When it comes to enhancing or personalizing your BMW, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer offers a variety of upgrades. When it comes to audio systems, BMW sound systems often don’t play loudly enough or have enough bass. They can fix that. If you want a remote car starter, they can add that. Let’s look into these upgrades in detail.

BMW Audio System Upgrades

If you have a BMW car or SUV with the Base or Hi-Fi-level factory-installed audio system, getting great sound is pretty easy. Companies such as Audison and Audiotec Fischer offer BMW-specific upgrade packages that include new speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers designed especially for these applications. Likewise, Musicar Northwest, a high-end retailer located in Portland, Oregon, offers amazing upgrade packages and BMW-specific subwoofer enclosures that look and sound amazing.

If your BMW came with the top Hi-Fi system, interfaces from Audison and mObridge allow your retailer to replace the factory amplifier with a high-power aftermarket solution. Combining new speakers, a subwoofer and a digital signal processor will allow the sound system will spring to life with amazing detail and accuracy that will rival most high-end home systems.

Radar Detector and Laser Defense Upgrades

There’s no doubt that many BMW vehicles are extremely fun to drive at speeds well above the posted limits. While we always recommend obeying all traffic laws, sometimes you may run afoul of the local law enforcement agency. If you have a heavy right foot, investing in a high-quality radar detector and laser defense system is a wise investment. Radar detectors from such companies as Escort, K40, Stinger and Radenso offer early warnings about police speed measurement, so you have time to check your speed.

If your local law enforcement agency uses lidar (also known as laser) guns to measure speed, you’ll want to upgrade your vehicle with a custom-installed laser defense solution. These systems detect the light signal from the laser gun and transmit a scrambled signal to prevent the law enforcement officer from measuring your speed. You can slow down then cancel the transmission. The officer will make a second attempt to measure your velocity, then let you carry on your way. Be sure to choose a retailer that is well-versed in how to design and install laser defense systems. Improper installation and alignment can leave you susceptible to speed traps, making the investment a waste of time and money.

 

Remote Starters

Having a remote starter in your BMW is a great way to make it more comfortable on a cold winter morning or a hot summer afternoon. By pressing a button on your factory key fob, an aftermarket long-range remote or an app on your smartphone, the engine in your car will start and begin making the interior more comfortable.

Backup Camera Integration

If your BMW didn’t come with a backup camera from the factory, don’t fret. Upgrading your vehicle is a relatively simple process. Companies such as NAV-TV offer several video input interfaces that work with the factory color display in the dash of your BMW. Your retailer can add a high-quality camera to the back (or front) of your car or SUV to make parking and maneuvering safer. If your car doesn’t have a screen in the dash, an upgraded rearview mirror with a built-in display is a great option to make backing up safer.

Window Tint and Paint Protection Film

Many specialty mobile enhancement retailers offer window tinting and paint protection film installations. Window tint can dramatically improve the look of your BMW while making it safer and more comfortable. High-quality automotive tint film blocks between 97% and 99% of the UV rays from the sun to help prevent sunburn. Premium ceramic and nanotechnology tint films block infrared energy to help keep the interior of your vehicle cool and comfortable.

BMW Accessories and Upgrades

A set of molded rubber floor mats from companies like WeatherTech or Husky is a great way to keep the interior looking like new. These mats fit the contour of floor and extend up the sides to keep dirt, mud, sand, snow or slush out of the carpet. A few extra USB ports, a set of upgraded HID or LED headlights or custom accent lighting are also popular upgrades. If there’s a feature you wish your BMW had come with, drop into a local specialty mobile enhancement retailer and ask them. We think you’ll be surprised at the options available to make your Ultimate Driving Machine even better.

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.

Widely recognized as the top-selling pickup truck in North America, Ford F-Series pickup trucks see an array of upgrades and accessories that is nothing short of impressive. From subwoofer and speaker upgrades to lighting, running boards, backup cameras and more, if there’s a feature you want in your Ford, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can provide it. Read on to find out more about the enhancements available for your pickup and how they can improve your efficiency, comfort and convenience while on your way to work, school or home.

