Cranking up tunes to a concerning volume is one of the glories of traveling by car. Unfortunately, car manufacturers aren’t known for using the best speakers. So, if you find your car’s factory speaker system lacking, take heart because we will show you how to replace speakers in a car.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Most stock car speakers are poorly made, so car speaker replacement is a simple way to increase your audio experience while on the go significantly.
- Depending on the quality you desire, renovation of your car’s entire sound system will cost anywhere from $300-$1000.
- You don’t have to replace all speakers at once and can do it piece by piece.
And if you think you’re listening habits have already damaged your car’s sound system, we have another article that explains how to repair blown speakers. Moreover, our other content can show you how to tap into the rear speakers for subs and how to make speaker boxes, saving you some cash.
Replacing Speakers in a Car
A custom installation of replacement speakers in your car may sound like a daunting task, but it’s a project you can complete in your driveway with the proper knowledge. For more on speaker systems, check out our article that shows you how to set up speakers in the best position to increase your overall sound quality.
Insider Tip
While you don’t have to install all speakers at once, installing both dash speakers and rear speakers as matching sets is recommended.
STEP 1
Begin Removing any paneling and screws covering the car’s factory speaker.
STEP 2
Disconnect the speaker from the harness wire and unscrew the speaker from the bracket. Remove the bracket itself if you have an adapter bracket.
STEP 3
Take out each speaker wire from the positive and negative terminal.
STEP 4
Take the two wires and reconnect them to the positive and negative terminals. Remember, the positive terminal is larger, and the negative is smaller.
STEP 5
Place the wire harness into the new speaker. Then place electrical tape over the connected wires.
STEP 6
If you had to get an adapter bracket, screw in the installation equipment, and screw in the speaker.
STEP 7
Carefully put back all the screws and paneling you had to remove at the beginning of the project. Repeat this process until all the replacement speakers are installed.
Warning
When screwing in a new speaker, ensure that each screw is tight. If you don’t do this, it can cause an annoying rattling sound or eventually lead to speaker damage.
F.A.Q.S
What is different about a factory car speaker?
Factory speakers often have lower sound quality for a few different reasons: lower power output, cheaper parts, and lower bass and mid-range are the main ones. On the other hand, custom speakers often provide extra power and a broader audio spectrum.
What should I be looking for when purchasing car speakers?
The first thing to understand is what size speakers your car holds. Understand the ideal power output needed for your stereo, and then look into the cost.
What can I do to make my car door speakers sound better?
Properly insulating any dead spots in the door panels and around your speakers is great for increasing sound quality. You also should check all screws to make sure they aren’t rattling when music is playing.
STAT: A mid-level replacement car sound system will cost you around $500. (source)
