The Benefits of Custom-installed Radar Detectors

If you are looking for the best defense against police laser and radar guns, speed cameras, and radar-based work zone speed detection systems, then a custom-installed radar detector and laser countermeasure system is the only choice. This article compares the features and performance benefits of a portable radar detection system to one that we integrate into your vehicle.

What is a Radar Detector?

Simply put, a radar detector is a device that includes one or more radio frequency receivers and a computer. The receiver is designed to focus on specific frequencies and report the presence of those signals to the vehicle operator. The goal of the system is to detect radar measurement signals used on vehicles in front of you and provide enough warning so you can slow down to a legal speed and avoid getting a ticket.

Law enforcement agencies in North America use three radar frequencies. X-band operates between 10.5 and 10.55 GHz, K-band operates between 24.05 and 24.25 GHz, and Ka-band operates between 33.4 and 36 GHz.

Why Custom-installed Radar Systems Offer Better Protection

When comparing portable radar detectors to custom-installed systems, the biggest performance benefit comes from the ability to make the radar receiver larger. As with any antenna, more size means more sensitivity. The radar receiver included with a custom-installed detector is typically bigger than an entire portable radar detection device. In AM/FM antennae, a half-wave antenna offers more than twice the sensitivity of a quarter-wave antenna. The benefit to you is that a custom-installed radar detection system can detect weaker signals and provide an earlier warning so you can slow down sooner.

Some systems include separate receivers and amplifiers for the low-frequency X-band and the higher K- and Ka-bands. This configuration allows each antenna to be more sensitive within its specified operating range and requires less signal filtering and amplification.

Many radar systems that integrate with your vehicle include a second high-sensitivity detector for the rear of the car or truck. Many police forces use dash-mounted radar systems that function while the police vehicle is in motion. If an officer is following you, you will want to know if he or she is measuring your vehicle’s speed.

Police Laser and Lidar Systems

Many law enforcement agencies now use laser-based measurement systems. These devices send out a very narrow beam of invisible “light” that pulses in a particular pattern. The laser gun measures how that beam is reflected to calculate the speed of the vehicle it is measuring. The laser works with incredible accuracy. High-quality laser speed detection systems have a beam width of only 30 inches at a range of 1,000 feet and can operate up to 6,000 feet away. They are accurate to within 1 mph and can acquire a reading in as little as 0.33 seconds.

Laser detection systems look for energy between 830 and 945 nanometers and report it to the driver. The problem with laser speed detection is that once the officer has pulled the trigger, he has an accurate reading of your speed. There isn’t any point in slowing down.

Laser Detection versus Laser Defense Systems

A premium portable radar and laser detector that mounts to your windshield can alert you to the use of laser speed measurement. As we mentioned, though, once the officer has a reading, it is too late. Your only hope of avoiding a ticket is to detect beam scatter from another vehicle, then slow down before the police measure your speed.

The number one benefit of a remote mounted detection system is its ability to combat laser or lidar systems. In a laser countermeasure system, there are several compact transceivers mounted near your license plate and headlights – the most frequent target for police radar. When these sensors detect a laser measurement signal, they instantly start to transmit a signal to confuse the radar gun.

The second issue with portable radar and laser detection systems is location. As we mentioned, police target your license plate and headlights because these are reflective, in hopes of getting an accurate reading at long distances. Your portable detector, mounted up high on your windshield, may offer excellent radar detection range, but can miss laser signals altogether due to that height.

Some custom installed radar detectors include laser functionality, and some provide it as an option. Talk to your retailer to ensure you are getting the protection you want.

How to Use a Laser Defense System

If a police officer targets your vehicle with his laser gun and pulls the trigger, he will be expecting a result almost instantly. If your laser defense system prevents him from getting a reading, the officer will quickly realize you are using a countermeasure system. To prevent him from following you for the next 10 miles or until you do something wrong, there is a suggested etiquette to using laser defense.