Ford Pickup Truck Audio System Upgrades

Upgrading the factory-installed stereo system in these vehicles can make listening to your favorite music infinitely more enjoyable. The biggest bang-for-the-buck upgrade is to add a subwoofer to the stereo. When it comes to making bass, sound systems need to move a lot of air. Companies like MTI Acoustics, JL Audio, Audio Enhancers and MTX make subwoofer enclosures that are designed to fit under the rear seat of most F-150 and Super Duty Ford trucks. These enclosures are available with a color-matching carpet finish, and some include options for vinyl upholstery that matches the interior of your vehicle. Your local retailer may also be capable of designing and fabricating a custom solution that meets your performance and styling needs.

Once you have great bass in your truck, the next step is to replace the speakers and add an amplifier. Whether you’re after more output capability or want to improve the accuracy, clarity and detail in your music, great speakers are crucially important. A set of component speakers connected to a nice amplifier will reveal details in your music that the factory-installed speakers simply can’t produce.

Upgrading the Technology in Your Ford Truck

If your truck is older, you may want to consider upgrading the infotainment system to something that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. These interfaces allow you to use the voice recognition features of your smartphone to perform tasks like sending text messages, making phone calls, choosing an entertainment source or requesting navigation directions. You don’t have to look at the screen of the radio, which means you can keep your eyes on the road.

Parking Sensor and Camera Systems

If your truck didn’t come with a backup camera or parking sensors, having those added is a great way to prevent accidents. Parking sensors are installed in the rear bumper and provide an audible alert when you’re within about 3 feet of an object. The warning beeps become a solid tone when you are 1 foot away. The beauty of a parking sensor system is that it’s automatic. You don’t have to remember to use it like you would a backup camera. If an alert is warranted, it just happens.

Backup cameras not only let you see what’s behind your vehicle when parking, but they are also a great accessory for people who tow a trailer. Being able to ensure that the tongue is lined up with the hitch can save a lot of time. Many options are available for integrating the camera image into an existing infotainment display, or you can upgrade the rearview mirror to one with a built-in screen.

Remote Starter and GPS Location Options

Whether you live in the cold Northern states or in Canada, or in the South where it’s hotter than Hades, adding a remote starter to your truck is an easy way to make it much more comfortable. Your retailer can suggest a control solution that will provide adequate range so that you can start the truck from inside your home or while at work.

If you need more range than a conventional radio-frequency remote control can offer, then ask about a telematics solution that works with your smartphone. The DroneMobile, SmartStart, MyCar and AutoConnect solutions send commands from an app on your phone to a module in the vehicle. As long as your phone has an internet connection, you can control the door locks and remote start the vehicle.

Truck Accessories Add Safety and Convenience

Your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer may offer such truck accessories as running boards, bed covers, mud flaps, seat covers and floor mats to add convenience and functionality to your Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty. If you have lifted your truck or chosen something fun like a Raptor, a set of Powerstep motorized running boards from Amp Research is a great idea. These boards sit up tight to the rocker panels while you’re driving, then fold down to make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle once a door is open.

Soft tonneau covers are a great way to keep leaves, dust, water and debris out of the bed of your truck. They can be rolled up quickly to access the entire bed to carry large items. A folding or roll-up hard cover adds security and protection for your tools or work equipment.

One of the easiest ways to keep the interior of your truck looking like new is to add a set of vehicle-specific floor mats. Companies like WeatherTech offer durable, long-wearing mats that contour to the sides of the footwells to protect the carpet from sand, mud, snow and slush.

Window Tint and Paint Protection Film

Another popular accessory available for Ford vehicles is window tint. Many consumers want their windows tinted to enhance the look of their vehicle. At the same time, adding window tint protects the occupants from the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun. A premium nanotechnology or ceramic film can help block infrared energy to help keep your vehicle cool. Ask your retailer what they have available, and be sure to check your local laws about how dark the tint can be.

