prevent plastics, leather and vinyl from drying out and fading. Premium nanotechnology and ceramic window films can block as much as 70% of the infrared heat energy from the sun to help keep your SUV cool. If you live somewhere with hot summers, then a heat-rejecting window film is a great upgrade. High-quality films have a lifetime warranty against fading, turning purple, peeling or bubbling.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Driven Sound and Security in Marquette, Michigan, tinted the driver and passenger windows of this 2019 Suburban with 3M FX Premium film to match the rear windows.

Another upgrade available from many mobile enhancement retailers is paint protection film. These transparent films are constructed from a durable urethane that absorbs impacts from gravel and stones to prevent paint chips. Paint film is also a great upgrade around door handles, the rear bumper and the rocker panels where there’s a lot of contact. Most high-quality films are backed by a 10-year warranty against peeling or yellowing.

Lighting Upgrades

If you have an older Tahoe, Yukon or Suburban, you may want to ask about upgrading the headlights with new LED bulbs. Compared to incandescent halogen bulbs, LED designs can deliver up to four times as much output. Just as with audio equipment, there are good bulbs, and there are low-quality solutions. Look for a retailer that can install the bulbs and check their alignment and cut-off pattern to ensure that you won’t blind oncoming drivers. You’ll also want to ask about the new bulbs’ warranty as they can be quite expensive to replace frequently.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
The GTR Lighting Ultra 2.0 LED bulbs combine proper LED chip placement with an excellent heat sink design that keeps your lights performing reliably for years.

If you are adventuring off the pavement or use your SUV for work, then auxiliary lighting is a good investment. Spot, driving and floodlights on the front of the vehicle can help improve long-distance visibility. Safety and emergency lighting that includes a roof-mounted light bar or beacon and flashing light pods in the grille can help alert oncoming drivers to the presence of your vehicle when working by the side of the road at night.

Radar Detectors and Laser Defense Systems

If you have a heavy right foot, you might want to consider purchasing a radar detector for your SUV. Most new models on the market offer excellent X, K and Ka-band sensitivity while rejecting false alarms from adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring systems. As more and more police forces move to lidar, a portable detector will only alert you to its presence. By then, it’s often too late. A custom-installed radar detector and laser defense system can transmit a scrambled light signal to prevent law enforcement officers from measuring your speed. Once you know your speed is legal, you can cancel the signal transmission and let the officer take a reading.

Tahoe and Yukon Upgrades
Westminster Speed and Sound upgraded this 2017 Suburban with a custom-installed radar detector and laser shifter system from Escort.

Upgrade Your Full-Size Chevy or GMC SUV Today

These are just a few of the options available to personalize and enhance your Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade or Yukon. Your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer has hundreds of additional upgrades and accessories to make your big SUV more comfortable, functional or enjoyable.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Lighting, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY, Truck Accessories

Proper Headlight Aiming Makes Driving Safer at Night

Headlight Aiming

As fall approaches, we find the sun setting hours earlier than it did in the summer. With this increase in darkness, we need to rely on the forward lighting systems in our cars and trucks to keep us safe. In this article, we are going to look at the importance of making sure your headlights are aimed properly. Proper horizontal and vertical adjustments will ensure that you can see far enough down the road to react to obstacles or avoid animals. Of equal importance, aiming your lights so that they aren’t blinding oncoming drivers is crucial to those drivers staying in their lane and not colliding with your vehicle. The science and process are simple, but they’re often overlooked.

Headlights Are an Important Safety System

In addition to your vehicle’s tires and braking system, your headlights are one of the most critical safety systems on your vehicle. If you can’t see far enough down the road when it’s dark, you won’t have time to react to objects in your path. At 60 miles per hour, you and your vehicle are covering 88 feet per second. Given than most humans have a reaction time of about one half of a second, and it takes another half of a second to move your right foot from the gas pedal to the brake, you’ve already traveled 80 feet. Now, consider that the average vehicle requires between 120 and 145 feet to stop from 60 mph, and you’ve likely traveled at least 200 feet.