As soon as your laser detection system alerts you to the use of a radar gun, slow down quickly. Obviously, slamming on the brakes will attract attention. Smooth and steady deceleration is the ideal. As soon as you are at a legal speed, cancel the laser countermeasure system and let the officer take a reading. If that is executed smoothly, the officer will leave you alone and move on to measuring the vehicle behind you.

The only defense against police laser/lidar is a custom-installed laser countermeasure system.

Reduce the Clutter

If you are like us, then you hate clutter in your vehicle. There are some nice mounting brackets for portable radar detections, but they still detract from the appearance of your vehicle. Depending on the brand of custom-installed radar detection systems, there may be a small control panel that we can mold into your dash or center console, or no visible control panel at all. In these “invisible” systems, all of the alerts are handled with audible warnings and a pair of small LEDs. Eliminating connections to your cigarette lighter plug and suction cup marks on your windshield keeps your vehicle looking organized and tidy.

From a safety perspective, having a radar detector on your windshield will block some of your vision. The percentage of windshield area that a portable radar detector takes up is small, but every square inch counts when it comes to safe driving.

Protection against Theft

Dash and windshield mounted radar detectors are prime targets for thieves. The complexity and distributed design of custom-installed radar detectors make them too much hassle to steal. Even if thieves were to break into your vehicle, they would only be able to get a few parts of the system. The result is that there is no resale value, so they leave these systems alone.

Complete Vehicle Integration

Depending on the features and complexity of a remote-mount radar detector system, there could be as few as three components, or more than a dozen modules and sensors. We mount each component in a location that ensures reliable operation and protection against damage. We route the system wiring with factory harnesses and protect it with split loom or cloth tape – whichever best matches the OEM style of your vehicle. We make the electrical connections mechanically and electrically secure so they will function flawlessly for years.

When we install a radar detector and laser defense system in your vehicle, it becomes an integral part of your car or truck. You will never forget to bring it with you. You will never forget to turn it on. It is always ready to protect you.

Visit Your Local Mobile Enhancement Retailer Today

If you are looking for the best defense against police laser/lidar and radar guns, the only choice is a custom-installed radar detector system. Most systems are nearly invisible once installed, and the laser shifter/defuser modules can be integrated into your vehicle cosmetics beautifully. Visit your local mobile enhancement retailer today to discuss the options for your vehicle.

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.

What To Look for When Shopping for Motorcycle Audio Speakers

Now that the weather is great all across the country, motorcycle enthusiasts have a chance to get their bikes out and go for a ride – but many riders complain that the factory audio systems on their bikes don’t sound as good as they’d like. There are several reasons why, and a few relatively easy ways to upgrade these systems. A proper motorcycle audio system upgrade will include at least two components – an amplifier and a new set of motorcycle audio speakers. This article highlights a few things to look for when shopping for new motorcycle speakers.

Mother Nature is a Challenge

Unlike in a vehicle, when you are riding your motorcycle, your speakers are exposed to the elements. Sun, water, sand, dirt and debris are natural obstacles that can harm your speakers. When you are shopping for a new set of motorcycle audio speakers, you want to look for ones that are completely weather-resistant.

Water-resistant – Most speakers are made of plastics and metal. Within the motor structure of the speaker are ceramic or neodymium magnets bonded to ferrous metal plates. These metal plates must be protected from exposure to water. When it comes to coaxial speakers, there has to be a seal between the woofer cone and the tweeter post. If this seal does not exist, then water can get into the motor assembly and cause corrosion. In the marine speaker market, a test known as ASTM B117 exposes speakers to a salt fog spray to test for corrosion or material failure. If your speakers have this rating, you know you will have the reliability you are looking for to last for years.

Dust-resistant Design – Following the same theme as the requirement for water resistance, a motorcycle audio speaker should be able to operate reliably when dusty or dirty. A few specks of sand wedged between the voice coil former and the tweeter post of a coaxial speaker can wreak havoc on the performance of the system.

