10 Benefits of Upgrading to an Aftermarket Stereo

Benefits of Upgrading to an Aftermarket Stereo

Most people don’t think about their car stereo until it stops working. At that point, they realize how important it is to the overall driving experience. A good car stereo can make a long drive more enjoyable, and a bad one can make it miserable. And nobody wants to be stuck listening to static or silence on a road trip or in traffic.

10 Benefits of Upgrading Your Car Stereo

Even if your stereo is still working, you might want to consider upgrading to an aftermarket stereo. Here are ten reasons why you should.

Better Sound Quality

The most significant benefit of upgrading to an aftermarket stereo is improving sound quality. Factory stereos are designed to be “good enough” for most people. But if you’re serious about music, you’ll want something that sounds better.

Aftermarket stereos use higher-quality components than factory stereos. They also have more powerful amplifiers that can drive speakers more effectively. As a result, you’ll get much better sound quality from an aftermarket stereo.

More Features

Another benefit of upgrading to an aftermarket stereo is the addition of features that aren’t available on most factory stereos. Many aftermarket stereos come with Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream music from your phone wirelessly.

Some aftermarket stereos also come with an advanced equalizer that can help you get the exact sound you’re looking for when listening to your favorite music.

Better Looks

In addition to sounding better and having more features, aftermarket stereos also tend to look better than factory stereos. That’s because they’re designed with aesthetics in mind. Aftermarket stereo manufacturers know that people want their cars to look good, so they make sure their products look great.

As a result, upgrading to an aftermarket stereo can also help improve the overall look of your car’s interior and give you the look that you want inside your car.

Easier Installation

One of the best things about aftermarket stereos is that they’re usually much easier to install than factory stereos. This is because they’re designed to be installed by anyone, regardless of their experience level.

In contrast, factory stereos are often quite challenging to install. This is because they’re designed to be installed by car dealerships, which have access to unique tools and equipment.
As a result, if you don’t have experience installing car stereos, you might want to consider upgrading to an aftermarket stereo.

Cheaper Replacement Parts

If something goes wrong with your aftermarket stereo, it will be much easier (and cheaper) to find replacement parts than for a factory stereo. That’s because aftermarket stereo parts are widely available from various sources.

In contrast, finding replacement parts for a factory stereo can be challenging and expensive. They’re not as widely available, and they’re often designed to be installed by car dealerships.
If you’re looking for a cheaper and easier way to repair your car stereo, you should consider upgrading to an aftermarket stereo.

Greater Flexibility

Another great thing about aftermarket stereos is that they offer greater flexibility than factory stereos. You can choose from a wide variety of aftermarket stereos, each of which offers its own unique set of features.

For example, if you’re looking for a basic stereo with good sound quality, you can find one. Or, if you want a more feature-rich stereo with GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, you can also find one of those.

In contrast, factory stereos are often quite limited in features and flexibility. That’s because they’re meant to meet the needs of a specific type of customer who isn’t interested in upgraded stereo technology and features.

Better Reliability

Aftermarket stereos are also known for their better reliability than factory stereos. In addition, they’re typically made with higher-quality components, which increases their overall durability.
In contrast, factory stereos are often known for their poor reliability. It is because manufacturers usually make them with low-quality components, leading to problems over time.

Improved Safety

One of the best things about aftermarket stereos is that they can improve your safety on the road. Some aftermarket stereos come with features like hands-free calling, which allows you to make calls without taking your hands off the wheel.

It can be a great feature if you frequently use your phone while driving. It can help you stay focused on the road and avoid accidents.

In addition, some aftermarket stereos also come with built-in GPS navigation. This can be a great feature if you travel a lot and don’t want to purchase an extra GPS navigation unit for you car or use your phone’s data to get you where you want to go.

More Powerful

Another reason why people upgrade to aftermarket stereos is that they’re more powerful than factory stereos. But, again, it is because they have more speakers and higher wattage output.
It can be great for getting the most out of your music. It can help you create a more immersive listening experience and rock out while driving.

In contrast, factory stereos are often quite limited in power and sound quality.

Better Customization Options

Aftermarket stereos also offer better customization options than factory stereos because you can choose from a wide variety of aftermarket stereos, each of which offers its own unique set of features.

For example, if you’re looking for a basic stereo with good sound quality, you can find one. However, if you want a more feature-rich stereo with GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, you can also find one of those.

In contrast, factory stereos are often quite limited in features and flexibility and don’t consider the needs of those who want extra customization options and features.

What to Look for in an Aftermarket Stereo

Once you’ve decided to upgrade to an aftermarket stereo, you need to find the right one for your car. Here are a few things to look for:

Type of Stereo

There are many different types of aftermarket stereos available, so you need to find the one that’s best suited for your needs. For example, if you want a basic stereo with good sound quality, you can find one. Or, if you want a more feature-rich stereo with better sound and an immersive music-listening experience, you can upgrade to that.

Size

Look for an aftermarket stereo that’s the right size for your car. This is important because it may not fit properly in your vehicle if it’s too big or too small. Since not all stereo bays are the same size, be sure to measure your car’s stereo bay before purchasing.

Installation

Some aftermarket stereos are easy to install, while others require professional installation. If you’re not comfortable installing the stereo yourself, you may want to opt for a model that comes with professional installation. Otherwise, you may need to pay someone to do it for you.

Wattage

The wattage of an aftermarket stereo is essential because it determines how powerful the stereo is. If you want a powerful stereo, you’ll need to find one with a high wattage output. However, if you don’t need a lot of power, you can save money by finding a model with a lower wattage output.

Features

When shopping for an aftermarket stereo, check out the different features that each model offers. For example, some stereos come with hands-free calling, while others have built-in GPS navigation. Then, choose essential features for you and look for a model with them.

Price

Aftermarket stereos range in price from around $100 to $1,000 or more. But, of course, the price you pay will depend on the type of stereo you buy and its features. If you want a high-end stereo with all the bells and whistles, you’ll need to be prepared to pay more. But if you just need a basic model, you can find one for less money.

Aesthetics

Another thing to consider when shopping for an aftermarket stereo is how it looks. Some people prefer a sleek and modern design, while others prefer a more traditional look. Choose the style that you like best and make sure it matches your car’s interior.

Brand

There are many different brands of aftermarket stereos available, so you’ll need to decide which one you want. Do some research on the different brands and read reviews to see what other people say about them. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few options, you can decide.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an aftermarket stereo. Be sure to do your research and choose the right model for you. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect stereo for your car.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a better sound system for your car, upgrading to an aftermarket stereo is excellent. Aftermarket stereos offer many benefits over factory stereos, including more power, better customization options, and a more comprehensive range of features.

When shopping for an aftermarket stereo, be sure to keep these things in mind so you can find the perfect model for your needs.

Brett Gordon
 

The engine behind editing at DigMyRide and the brains behind its build. During the day, Brett is a thirty-something dude from SoCal climbing the corporate ladder, but by night, he spends his time contributing to the online world of automotive tech & trends.