Personalize and Upgrade your Ford Pickup

A nearly unlimited number of upgrades can enhance the cosmetics, performance and convenience of your Ford truck, even if it’s leased. If you own a Ranger, F-150 or Ford Super Duty, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today to find out what’s available to customize 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.

When it comes to purchasing a new radio for your car or truck, one of the most important steps is trying out the new radio. This process involves three key elements: the interface, support for your digital media and how your smartphone connects to the radio. Let’s take a close look at each of these crucial criteria.

Why Do I Need to Test Drive a New Radio?

Twenty years ago, all we had to worry about was making sure the radio we wanted to buy fit in the dash, could play our compact discs and had a good quality AM/FM tuner. While these criteria still matter (though the CD part is quickly going away), there are many other features that we need to test before agreeing to purchase the unit.

Testing a Radio Interface

Once the product specialist at your local mobile enhancement retailer has suggested a radio that offers the features you’ve requested, it’s up to you to ensure you like the way it works. Are you going to be happy with a push-button volume control on a multimedia receiver with a 7-inch screen, or would you prefer a 6.2-inch unit with a rotary volume control? Make sure the volume can be increased or decreased quickly by pressing and holding the buttons or spinning the knob quickly.

Pick two or three audio sources that you’ll be using and make sure you can change tracks intuitively. Hard buttons are often a preferred control method because the physical shape helps you know whether you’re pressing in the right spot. Touchscreen controls require you to look at the radio, which can be distracting and dangerous while driving.

Next, find out how the steering wheel audio buttons control the radio. Can you change radio stations, activate voice recognition for Android Auto or CarPlay, and pause or mute the audio?

Finally, look at the source selection menu. Is it intuitive? Is it adjustable? Can you access the sources you want quickly and easily? Remember, at 65 mph, you’re covering 95 feet per second. Even a quick glance at the radio can be dangerous.

Testing Digital Media Support

If you have a large digital media collection, you’ll need to do a few tests to make sure you can enjoy the songs or videos the way you want. Start by connecting your USB memory stick, portable hard drive or smartphone and make sure all the songs are accessible. If you have mixed formats like MP3, WAV and FLAC on a single device, make sure those all work. Some source units have limits as to the number of tracks that can be accessed because of memory limitations. If you have music that may include copyright restrictions, give those a try before you buy.

If you like to listen in random mode, make sure the device will randomize the way you want. Some systems only scramble the playback order in a single folder, and some will select from multiple folders. Explore how easy it is to change folders or scroll through a long list of albums or artists. If you have to press a down-arrow 150 times to find the track you want, well, you won’t enjoy using the radio.

If you plan to play video files, test compatibility before you buy. Video files are complicated. The file contains separate video and audio information, each of which can be compressed in many different formats. H,264, H.265, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and WMV are common for video and MP3, AAC, WMA and FLAC are common for the audio portion. Many sources have limitations on video file resolution. Unless you’re choosing a truly premium source unit, the system is likely limited to 720×480 pixels of resolution. The top players can now handle 1920×1080. Finally, check to make sure that the audio from the files you are playing is in sync with the video. Using a test file that has a close-up of a gun firing is a good way to confirm this. The bang should coincide with the flash as the bullet leaves the barrel. Catching up on the John Wick trilogy would be a good starting point.

Smartphone Support for Car Radios

Back in 2005, we saw the first multimedia receiver with integrated support for the Apple iPod. A decade later, playback of Android-powered devices was added as a feature. If you have an older device, make sure you test it before you buy a new radio. If you have an iPod Classic or Nano with a 30-pin dock connector, it might not work on a new radio. In fact, most new radios only support the iPhone, iPad and the sixth-generation iPod Touch. You’ll get an error if you connect anything else. Want to be sure? Try it at the store before you buy it!

Next in our test criteria is Bluetooth. When it comes to iPhones, things are usually pretty reliable. Nevertheless, pair your phone, make a call, make sure Siri Hands Free works the way you want and finally, make sure the phone reconnects after you cycle power on the radio. Try this a few times to be sure all is well.