UV Exposure-rated – You want to look for a speaker that is constructed with materials that can withstand UV exposure. These plastics will not chalk, fade, crack or degrade, even after years of direct sun exposure. Having your speaker cones or surrounds fall apart after a few years on your bike is a frustrating experience. To confirm that the speakers you want to use are up to the challenge, look for ASTM D4329 testing. This test exposes the products to years of UV and heat exposure in a short amount of time. If they pass this test, you can trust they will work will on your bike.

Motorcycle Audio Systems Need Power

To reproduce your music at a volume level that can drown out the wind and overcome the noise of a loud exhaust, you need power. Adding an amplifier to your bike is a necessity to achieve adequate performance. Your new speakers have to handle the power from your amp.

The voice coil is the motor of your speaker. It converts the electrical signal from your amplifier into a magnetic field that pushes or pulls the speaker cone forward or backward. If you are sending a lot of power to the voice coil, it has to be physically large enough to dissipate the heat that is generated. Look for large-diameter voice coils; they act like the radiator in your car.

Can Looking at the Tweeter Tell Me Anything?

There are some strong stereotypes associated with hard- and soft-dome tweeters. Many say that hard, metal dome tweeters sound harsh and that soft-dome tweeters sound smooth and laid back. After listening to thousands of speakers, we can tell you that as many examples of each type of tweeter confirm this theory as oppose it.

No one single material selection can determine what a speaker sounds like. Every component in a speaker works as part of a system. The cone, surround, spider, voice coil and magnet structure all have an important role in determining the resulting performance of a speaker. The only way to know how a system sounds is to listen to it. That said, choosing materials that offer weather resistance and long-term reliability is crucial.

Where to Buy Your Motorcycle Audio Upgrades

We have seen many people buying bolt-on audio system upgrades at shows like Bike Week or Thunder Beach Fall Rally. The people selling products at these events may even offer to install them right at the show. Convenience and instant gratification are wonderful, but what happens when it comes to after-sales support? What if a speaker fails? What if you take the kit home and something doesn’t fit? You will have to track down the vendor and, unless they are local to you, pay someone to remove and replace the failed component.

When you deal with a dedicated retailer with a “brick and mortar” storefront, you know you will have the after-sales support that you want and deserve. If you have a question or concern, or decide you want additional upgrades, your retailer is there to support you every day.

Stick to the Big Names

If someone approached you at a cruise and said, “Hey, I designed these cool tires in my basement, do you want to try them?” – what would be your response? Unless this last person’s last name is Dunlop or Pirelli, you are going to be skeptical. That is a good thing.

You bought a Honda Goldwing, BMW K1600, or Harley-Davidson Road Glide or Street Glide because you are confident in the process that those manufacturers have put into developing and testing their products. Decades of engineering, design and innovation produce increasingly reliable and higher-performing products each year. Audio components are the same. A small company can go to Asia and have its name put on an order of speakers, but does anyone know what you are getting for your money?

Dealing with a reputable brand ensures that you will have product support long after the sale is complete. You are getting the latest technologies for incredible performance. FEA design analysis, Klippel testing, fanatical quality control and continued research are all hallmarks of dealing with a premium brand. Why take a risk with your audio investment?

Upgrade Your Motorcycle Audio System Today

When it is time to upgrade your existing audio system or add a new system to your motorcycle, visit your local mobile electronics specialist retailer. They have the products and experience to design an audio system that will sound great and be reliable for years to come.

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.

Hot Rod, RestoMod, and Restoration Source Unit Options

The stereotypical image of a “Woody” station wagon with a surfboard on the roof is missing one critically important element to make it part of the perfect day on the beach: an audio system. In the 1960s, the aftermarket car audio scene was weak. Compared to now, there weren’t any options for source units, speakers or amplifiers, and certainly nobody had a subwoofer. All of that has changed. Today, aftermarket car audio upgrades can transform your daily driver or project car into something stunning. Let’s think back to our mental image of a ’60s Chevy Woody wagon, but update it with modern speakers, amplifiers and – of course – a new source unit. This article discusses some of the source unit options available to people who are restoring a classic car, building a hot rod or doing anything in between.

