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Window Tint Can Improve Your Health

Window TintPeople choose to have their car, truck and SUV windows tinted for many different reasons. Sometimes they’re after a specific look for their vehicle. Sometimes they want to improve the safety and security of their vehicle contents. Recently, campaigns by the World Health Organization and the Skin Cancer Foundation have educated the public about the benefits of window tinting as a popular way to protect your skin from damage caused by the sun. Let’s look at how a quality window tint solution can dramatically reduce your risk of sunburn, wrinkles and even skin cancer.

What is Ultraviolet Radiation?

Window TintThe sun produces a great deal of energy. This energy includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared energy, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays. UV radiation is broken down into three subcategories: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC radiation has wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers and is blocked almost completely by the ozone, water vapor, carbon dioxide and oxygen in our atmosphere. UVB energy ranges from 280 to 315 nanometers. The atmosphere blocks roughly 90 percent of UVB energy. UVA ranges from 315 to 400 nanometers and, because of the high levels that reach the surface of the planet, is responsible for the majority of the skin damage we experience.

How Does Our Skin React to UV Radiation?

Window TintOur skin naturally produces a dark pigment called melanin when exposed to UV radiation. Melanin serves as a shield against UV damage. If the UV exposure is prolonged, the layer of cells in the upper skin layer is killed. The result is that your skin turns red in a process called erythema. Contrary to the term “healthy tan,” there is no such thing.

Prolonged and repeated exposure to UV radiation can cause your skin to wrinkle. UVB rays cause a rapid increase in the number of cells in the outer layer of our skin. As more cells are produced, the outer layer (called the epidermis) thickens. UVA rays penetrate deeper into our skin and disrupt the connective tissues. This causes the skin to lose its elasticity. Bags, sags and wrinkles are common signs of a loss in elasticity.

Excessive damage to skin cells is very bad. If your body can’t repair the cells, they can divide and grow at an uncontrolled rate. This growth can eventually form a cancerous tumor.

Why Cars and Trucks Put Our Skin at Risk

When automakers design our cars and trucks, their goal is to provide as much visibility as possible in front of, beside and behind the vehicle. They achieve this with large windows. The drawback of these large windows is that we aren’t very well protected from the sun.

How Can Automotive Window Tinting Protect You?

Window TintAutomotive window films from companies like 3M, Llumar and Scorpion block between 95 percent and 99 percent of ultraviolet radiation. This protection is the equivalent of wearing a lotion sunscreen with an SPF rating of 1000. You get the same exposure to UV energy after 1,000 minutes as you would in 1 minute without the tint. That’s impressive.

Does Darker Window Tint Protect Better?

Window TintThe answer to the question “Does darker tint protect better?” is both yes and no. Within a specific series of window films, you may find that their lightest shade of tint (say, a 50 percent tint) blocks 95 percent of UV energy where the darkest films (around 5 percent) blocks 99 percent. Both are quite excellent and offer exceptional protection.

Many window films are available that block the majority of UV energy without dramatically affecting the transmission of visible light. Products like 3M Crystalline, Llumar Clear Window Tint and Scorpion Shield-Series films allow between 72 percent and 86 percent of visible light into your vehicle while blocking 99 percent of UV energy. In many states, this film can be used on the windshield of your vehicle for added protection.

UV Material Damage

Window TintUVA and UVB energy are also responsible for causing the color of textiles and leather to fade. The process of breaking down the chemical bonds in the dyes used in these materials is called photodegradation. Dyed textiles are particularly susceptible to fading. Having your windows tinted with a quality film will help maintain the appearance and value of your vehicle for many years.

Protect Yourself Today with Window Tinting

Whether you just drove off the dealership lot in a new car or you’ve been cruising around in the car you bought in high school, having your windows tinted is a great way to protect your skin and your vehicle from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Visit your local mobile enhancement retailer to find out about the automotive window films they have available.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, RESOURCE LIBRARY, Window Tint

Safer Driving With Dash Camera Systems

Dash CameraHave you ever been driving along and witnessed something that you wish you could have captured on video? It could be a car accident, strange or reckless driving behavior or just something interesting you want to share on social media. We most certainly can’t drive around with our smartphones in our hand, and when something worth recording does happen, we’ve usually missed the opportunity to capture the moment. A dashcam system is the solution. Read on to learn everything you ever wanted to know about dash cameras and how they work.