If you are an Android phone user, the above tests are crucial. Because the Android operating system is open source and available to any phone manufacturer to be implemented in the way they see fit, there is absolutely no standard for connectivity. You can’t simply ask whether your Android phone will work since the Bluetooth software on the phone can be updated without your knowledge. Connect the phone and test it. Don’t buy a new car radio without completing this step.

A final word of warning: Because Android can be set to update automatically, your phone may suddenly stop working the way you want for no apparent reason. In these cases, test the radio with an iPhone to make sure it’s functioning properly, then contact the phone manufacturer to seek assistance in rectifying the issue. Car radio manufacturers cannot issue updates every time an Android phone’s Bluetooth software changes.

Try Out Your New Radio Before Buying

If you follow any of the technology websites or Facebook groups, then you have undoubtedly seen the hundreds or thousands of posts about smartphones not working with automotive technology. You must make sure things are as compatible and easy-to-use as possible before buying a new source unit for your vehicle. Drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer and ask to test-drive the radio you’re interested in before they install it in your vehicle. This process can save you a lot of hassle.

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.

Car audio enthusiasts are very familiar with the ways sound deadening can improve the performance of a car stereo system. Many of us have heard interactive displays at our local specialty mobile enhancement retailer that demonstrate the improvement in bass response that a treated door has compared to one that’s, well, naked. Let’s take a look at what sound damping is and how it can improve our time behind the wheel.

What Is Automotive Sound Deadening?

Also called sound damping, or incorrectly called sound dampening, these products are thin sheets of dense butyl rubber that your technician attaches to the metal panels of your car or truck. The additional mass of the rubber makes it more difficult for sound energy to pass into the vehicle.

Many damping solutions include a layer of aluminum, which holds the thin butyl sheet together and acts as a thermal barrier.

Several companies offer a butyl and aluminum damping material that includes a layer of foam on top, which helps reduce buzzes and rattles from objects that make contact with the panel.

Where Is Damping Material Installed?

Relatively flat metal surfaces transfer the majority of the sound energy from outside the vehicle. The doors, roof, rear fenders, floor, firewall and trunk lid or hatch are the prime targets. Having these surfaces treated with a quality deadening product will create results that are easily audible. If you are interested in improving the performance of the audio system, sealing the holes and access openings on the inner door skin with deadening can improve midbass performance and efficiency from the speaker.

Lower Noise Level

Regardless of whether you’re listing to music, talking to a passenger or simply enjoying a drive, having your vehicle treated with quality damping can reduce road, engine and exhaust noise by as much as 10 dB. Having a quieter cabin is more relaxing, and studies have shown that drivers can concentrate better in a quiet environment.

Improved Bluetooth Performance

Imagine that you’re talking on the phone using the Bluetooth hands-free solution in your car or truck and the air conditioner or heater is turned up all the way. The noise from the fan and the moving air drowns out part of what you are saying and makes it harder for the person on the other end of the call to hear and understand you. Reducing road, exhaust, wind and engine noise in your vehicle has the same effect as turning the fan down. Your voice will stand out from the noise and be clearer and easier to understand.

Improved Physical Comfort

If you have a powerful engine in your car, the heat from the engine, transmission and exhaust system will quickly warm the metal firewall and floor, making the interior of your vehicle hot and uncomfortable. Hot rod and custom car builders have used damping materials in their builds for decades to help block heat transfer. Companies like Dynamat, Cascade Audio, Lizard Skin and Hushmat offer products that are designed specifically to reduce that transfer of heat energy into the interior of your vehicle. With one of these products installed, the heater or air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable.

Make Your Vehicle More Comfortable with Sound Deadening

If it’s difficult to carry on a conversation with your passengers or if the sound quality of your Bluetooth hands-free system is questionable, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today. They can let you know which surfaces will result in the biggest reduction in noise transfer, and they can provide you with a detailed quote for an installation that will make your vehicle more comfortable.

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.

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.