Modern Convenience and Performance

If you are building a street rod or are willing to take some liberties with the look of your dash, then cutting an opening for a single-DIN radio or making a console for a double-DIN radio provides you with an excellent opportunity to have all the latest features and technologies right at your fingertips.

Bluetooth hands-free calling is essential to your safety when on the road. Audio streaming will let you play music from your smartphone or a streaming service wirelessly to your radio. Digital media file playback provides you with a way to access your modern MP3 music collections. Finally, navigation systems can help get you where you want to go quickly and safely.

Many modern radios have the ability to change the color of the controls and the display. You can match the color of your radio to a set of incandescent bulbs in the gauges of a ’30s roadster or the blue glow of a set of new digital gauges. Some people set the radio to match the color of the car.

Contemporary Performance and Classic Style

Several manufacturers produce modern radios with traditional twin-shaft mounting systems. These radios include features like USB ports for your digital media collection or your Apple iPod or iPhone. Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling functions are standard on many models, and SiriusXM satellite radio connectivity will let you enjoy genre-specific programming from coast to coast.

These radios feature vintage styling with simple LCD and LED displays where the old analog tuner used to be. Multi-function knobs on either side of the primary display handle controls for volume, tuning and source selection functions. These radios include between 18 and 25 watts of power from the built-in amplifier and have pre-amp outputs for adding external amplifiers.

Connectivity with the latest devices may not be as up to date as with a modern aftermarket radio, but these vintage radios can conceal themselves well in your dash.

The Hidden Radio Solution

If you are working hard to keep the interior of your vehicle looking original, then your best bet is not to show off a new radio at all. Some people will mount an aftermarket radio in the glove box or under the front seat. These radios are still accessible while you’re driving, but not as easily.

For several years, the hot ticket was to install a marine radio in the trunk or a storage compartment. The driver would have access to a wired remote control to change the volume or source. These marine remotes often include small displays to let you know what station or track you are enjoying.

Modern marine source unit remote solutions include IR and RF remotes, as well as iPod or iPhone remotes that use WiFi for communication. You can use your radio quite easily without being able to see it at all.

Custom Remote Control Solutions

One “trick” that people often forget about is to use an OEM steering wheel audio control interface with a set of custom switches to control the radio. Your installer can program a set of switches with unique resistor values to perform almost any function you want. A spare four-way power window rocker switch makes a great volume and track selection control. You could use power window and power lock switches on a door to perform similar functions. The options for custom remote controls are nearly endless.

“Radio? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Radio!”

The modern smartphone has started to replace radios altogether in some projects. Being able to stream radio stations over the Internet or use services like Pandora or iHeartRadio makes your cellphone and its wireless Bluetooth connection the only source you may need.

In the most basic of applications, your installer can connect a stand-alone Bluetooth receiver to a small amplifier and new speakers. The volume control on your smartphone will serve as the master volume control for the sound system. The system will power up as soon you connect to the Bluetooth module and start streaming audio.

If you are after a better-sounding system, then you may want to look at a signal processor with an optional Bluetooth streaming module. Several digital signal processors (DSPs) on the market can stream high-quality audio directly without the need for a source unit. The audio processing functions of the DSP will allow your installer to maximize the performance of each speaker in your system and create an amazing sonic experience.

Shop Local for Your Source Unit Options

Before you get too deep into your restoration or project build, contact your local mobile enhancement retailer today to discuss suitable source unit options for your vehicle. They will be able to explain the benefits of each system and provide you with all the information the restoration shop you are working with will need to bring the concept to fruition. No matter what source unit option you choose, having great speakers and amplifiers in your classic car or hot rod will make going for a cruise much more 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.