What is a Dashcam?

A dashcam is a compact audio and video recording system that is designed to mount to your windshield. The camera faces forward and includes a wide-angle lens that will capture almost everything that happens in front of the vehicle. Most cameras on the market include a built-in microphone, so you get the entire play-by-play of the event as it occurs.

Basic Dash Camera Features

Dash CameraDash camera systems are typically wired into the ignition circuit of your vehicle and begin recording as soon as you start your car or truck. There is no need to remember to press a button. Most camera systems include an integrated accelerometer that records forces in all three axes along with the video. This information can be used to show acceleration and braking and cornering forces, as well as to detect impacts in the event of an accident.

The better camera systems on the market use an SD or micro SD card to store video information. These digital storage formats are compact and reasonably reliable. The small cards can be removed and connected to a computer in your home or office to view videos.

How Dash Camera Video Recording Works

Dash CameraAs mentioned, most cameras start recording as soon as the vehicle ignition is turned on. Options in the setup menu allow the installer to configure the length, frame rate and the resolution of the video. Typical video lengths are one, three and five minutes. These short lengths make it easy to pick out certain events while ignoring long periods of uneventful driving.

Normal videos are stored on the memory card in a specific folder called Videos or something similar. Once the folder fills up, the oldest video is deleted to make room for a new one. The number of videos stored on the card depends on the resolution and, subsequently, the size of the video files in relation to the total storage space available on the storage device.

Most systems have a secondary folder with a name like Event. The videos stored in this folder have been flagged for safekeeping. A threshold for the onboard accelerometer can be set to trigger an event recording. Sudden deceleration caused by slamming on the brakes or hitting an object are typical trigger events. Most systems also include a manual trigger button that will let you save a file to the Event folder.

Going Back in Time

We mentioned at the begging of this article that a dashcam is a great tool to record an event that has already taken place. While that sounds a bit like time-travel, it’s quite simple in operation. Allow us to explain.

Your dash camera is always recording and saving content to the memory card. In the event of an automatic or manual trigger, the dashcam saves five to 10 seconds’ worth of information from before the trigger and 30 to 60 seconds of video after to the file in the Event folder. You can witness a car accident, come to a full and safe stop, then press the trigger button to store the entire experience for later review.

Should My Dash Camera have a Screen?

Dash CameraThere are two basic styles of dash cameras: with and without a display screen. The inclusion of a screen makes it much easier to install and aim the camera properly. Having a screen also allows you to play videos back right on the camera unit. The tradeoff is, of course, the size of the camera system. Including a screen will make the camera larger. Choosing a camera with or without a built-in screen depends on your application and personal preference.

Dash Camera Options and Accessories

Many dash camera systems include or have a provision for an optional GPS receiver. When equipped with GPS, the longitude, latitude and speed of the vehicle are stored along with the video files and accelerometer information. Many video playback software packages (available as a download from the camera manufacturer’s website) overlay the vehicle location on Google Maps during playback.

Dash Camera

Another very popular option for dash camera systems is a second camera. This camera can be placed in the rear window to capture activity behind the vehicle, or placed inside the vehicle near the rearview mirror to record the interior of the vehicle. Taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers like the ability to record what’s going on inside the vehicle.

Another feature available in premium cameras is the inclusion of a Wi-Fi network hotspot. This network connection allows you to communicate with the camera system using your smartphone. Some interfaces allow you to download videos from the camera to your phone for sharing. Others include the ability to configure settings on the camera remotely. A few companies even include cloud-based image storage. When you arrive home, you can connect your dashcam to your home Wi-Fi to upload videos.

Parking Mode Recording

Dash CameraAnother popular camera option is called Parking Mode. When activated, the camera will operate even after the ignition is turned off. Parking Mode works in different ways for different cameras. Some record at a much lower framerate. Some monitor the image for changes (when a person approaches the vehicle, for example) and only start recording when a change is detected. Parking Mode is a great feature for people worried about someone breaking into or vandalizing their vehicle.