Most low-beam lighting systems provide useful output to a range of 100 feet. Some of the better HID and LED systems are bright enough to illuminate 150 feet in low-beam mode. Driving at a speed where you don’t have enough time to stop because of your lighting system’s limits is called overdriving your headlights.

Headlight Aiming
Even factory-installed lighting systems need to be checked regularly to ensure that they’re providing adequate performance.

How Can You Upgrade Your Lighting System?

Upgrading the lighting on your vehicle involves two factors. First, you need a light source that is bright enough to illuminate the road at a distance that gives you enough time to react safely. Next, your lights need to be aimed perfectly to make use of their output capabilities. If your lights are aimed down at an angle of five degrees, then the area in front of your vehicle might be bright, but you’ll never see more than 100 feet down the road. Conversely, having your lights aimed horizontally might provide good long-distance vision, but this can lead to your lights blinding oncoming drivers. A driver approaching you who cannot see the edges of the road or your vehicle is as dangerous as you not seeing where you are going. Proper headlight aiming is paramount!

Headlight Aiming
High-performance LED bulb upgrades like the Intense Series from ODX can provide three times as much light output as a conventional Halogen headlight bulb.

When Should I Have My Headlight Aim Checked?

The first sign that your lighting system needs adjustment would be that oncoming drivers are flashing their high beams at you as they approach. Blinding an oncoming driver is extremely dangerous. Likewise, if your lights don’t light up the rear bumper of a vehicle a car’s length in front of you, they need adjustment.

If you have made any modifications to your vehicle, you should have your technician check the headlight alignment. Changes to tire diameter or suspension height, especially if you have installed a leveling kit or lowering springs, require that the lights be adjusted. If you have added weight to your vehicle in the form of a stereo upgrade with a subwoofer system, the additional mass in the rear of the vehicle may also necessitate a change in light aiming.

Let’s Talk About Headlight Aiming Angle

The farther your lights are above the road, the steeper they can be angled downwards while still allowing you to see approximately 150 feet in front of the vehicle. Many websites cite a specific angle that is deemed to be suitable for all applications. The reality is, the specific downward angle of the beam depends on their distance above the ground. If someone says two degrees is the right angle, but your lights are 18 inches off the ground, you’ll only have light for 43 feet in front of your car. If you have a truck with the lights 36 inches above the ground and set the lights to the same angle, you’ll have light for 86 feet. Likewise, the suggestion that a fixed amount of drop is suitable also fails to compensate for differences in bulb height off the ground.

Have Your Headlights Adjusted for Maximum Safety

When it’s time to have your headlights adjusted, we’ve developed a simple process that makes the adjustment reliable and efficient. Before the technician begins any work, your vehicle must be on level ground with the tires inflated properly. Ideally, whatever combination of driver and passenger(s) is most common to the vehicle’s operation should be inside. Likewise, the fuel tank should be half full. If you have a truck or SUV and carry tools or supplies, have them in the vehicle. You’ll want the ride height to be typical before the measurements begin.

Step 1 – Measure the Cut-off Height

The first step is to establish the level at which the light is produced at the bulb or lens. With the vehicle appropriately loaded (as outlined above), measure from the ground to the top of the light cut-off pattern as close as possible to the headlight lens. Note this measurement for each side of the vehicle, as it may not sit perfectly parallel to the ground.

This process requires that the lights are already aimed relatively accurately. If you’ve had new projectors or bulbs installed, your tech will need to make sure the light pattern is relatively close to accurate. If a light is pointing at the sky, the remainder of the measurements will be inaccurate. They should be within a few degrees of horizontal.

Headlight Aiming
This photo shows a typical beam pattern for a modern headlight system.

Step 2 – Measure the Cut-off at 25 feet

The next step is to measure the height of that headlight cut-off at a distance of 25 feet in front of the lights. Use the same reference point used for the first measurement to set this distance. For example, if the tech measured the at-vehicle height 4 inches in front of the headlight lens, he or she should measure out 24 feet and 4 inches for this second measurement.