Product Spotlight: Sony XS-GS1631C

Sony introduced their new XS-GS1631C 3-way component speaker system at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The system includes a pair of 6.5-inch woofers, a set of 3.5-inch midrange drivers, a pair of 1-inch soft-dome tweeters and a set of passive crossover networks. This system is designed as a premium upgrade for vehicles with door and dash speaker locations. The system offers a 3-year warranty for long-term peace of mind. Let’s take a close look at what Sony has come up with.

Benefits of the Sony XS-GS1631C

A trait common to all speakers is directivity. Based on the cone diameter alone, the sound coming from a speaker becomes more directional as frequencies increase. One of the key benefits of a 3-way front speaker set is that each driver is operated below the frequencies where they become directional. As a result, the speakers provide evenly distributed sound throughout the vehicle. When the midrange and tweeters are mounted high in the doors or dash, the soundstage will typically be higher compared to a conventional 2-way speaker configuration.

6.5-inch Woofer Features

The woofers from the set are based on a stamped steel basket. Mounting holes and tabs are provided for 6.5 and 6.75-inch bolt circles. The cones of the woofers are made from Sony’s proprietary MRC (Mica Reinforced Cellular) polypropylene. In this application they are reinforced with aramid fibers. The result is a low-mass design with rigidity more than ten times higher than competitor polypropylene cones, but just a fraction of the mass. Rubber surrounds and poly dust caps round out the moving component features. Sony includes trim rings and a set of grilles with the woofers.

3.5-inch Midrange Design

The midrange drivers in the XS-GS1631C set also feature stamped steel baskets. Two mounting tabs are provided and serve as a direct fit for Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram as well as many GM and Ford vehicles without the need for modification. In some cases, the midrange drivers use the factory mounting bolts. Each midrange speaker uses a compact neodymium magnet that helps keep the overall mounting depth to a diminutive 1-7/16 inches.

The cones of the midrange drivers use the same aramid fiber reinforced MRC poly cone material as the woofers. They also feature a rubber surround. Rubber surrounds last longer than foam. They help to ensure these speakers will continue to sound great for years.

1-inch Tweeter Technologies

The tweeters in the set include provisions for flush, surface and angled installations. Unlike the midrange, the tweeter design includes a grille that is optimized for installations where the unit will be visible. The tweeter has a 1-inch synthetic fiber design for smooth and detailed sound.

Passive Crossover Networks

As mentioned, the set includes a pair of passive crossover networks. The networks filter the speakers at 500 and 5000 Hz. A switch inside the crossover allows the installer to set the tweeter level at -2, 0 or +4dB to compensate for different installation configurations and listener preferences. The crossover can be wired in a bi-amplified configuration to provide independent control over the woofer level. Alternatively, you can jumper the inputs and drive the entire speaker set from a single amplifier channel.

Sony uses a combination of air and iron-core inductors, electrolytic capacitors and a premium mylar capacitor for the tweeters. Sony took the time to mount each inductor to the circuit board securely to prevent any reliability issues.

Specifications

Sony rates the speaker set as being capable of handling 120 watts of power using the CTA-2031 standard. Efficiency is specified at 87dB (+/- 2dB) and frequency response at an impressive 30 to 30,000 Hz range.

Sony XM-GS6DSP Compatible

For a truly amazing listening experience, combine the XS-GS1631C with Sony’s new six-channel XM-GS6DSP amplifier. The GS6DSP amp can be used to power the system speaker in a fully-active 3-way configuration or in combination with the passive crossovers and a dedicated subwoofer, to create an amazing four-way system. In either case, the signal delay and equalization capabilities of the GS6DSP will allow your installer to create an impressively accurate soundstage across the dash of your vehicle. A good tech can further tune the system for a smooth and natural frequency response.

Premium Speaker Upgrade Solution

The new XS-GS1631C three-way speaker set is a bold step forward for a Japanese company like Sony. As is evident from their other recent product introductions, Sony is focused on developing cost-effective, high-performance solutions to make car stereo systems that sound great! If you are in the market for speaker upgrade for your vehicle, and it has room for a three-way speaker set, drop by your local Sony dealer and audition the XS-GS1631C system today.