Battery management is an important consideration for dash camera systems that will continue to function after the ignition is turned off. The last thing you want is to have your camera run all night and drain your battery, making it impossible to start your vehicle the next morning. Some cameras have a built-in shutdown circuit that turns the camera off when the battery reaches a selectable voltage. A better solution is to add a dedicated battery for the camera system. A secondary unit reduces wear and tear on the main battery while providing excellent protection.

Let’s Talk About Image Quality

Dash CameraBeyond features, buying a dashcam is similar to buying any other video or still picture camera. The amount of information stored depends on the resolution of the camera system, the quality of the image sensor and the optics (lens quality) of the system. If you want a yes or no answer to who caused an accident, any recording system will work. If you are hoping to read a license plate or phone number from the side of a vehicle, you can never have too much resolution. It’s up to you to decide how much is right for your application.

In addition to resolution, consider image quality. Dash camera systems are hampered because the brightness and contrast required is always changing. The camera needs to function reliably when you are driving toward the sun or at night with only headlights lighting your way. The speed and accuracy with which the camera can adjust to these changes is an important factor in ensuring optimal image quality.

Finally, construction materials and quality are also a consideration. Does the lens assembly use inexpensive plastics that may distort when they get hot or turn yellow after prolonged exposure to the sun, or are the lenses made of glass? It can be very difficult to determine the quality of the internal components of a camera, so be sure to do your research.

Why You Need a Dash Camera

Dash CameraFinally, we should discuss just why it is a great idea to have a dash camera installed in your vehicle. There’s no doubt that a good public shaming on Facebook for someone who cut you off is great entertainment, but the need to protect yourself against fraud and false accusations is very real. You may have seen a news report of video of someone jumping on the hood of a vehicle stopped at red light and claiming the driver hit them. Believe it or not, this does happen. Another popular scam is for a driver to back their vehicle into a stopped car or truck while at a red light. The driver of the offending vehicle will claim that you drove into them. One of the latest scams involves drivers being flagged down by a person on the side of the road. The person will claim they are out of gas and offer supposedly expensive jewelry as collateral in exchange for some money to get gas. If you decide to stop, be sure to let the person know you have a dashcam recording everything, including their license plate.

Protect Yourself with a Dash Cam

Before you buy an inexpensive dashcam system online, drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about the features of the products they offer. More often than not, you will find much better performance and reliability from a premium product. You only get one chance to record an important event, so make sure you capture all the information you want or need.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Driver Safety, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Using Technology to Protect Teenage Drivers

Protect Teenage DriversDid you know that teenage drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than those who are 20 or older? With their relative lack of experience and the constant bombardment of distractions, it’s no wonder that young people are at risk. The aftermarket mobile electronics industry offers a wide variety of systems and solutions that can protect teenage drivers.

Technology Reduces Distractions

Protect Teenage DriversWhile it’s certainly best practice to focus exclusively on the task of driving when behind the wheel, now and then, we need to take an important phone call. Bluetooth hands-free communication became a life-saver in the late 2000s, allowing a driver to talk with someone without having to hold the phone.

There are several ways to add Bluetooth to your vehicle if it didn’t come from the factory with hands-free communication features. A Bluetooth kit from companies like Parrot, Cruz, iSimple and Axxess can operate as a standalone solution or one that integrates with the speakers or radio already in your vehicle.

The second option is to upgrade your factory radio with an aftermarket unit that has Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming capabilities built in. The majority of these solutions also add Siri Eyes Free and may even allow you to pair two phones at once.

Protect Teenage DriversFor the ultimate in smartphone integration, an aftermarket multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto adds a wide variety of communication, information and entertainment options that can be accessed using voice commands. By simply pressing and holding a button on your steering wheel, you can ask these systems to place a phone call, send a text message, or search for an address and provide navigation instructions. The voice recognition technology built into a smartphone allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road and mirrors to ensure he or she is safe.

