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Your car audio Frequently Asked Questions and their answers...
• General
• Products
• Installation
• Faults
General Questions:
The radios on your site are displaying peak ratings of 50W x 4. Is this power too much for my standard car speakers to handle?
No! You control the power going into your speakers via the volume control. When the volume is too high your speakers produce a distortion sound. It's as simple as that.
Do the radios and CD Players on your website come with removable security fascias?
The majority of radios come with removable fascias and include a robust case to store the fascia in. Some of the higher specification radios have a security code as an alternative. Check the Key Features of each product for more details.
Could you explain what an MP3 player is?
An MP3 player is a generally a radio/CD and MP3 player combined that you can play your home burned CD's. MP3 is simply a form of compressing music so you can fit more music on 1 CD-R or CD-RW. MP3 music files can be downloaded from online music stores.
Are radios available with blue displays to match my blue dash display? I have only seen green & amber displays
Yes! Using the product menu to the left of this page, select the radio product you are interested in, such as cassette, CD player, MP3, MiniDisc or CD package and scroll through each brand looking for the products with blue displays that meet your criteria.
Could you explain what GPS is and what role it plays in car navigation systems?
Global Positioning System is a navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defence. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.
GPS when used to guide in-car navigation systems requires that a GPS receiver found in your car be set up on a precisely known location. The base station receiver calculates its position based on satellite signals and compares this location to the known location and the intended destination.
Product Questions:
I am interested in a DAB radio for my car but I'm not sure if they are actually worth fitting yet. Are there many digital radio stations available at present?
DAB or Digital Analogue Broadcasting is definitely worth a look. More and more radio DAB radio stations are being added monthly with a wide range of music genres and as a DAB user, I can confirm that the music clarity is absolutely crystal clear in any UK location.
Is it possible to keep my steering wheel remote controls and dash display operational when I install my new radio?
Yes! In order to keep these operational you will need a 'Steering wheel remote adaptor' or a 'Steering wheel remote & display adapter' from our website. You will find them in the Accessories section of the website.
I have a factory fitted radio can you supply a CD or MP3 changer less than I've been quoted by my dealer, they wanted £350?
Yes! This is on of the more popular sections of this website due to car dealerships charging crazy prices. You will find the superior factory fitted CD changer packages in the CD Changers for Factory installed radios section of this website. We have put together the recommended CD Changer and interface adapter (where necessary) for each car make and model and to ensure the easiest method of installation.
What is a parking sensor and how accurate are they?
A car parking sensor also known as a Parking aid or Reverse sensor are electronic devices that when fitted to your vehicle rear bumper guide you when reverse gear is selected by giving you differing audible tones to alert you of your proximity in relation to surrounding objects.
They can also be fitted to the front bumper and wired through an independent switch. The Taurus T123 Parking Sensor is the best we've found after testing every brand available due to its new revolutionary 100% reliable electro-magnetic technology and design that uses an adhesive antenna that mounts on the inner side of your bumper as opposed to the conventional ultra-sonic type that require you to mount sensors actually into your bumper that somewhat spoil the aesthetics of your car.
What is a radar/laser detector and are they legal?
Also known as a Safety Alert System, radar or Laser Detectors monitor the road ahead for Gatso cameras, laser guns and general speeding monitoring systems. Following an Appeal Court ruling in January 1998 it is now completely legal to own and use a radar or laser detector Safety Alert System in the UK.
What are FM Modulator CD Changers and how good is the sound quality?
FM Modulator CD Changers work through any car that has a good quality FM aerial reception. So if your car radio doesn't have a CD Changer output or if you don't want to replace your radio for example if you are driving a leased car or classic an FM Modulator Universal Changer is ideal as it works by tuning 1 of your radio preset buttons into a pre-determined radio frequency. This is where you play your CD's and control them via the included remote. If you have a good quality FM reception the CD's will play as good as a normal CD player.
Installation Questions:
Will I have to cut any wires when installing my new radio. I am concerned about jeopardising my car warranty?
No! All new radios include wiring harnesses that have (ISO) connections. ISO is an international standard connection type. Once you have removed your original radio you will be able to install your new radio directly onto the radio wiring connector if it has an ISO connection as standard or you will need a Harness Adapter that will enable you to install it by push-fit connection.
Realistically can I fit my new car radio?
Yes! With the introduction of Harness Adapters, Fascia Harness Adapters, Aerial Adapters and Steering Wheel Remote Adapters anyone can install a radio as these accessories will enable a push-fit connection. The only problem you may encounter is removing your original radio as some as fixed by screws hidden behind your dash. These generally look much harder than they actually are. If you encounter problems read our Installation Guide for further help.
How easy is it to fit a CD Changer?
This depends on your car, your DIY experience and the tools you have... On average a CD changer can be fitted in 1 hour without any problems. You will need a drill to mount the changer unless you request some FREE adhesive Velcro from us when you have your changer delivered. This will enable you to mount your changer lying flat in your glove box, under a seat or in the boot with ease. If using the supplied screws to mount the changer hold it in position and mark the 4 holes with a marker pen, take away the changer and drill the holes then screw the changer in position.
When installing your changer you will need to run the data lead from the rear of your radio or if using a Factory Fitted radio CD changer package from the pre-installed CD lead in the glove box or boot (where fitted) to your changer mounting location. The data lead is placed under the carpet or interior trim, in most cases by simply pushing it under.
The radio harness in my car has a strange connector that will not fit into my new radio. Is it possible to install a normal sized radio?
Yes! You will need a Harness Adapter that connects onto your standard radio connector and your new radio will connect to the harness adapter all by push-fit connection. As simple as that!
The factory fitted radio in my car is a strange shape and size. Is it possible to install a normal sized radio?
Yes! You will need a Fascia Adapter that simply reduces the hole to a standard radio size known as (DIN) so you can install any aftermarket radio that is available from any of the leading brands such as Alpine, Kenwood and Sony, etc. The fascia adapter will enable you to keep the original appearance...
Fault Questions:
Having just installed my new radio, when I turn it off and back on again the preset radio stations and other settings reset and the CD ejects. Why is this?
This is easy to correct. Basically 2 wires on the radio harness need swapping around. These are the 12V permanent live (yellow wire) and the 12V ignition live (red wire). Remove your radio and disconnect the bullet connectors found on the radio wiring harness and swap these 2 colours, so that yellow goes to red and red goes to yellow. Your radio was simply losing power to the memory feature.
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