Step 3 – Use the Chart

Using the chart below, your technician can determine how high the cut-off should be above the ground for the distance you want to illuminate. If you drive exclusively in the city, then the 125-foot distance will work well. If you drive in the country, the extra distance afforded by using the 175-foot measurement is a better choice.

Headlight Aiming
Using this chart eliminates the need for any calculations and allows your technician to aim your headlights for maximum performance and safety.

Step 4 – Adjust the Lights

Most modern vehicles have simple adjustments for vertical and horizontal alignment built into the light assembly. In most cases, a long screwdriver is all that’s required to raise or lower the light aiming to achieve the correct cut-off height.

Headlight Aiming
With a quick look at a resource like ProDemand, your technician can quickly and easily determine the headlight adjustments for your vehicle.

The next step is for the technician to adjust the lights so that the drop at the 25-foot mark matches the chart. As long as both lights are close to each other in height, your technician can fine-tune the adjustment by lowering whichever light is higher so that the top of the cut-off is in line with the output pattern of the other light.

Horizontal Headlight Adjustment

If work has been done to the vehicle or the light assemblies, then your tech may need to adjust the horizontal adjustment to make sure both lights are aimed forward and that the hot spots from each light are spaced apart by the same distance as the bulbs in the vehicle. It’s crucial to make sure the lights are pointed straight ahead and not off to the left or right.

Drive Safely with Proper Lighting

There are a multitude of options to upgrade the lights in your car or truck. High-performance halogen, LED and HID bulbs can improve the capabilities of mediocre factory lighting systems. Once you’ve had these light upgrades aimed properly, you’ll be able to see farther and drive more safely. Your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can likely help you with a complete lighting solution that includes proper pattern alignment.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Lighting, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Upgrade Your Car with Style and Accent Lights

Car Lights

Custom lights and LED strips have been a staple for car upgrades since the Fast & Furious days. Whether it’s a strip of blue, green or red lights in the footwells or a complete custom amp rack or center console, lighting can add personality, style and flair to your vehicle. Let’s look at some options for adding lights to your car, truck or motorcycle.

A Subtle Approach to Lighting

Sometimes all it takes is a small strip of lighting behind a switch panel or around an amplifier to make a relatively simple upgrade look fantastic. Integrating lighting into your vehicle isn’t as simple as running some wires. The locations for the lights and how their output will be diffused to provide a smooth look is part of the design and construction process. The end results are typically worth the effort.

Car Lights
The team at Avant Garde Design in Palm City, Florida, built a custom center console for a 1969 Camaro. The team engraved the name of the shop that built the car into the acrylic plastic.
Car Lights
Dave Koz and the team at Signature Audio in Scottsdale, Arizona, built a trim panel for an Escort Radar controller with white backlighting to show off the laser-engraved Hennessey logo.
Car Lights
Alan Lindgren from Speed of Sound LLC in Memphis, Tennessee, built this amazing custom console for a resto-mod 1967 Shelby GT500 project.
Car Lights
Doug Ehrenwald from Advanced Coatings and Trim in Indianapolis, Indiana, upgraded this 1972 Cutlass 442 with a full interior swap that includes a Lexus dash and custom lighting.
Car Lights
Cameron “Chimpo” Powell from LIS Audio in Spring Hill, Kansas, created this amazing trunk that features the Spawn logo on the back of the subwoofer enclosure, with storage compartments on either side for detailing supplies.
Car Lights
Brian Mitchell from Liquid Trends in Modesto, California, built this custom truck bed for his local Snap-On sales representative.

Lighting in Audio System Components

The most common place where lighting is added to cars and trucks is when a custom amp rack or subwoofer enclosure is being built. Highlighting the equipment or adding a little style to the install with RGB LED lighting is a great way to make the vehicle stand out.