CarPlay and Android Auto also help reduce distraction by making it much easier for your son or daughter to choose the music they want. They can pick a song, artist, album or even genre of music from the media stored on their smartphones. They also have access to streaming music services like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Slacker and Tidal – all by just talking to the radio in the vehicle.

Backup Camera and Parking Sensor Systems

We all know that backing into a parking spot is the ideal parking solution, since it makes pulling away much safer. Backing up can be tricky, especially when it’s hard to see objects or people behind the vehicle. An aftermarket backup camera system or parking sensor system is like having our own personal ground crew, guiding you to safety.

Parking sensor systems use an array of ultrasonic transceivers to detect objects behind your vehicle. From an abject as narrow as a signpost to a tricycle or trash can, objects of almost any size are detected very reliably. Most systems produce a warning beep when the objects are first detected at a distance of about 3–4 feet. The beeps increase in speed as you get closer and closer to the object. Finally, at about 12 inches, the beeps turn into a solid tone to let you know it’s time to stop. Parking sensor systems are also available with sensors for the front of the vehicle. These are a great option for parking in a garage or underground structure.

Protect Teenage DriversA backup camera system uses a compact camera to let you see an image of anything behind the vehicle. The image from the camera can be displayed on many factory-installed infotainment systems, a new rearview mirror with a built-in screen or an aftermarket multimedia receiver. The image appears automatically as soon as you put the transmission into reverse, so you don’t have to remember to press any buttons. Many video systems will support a secondary camera that faces forward on the vehicle. These second cameras are a great option for trucks, vans and SUVs whose large dimensions make them difficult to park.

Blind-spot Monitoring Systems

Protect Teenage DriversOne of the biggest challenges for a new driver is traveling on the freeway. Keeping track of the position of cars and trucks around one’s vehicle can be very difficult. An aftermarket blind-spot monitoring system lets you know when someone is driving beside you and can dramatically reduce the chance of changing lanes when someone is in your way.

The most-popular blind-spot warning system uses a pair of radar or ultrasonic transceivers that your installer mounts behind the rear bumper cover. These units monitor the area in the lanes beside yours for the presence of other vehicles or pedestrians. When someone or something is in your blind spot, a warning light will illuminate inside the vehicle to let you know what side the obstruction is on. In most installations, the warning lights are installed at the base of the A-pillar. In some systems, an audible warning will be produced when someone is in your blind spot and you turn on the correlating turn signal.

Protect Teenage DriversThe second option for blind-spot monitoring is a camera system. In these systems, cameras mounted underneath your rear vision mirrors display an image of the area beside your vehicle when you activate the turn signal. Just like the backup camera systems, there are many options available to display the image from the cameras.

Collision Avoidance Systems

Protect Teenage DriversIf you are looking for the absolute state-of-the-art in protection, look into the Mobileye series of products. The Mobileye 660 uses a precisely calibrated camera to monitor the area in front of the vehicle and alert the driver when you are leaving your lane, approaching another vehicle too quickly, or at risk of colliding with a vehicle or pedestrian approaching from the side. This is the same technology that Tesla uses in its AutoPilot system.

Video Recording Systems

Protect Teenage DriversAnother great option for a younger driver is to install a dash cam. A dash cam is a small video recording system that mounts to the windshield of the vehicle. The camera not only records everything in front of the vehicle, but most include an onboard GPS receiver and an accelerometer to store vehicle speed and driving behavior. If your son or daughter knows that you are recording everything they do, they are less likely to drive dangerously.

GPS Locating Systems

Protect Teenage DriversThe last option to consider is a GPS locating system. These devices combine a dedicated cellular data module with a compact GPS receiver to allow you to look at the vehicle location and speed any time you want. More-advanced systems include the ability to configure over-speed warnings, aggressive driving warnings and geofencing options that will alert you if the vehicle enters or exits a preset area. Just as with the dashcams, if the driver knows you are monitoring their location and speed, their behavior will change for the better.

Protect Teenage Drivers in Your Home

While no technology can replace experience and intuition, driving assistance devices are a great way to give teenage drivers a better chance of avoiding an accident. If you are interested in any of the products mentioned in this article, visit your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer and ask about compatibility with 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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Driver Safety, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Do I Need a Digital Signal Processor?