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.

Automotive Battery Science: How Batteries Work

Your automotive battery is one of the most important, and most often overlooked, electrical components in your vehicle. If your battery is not in good condition, you can be stranded, and other components in your vehicle may be damaged. This article discusses how batteries work and how to take care of them.

What is Inside an Automotive Battery?

Inside a typical car battery are six smaller energy-producing components called cells. Each cell contains a series of electrodes or plates. The positive plate of the battery is lead [eroxide (PbO2). The negative plates of the battery are pure lead in a soft, sponge-like state. The plates within each cell are arranged in alternating layers for a total of 16 components. All of the positive plates in a cell are wired in parallel, as are all of the negative plates.

Each cell produces roughly 2 volts of electricity. The six individual cells are wired in series with one another so the voltage generated by each cell adds together. The result is 12 volts.

Are You Ready for the Chemistry?

A diluted solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) surrounds the plates. The ratio of acid to water (H2O) is typically in the region of three parts of water to one part of acid.

When we connect a load to the external terminals of the battery, a chemical reaction starts to take place. Our diluted sulfuric acid mixture comprises H2SO4 and water (H20). As the reaction commences, the sulfuric acid splits into positive hydrogen ions (2H) and negative sulfate Ions (SO4).

When the hydrogen ions reach the lead peroxide plate, they absorb electronics from it and become a hydrogen atom. This process attacks the lead peroxide to produce lead oxide (PbO) and water (H2O). The lead oxide reacts with the sulfuric acid to form lead sulfate (Pb SO4) and water (H2O).

Negative sulfate ions move freely within the solution. As they reach the pure lead plate, they give up their extra electron and become what is known as a radical sulfate. As a radical sulfate cannot exist on its own, it will attack the pure lead plate to produce lead sulfate (PbSO4).

The action of positive hydrogen ions taking electrons from the lead peroxide plate, and the negative sulfate ions giving electrons to the pure lead plate produce an electron imbalance. These electrons flow through the external load to try and balance themselves. This process is how the battery provides power to our load (light, amplifier, heater or computer).

The Chemistry behind Battery Charging

When we apply an external DC source to the battery, we reverse the process. An external DC source such as an alternator or a battery charger feeds electrons to our positive lead sulfate-covered lead peroxide plate and the negative lead peroxide-covered lead plate. During the charging process, the density of the sulfuric acid solution falls, but we still have positive hydrogen ions and negative sulfate ions.

The positively charged hydrogen Ions more toward the negative terminal of the external DC source. Each hydrogen ion takes one electron from the negative plate to become a hydrogen atom. These hydrogen atoms attack the lead sulfate to produce lead and sulfuric acid.

The negative sulfate ions move toward the positively charged plate. When they get there, they give up their extra electron to become radical sulfates. This radical sulfate reacts with the lead sulfate, and forms lead peroxide and sulfuric acid.

We Can Simplify that a Lot!

In a nutshell, the negative terminal of a lead-acid battery has an over-abundance of electrons. When you connect a load to the battery, the electrons scramble through the load to get to the positive terminal. This electron flow is what allows the battery to provide energy to do work.

When we apply a voltage to the battery that is higher than its resting voltage the electron flow reverses. The sulfate layers on the plates are converted back to lead and sulfuric acid.

Battery Charging: Calm Down – What’s the Rush?

About the worst thing you can do to a car battery is to rush the charging process. If you rush the recharging chemical reaction, the lead sulfate will heat up and adhere permanently to the lead and lead peroxide plates. Once it is stuck there, we can no longer use that area of the plate to flow electrons, and we have reduced the effective size of the battery.

You probably have heard the expression “a battery is never the same after it has been killed.” This statement is very true if the battery is not charged gently and thoroughly.

When you want to recharge your battery properly, keeping the process slow will allow the chemical reaction to take place at a controlled rate. If you are using a high-quality, computer-controlled charger (and you should be!) there are two major charging stages. The first stage is called bulk charging. The charger will maintain a constant current flow to the battery by adjusting the applied voltage.