Car Lights
Sean Duquette from Lomas Glass and Tint in Albuquerque, New Mexico, added lighting to show off the Zapco amplifier and Audiofrog subwoofer in the trunk of this vehicle.
Car Lights
Fadi Khalid from Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga, Ontario, added lighting to this custom subwoofer enclosure and amp rack in the back of this SUV.
Car Lights
Jay Vonder from BPG Motoring in Vancouver, British Columbia, sent us this photo of the accent lighting his team added to the trunk of a Lexus sedan. Each lighting element is addressable, so it can be any color under the rainbow.
Car Lights
This is the trunk of a Cadillac built for Shaquille O’Neal for a TV show. A team of industry veterans, including Fred Lynch from ARC Audio, JT Torres from Automotive Entertainment in Huntington Beach, Tom Miller from Musicar Northwest, Bryan Schmitt from Mobile Solutions and Gary Bell from Define Concepts, brought this project together.
Car Lights
Fred Lynch Arc Audio commissioned a custom subwoofer enclosure from MTI Acoustics to fit in the back of Chip Foose’s Ford F-150. Subtle LED lighting behind the Foose logo gives the project a little extra style.
Car Lights
Joel Joseph from Joseph’s Auto Toy Store in Mesquite, Texas, integrated a piece of back-lit acrylic plastic into the top of this subwoofer enclosure that they built.

Exterior and Under-Vehicle Lighting

Thankfully, the days of real high-voltage neon tubes under cars and trucks are long behind us. Compact LED light pods and RGB strip lighting can be fit into tight spaces, and their compact size helps to protect them from damage. In terms of durability, LED lighting is solid-state. There are no glass bulbs or lenses to worry about. LED lighting also runs cool, so there’s no risk of heat damage.

Car Lights
Dan Schultz from Auto Additions in Springfield, Illinois, sent in this photo of a stunning ’34 Ford that they worked on.
Car Lights
TC Holliday from Nu Image Audio in Salina, Kansas, upgraded this Harley-Davidson with bright red LED lighting.
Car Lights
Jim Rogers from Audio innovations in Conway, Arkansas, added green LED lighting to this four-seater side-by-side.

Shopping for Lighting Upgrades

It should come as no surprise that lighting upgrades vary in cost by the complexity of the project. A strip of solid-color lighting under a dash or seat is a lot less work than cutting acrylic with a laser and integrating a housing for a light strip in a custom console. If these amazing photos have motivated you to add lighting to your vehicle, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer and ask them about your project.

Thanks to Adam Coffman from Tampa Autobody and Audio in Tampa, Florida, for the photo of the custom Slingshot we used as the header image.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Lighting, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Upgraded Headlight Output and Beam Patterns

Headlight Pattern

Upgrading the headlight bulbs or assemblies on your car or truck is a great way to improve your ability to see long distances while driving. Though many buyers focus on the amount of light produced by the bulb, ensuring that the new solution provides a proper beam pattern is crucial to your safety and that of other people on the road. Let’s discuss beam patterns and their implications for long-distance vision.

Parts of a Headlight Assembly

There are two popular types of headlight assemblies: projector and reflector styles. A reflector headlight assembly typically features a large metallic bowl that surrounds an incandescent bulb. The shape of the bowl is designed to focus the light from the bulb in a relatively narrow beam. In a projector assembly, the bulb is placed in a compact bowl that’s 2 or 3 inches in diameter. A relatively thick lens on the front of the assembly focuses the light. These designs often include a metal plate between the reflector and the lens to provide a sharp cut-off that keeps the output from blinding oncoming drivers.

Headlight Pattern

Different Bulb Upgrade Options

When shopping for upgraded bulbs for your lights, you have the option of high-output halogen, HID and LED. In the incandescent halogen market, bulb sets like the Osram Night Breaker Unlimited, Sylvania Silverstar Ultra and GE Nighthawk Platinum can increase light output by as much as 29% over a standard halogen bulb. When it comes to HID kits and LED bulbs, there are quite literally thousands of options. It is worth keeping up with reputable review websites and YouTube channels to see how technology is advancing. As of this writing in early 2020, there are finally LED bulbs that provide more light output than a 35-watt HID kit.

Headlight Pattern

What Does More Output Mean?