How do you know if you are charging a care battery too quickly? Standard flooded batteries should not exceed roughly 120 degrees Fahrenheit during charging. We suggest that slower and cooler is always better. An absorbed glass mat (AGM) or gel battery should not exceed 100 degrees.

Once approximately 80% of the used energy has been returned to the battery, the charger will switch to the absorption stage. At that stage, the charger provides a constant voltage to the battery and the current flow diminishes as the battery reaches full charge.

How to Calculate Maximum Battery Charging Rates

A relatively large car battery may have a capacity of 70 or 80 amp-hours. This specification means that under ideal conditions, you can draw 1 amp of current from the battery for 70 or 80 hours. After that time, the battery will be considered dead.

To find the ideal charging rate for our 70 amp-hour battery, we divide this specification by 10 to get seven amps. The battery should be able to accept 7 amps of charging current without overheating. It is worth noting that, if the battery is completely discharged, it will take 10 hours to charge it. Remember, slower is better when it comes to charging batteries.

Taking Care of Your Car Battery

Automotive Battery — The CTEK charger is a great charger to keep your battery operating at its potential.

Some of us who are more fanatical about the care and maintenance of our car batteries will connect them to intelligent battery chargers several times a year. One rule of thumb is to charge your battery fully after each oil change, or four times a year. You should increase this frequency if you make short trips that do not provide adequate charging time. Likewise, time spent playing your audio system with the engine off can drain a battery very quickly. If you have been out with friends and your car battery has been depleted, put it on a high-quality charger overnight.

If you can access the acid solution in your battery, ensure that it is at the proper level, or at the very least, is covering the lead plates completely. A hydrometer should be used to confirm the specific gravity of the solution, but if it is low, adding distilled water is better than doing nothing. That little green “eye” included in some batteries is a hydrometer. When it disappears, the chemical balance within the battery is off and it needs to be charged.

Your local mobile electronics retailer may have a battery load tester that they use before every remote car starter they install. If you are concerned about the condition of your battery, ask them to check it. Being stranded due to a dead battery when the temperatures get cold is frustrating if you are trying to get home or to work.

Ensure the battery terminals and connections to your vehicle are clean and secure at all times. A loose connection can have a dramatic adverse effect on the functionality of your electrical system.

If you need a new battery, check with your local mobile enhancement retailer first. They often have extensive experience in upgrading batteries and can help you choose a solution that will ensure your car is ready to go every time you turn the key.

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.

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What is a Radar Detector?

Why Custom-installed Radar Systems Offer Better Protection

Police Laser and Lidar Systems

Laser Detection versus Laser Defense Systems

How to Use a Laser Defense System

Reduce the Clutter

Protection against Theft

Complete Vehicle Integration

Visit Your Local Mobile Enhancement Retailer Today

Mother Nature is a Challenge

Motorcycle Audio Systems Need Power

Can Looking at the Tweeter Tell Me Anything?

Where to Buy Your Motorcycle Audio Upgrades

Stick to the Big Names

Upgrade Your Motorcycle Audio System Today

Modern Convenience and Performance

Contemporary Performance and Classic Style

The Hidden Radio Solution

Custom Remote Control Solutions

“Radio? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Radio!”

Shop Local for Your Source Unit Options

Benefits of the Sony XS-GS1631C

6.5-inch Woofer Features

3.5-inch Midrange Design

1-inch Tweeter Technologies

Passive Crossover Networks

Specifications

Sony XM-GS6DSP Compatible

Premium Speaker Upgrade Solution

What is Inside an Automotive Battery?

Are You Ready for the Chemistry?

The Chemistry behind Battery Charging

We Can Simplify that a Lot!

Battery Charging: Calm Down – What’s the Rush?

How to Calculate Maximum Battery Charging Rates

Taking Care of Your Car Battery

Customer Reviews

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