Ignoring the importance of beam pattern for just a minute, more light output means that whatever beam pattern is created will be brighter. Does this automatically mean you can see farther? Well, if your headlights aren’t adjusted properly, then no. Imagine if your lights are angled down a bit too much. All that light will only make the area in front of your vehicle brighter. Logic dictates that you should aim your lights a little higher in order to see farther. While this makes sense, you now run the risk of blinding oncoming drivers. This practice is extremely dangerous and could lead to you getting a ticket from the police.

What Is Headlight Beam Pattern?

Every light source emits light in a pattern. A candle, for example, produces a relatively spherical light source, lighting the area to the sides and above evenly. If you put a mirror beside the candle, you bounce that light out evenly in all directions.

If we now look at a flashlight, you can see that the light output pattern is more of a cone than a sphere. Little to no light is radiated behind or directly above, below or to the sides of the flashlight. Understanding this is fundamental to understanding how headlights work.

The headlights in most North American vehicles are designed to focus light in what is called a DOT pattern. This pattern, most commonly visible with projector-style light assemblies, has a sharp and defined upper cut-off that prevents oncoming drivers from being blinded. The pattern includes a step around the center of the output to put more light on the road on the right, so you can see farther without affecting oncoming traffic.

Headlight Pattern
The output of a DOT headlight system. Note the sharp cutoff and step that provides excellent illumination without blinding oncoming drivers. Image Credit: Daniel Wilder
Headlight Pattern
The theoretical output of a single projector-style HID headlight on the ground.

Light Intensity within the Beam Pattern

While the upper cutoff is crucial to keeping you and the other drivers on the road safe, the amount of light in different parts of the output pattern is also crucial. For optimum long-range visibility, you will want a relatively small and focused hot-spot in the upper center of the pattern. If there is too much light around the middle of the pattern, the road directly in front of the vehicle may be too bright, causing the iris in your eyes to contract slightly and reduce your long-distance vision.

Headlight Pattern
The theoretical output of a headlight with a strong center hot spot. This design allows for excellent long-range vision.
Headlight Pattern
Too much light in the foreground limits your long-range vision, making driving more dangerous.

How to Choose the Right Headlight Upgrades

If you are dealing with a reputable mobile enhancement retailer, ask if they can test-fit the planned light upgrade in your headlights before you finalize the purchase. Look at the light output on the wall of the shop and compare it to your factory lights. Make sure that any cut-off remains sharp and that the hot spot remains centered.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Lighting, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Popular Toyota Truck Upgrades for Better Sound, Safety and Style

Toyota Truck

Upgrading and personalizing pickup trucks and SUVs like the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra can make them not only look great but can increase their functionality. The truck accessory industry is a multi-million-dollar business that includes everything from wheels and tires to tonneau covers, custom lighting, sound system upgrades and remote car starters. Let’s look at just a few of the more popular options available for Toyota Truck owners.

Get Better Sound in Your Toyota Truck

Even if you’ve opted for a premium JBL sound system in your truck, your local specialty mobile electronics retailer can dramatically improve the way your music sounds. One of the easiest upgrades is to add a custom aftermarket subwoofer system to your vehicle. While Toyota and JBL do an adequate job on the mids and highs, no factory-installed sound system can produce the impact and low-frequency extension available from a premium upgrade.

Toyota Truck
The new ARC Audio SW-Series subwoofers can produce impressive bass from compact, low-profile subwoofer enclosures.

Your local car stereo shop can design and construct a custom subwoofer enclosure that will fit under the rear seat or against the back wall of a pickup truck. Dozens of companies offer shallow-mount subwoofers that deliver huge output from impressively compact enclosures.

Toyota Truck
If you own an 2007-’13 Tundra CrewMax, the SB-T-TUNDCMAX/13TW5v2 Stealthbox from JL Audio is a great way to add deep, rich bass to your sound system.

Full Audio System Upgrades

If your truck or SUV didn’t come with a premium sound system, or you want to take things to the next level, upgrading the speakers and adding an amplifier and digital signal processor can make a huge difference. Premium speakers let you crank your music to much higher levels with a dramatic reduction in distortion and improved clarity.

Toyota Truck
The MLK 1650.3 Legend speakers from Hertz feature distortion-reducing technologies such as a copper shorting ring in the woofer motor for improved clarity.

A high-quality amplifier will let you listen to your music at concert-like volume levels. Some basic factory-installed radios can only produce 18 to 20 watts of power per speaker. A local car audio shop can easily quadruple that power to let your music come to life!

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if you have chosen to upgrade your car stereo, including a digital signal processor in the system is crucially important. When configured properly, a DSP will enable your installation technician to fine-tune the frequency response of the system to ensure that it delivers smooth and natural sound while offering a realistic listening experience in terms of imaging and staging. In fact, many car audio enthusiasts will add an amplifier with an integrated DSP before upgrading the speakers in their vehicle.

Toyota Truck
The DSP Ultra from Helix includes 12 channels of equalization with advanced features to ensure that your system will sound detailed and realistic.

Add-On Navigation Systems

If your Toyota is a little older, add-on navigation system upgrades are available from such companies as NAV-TV. These upgrades can be integrated with the factory-installed color display in the dash to provide detailed turn-by-turn directions to addresses all across North America.

Toyota Truck
The NAV-TV NTV-KIT598 add-on navigation system works with 2014-2016 Tundra, Tacoma and Sequoia models with a 6.1-inch display.

Another option for adding navigation to your vehicle is to replace the radio with a modern multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. These smartphone integration technologies allow you to use the voice recognition features of your phone with Google Maps or Waze.

Of course, you can also make phone calls, listen to and send replies to text messages or choose from about a dozen streaming audio and podcast services, all using voice commands.

Toyota Truck
The Sony XAV-AX8000 multimedia receiver features an amazing 8.95-inch touchscreen display that mounts just in front of the dash.

Backup Cameras and Safety Systems

Upgrading the safety features on your Toyota is a great way to improve your safety and the safety of those around you. One of the most popular upgrades is a backup camera system. These camera systems let you see everything behind your pickup or SUV to make sure you don’t run over any toys or bicycles when parking or maneuvering. Many options are available to display the camera image, including a new rearview mirror with an integrated screen, a factory-installed color display in the dash of the truck or a new multimedia receiver.

Toyota Truck
The Momento MR-1000 rearview mirror includes a 4.3-inch color LCD screen that can show a backup camera image.

Remote Starters Add Comfort

Whether you live in the North and want to warm up your truck on a cold winter day or have to battle the heat and humidity of Texas, Arizona or Florida and want to cool your truck off, a remote car starter is a great upgrade. You can choose from starter options that work with the key fob that came with your vehicle, upgrade to a long-range two-way remote control, or even add a module that works with your cell phone to let you start your vehicle from anywhere that you have access to the Internet.

Headlight and Off-Road Lighting Upgrades

If the lights on your vehicle aren’t bright enough, consider an LED or HID headlight upgrade. These bulb replacements can dramatically improve how far you can see at night, making driving much safer. Be sure to work with your retailer to choose a lighting upgrade that is perfectly compatible with the lens design on your vehicle.

Toyota Truck
A high-quality HID upgrade offers the most light output to ensure you can see clearly once the sun sets.

If you take your truck off-road and need to bring some daylight to a dark evening’s adventure, LED light bars and spotlights are a great addition. These can be mounted along the top of the roof, to an existing front bumper or an on upgraded, fabricated bumper with a built-in winch mount. Rearward-facing work lights are another popular option for people who tow trailers with their Toyotas.

Truck Accessories

Many shops offer such truck accessories as tonneau covers, custom bumpers, side steps and toolboxes that can add style, functionality and protection to your truck. Likewise, floor liners and seat covers are also great options to help keep the interior of your truck looking like new.

Personalize Your Toyota Truck Today!

Whether you’re after added comfort, safety, functionality or enjoyment, your local mobile enhancement specialty retailer can help make your Toyota perfect for your needs. Drop by a shop today to see just what they can offer!
This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Backup Safety, Car Audio, Lighting, RESOURCE LIBRARY

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