Digital Signal ProcessorSignal processing is nothing new to car audio. In the ’80s we had stand-alone equalizers, crossovers and even phase-shifting devices — all designed to help your installer make your car audio system sound better. Lately, the focus in audio signal processing has shifted from analog to the digital domain. There are now dozens of stand-alone digital signal processors available and even more amplifiers with integrated DSP technology. Let’s take a look at why you may want to include or add a digital signal processor to your audio system.

What Does a DSP Do?

Digital Signal ProcessorIn a nutshell, a DSP uses a microcontroller that is designed specifically to manipulate audio signals in the digital domain. Pretty much all of the DSP devices on the market include crossovers, equalizers and signal delay features that we can use to optimize the performance of your sound system.

How Do I Know if I Need a DSP?

If you have an amplifier in your car audio system, then your stereo can benefit from a digital signal processor. All cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and even ATVs have reflections and resonances that change the sound we hear from the speakers. Listening to a speaker in a showroom is a very different experience from hearing that same speaker in a car or truck. Why? The acoustics of the environment are different.

Car Audio System Equalization

Digital Signal ProcessorAt the simplest level, a DSP can be considered a glorified yet extremely precise tone control. When you combine the features of a processor with measurements from a real-time analyzer, a properly trained technician can dramatically improve the tonal balance and accuracy of your audio system. Vocals and instruments will sound more as though you are in the presence of a live performance as opposed to listening to a recording. Expert technicians can use stereo equalization to improve the staging and imaging characteristics of your sound system, helping to increase the realism of the listening experience further.

The Importance of Accurate Crossovers

Digital Signal Processor
A 5 channel amplifier can power an entire active system.

No single speaker can accurately cover the entire audible frequency range and produce adequate output to create an enjoyable listening experience. As such, car audio systems are made up of multiple speakers, each designed to operate within a specific range of frequencies. Tweeters handle high-frequency information, typically above 3kHz. Midrange drivers handle the majority of vocals and operate between 100Hz and 3kHz. Woofers and subwoofers cover low-frequency information below 100Hz. The suitability of a driver for a specific frequency range depends on its size and design.

When we design an audio system, ideally we can dedicate an amplifier channel to each speaker. In the three-way system above, we could use a five- or six-channel amplifier to power the woofer(s), midrange speakers and tweeters. The crossover functions built into a DSP handle separating the audio signal into frequency bands that are appropriate for each of those speakers.

The Benefit of Signal Delay

Digital Signal ProcessorLet’s continue with our three-way system example. In many systems, the tweeters are mounted at the top of the door, in the sail panel, in the dash or on the A-pillar. Midrange drivers in a system like that are typically 6.5 inches in diameter and are installed in the factory door location. Finally, woofers typically require an enclosure and are mounted in the trunk, cargo area or under the rear seat of a pickup truck. The distance between the listener and each speaker is different, as is the difference between the left and right speakers. These pathlength differences result in us hearing the closest speaker first, which makes our minds think that that is the source of the majority of what we are hearing.

The signal delay capabilities of a DSP allow the technician who is tuning the system to delay the signal going to the closest speakers, so that sound from all speakers arrives at the listening position simultaneously. When executed properly, the music in the vehicle will appear to come from a space between the speakers, rather than from the speakers themselves. If your speakers are installed in optimal locations, that virtual soundstage should appear to span the width of the windshield and place each performer and instrument accurately within this soundstage.

What Else Can a DSP Do?

Digital Signal Processor
Many DSPs offer controllers that control the volume levels and can switch presets.

Most signal processors on the market include the ability to store multiple system configurations. If you want a tune for a single-seat listening position, then another for when you have friends in your vehicle, the tuning technician can create those. If you have a convertible, you may want a separate audio system configuration for use when the top is down.

Many processors have multiple inputs, and many include Bluetooth streaming options as an additional audio source. If you have a factory-installed source unit but want the option to stream music from a media player or smartphone, your installer can configure the system with multiple presets, each with a dedicated signal source.

Are Digital Signal Processors Expensive?

Digital Signal ProcessorWell, yes and no. Good quality processors start around $400 plus installation and require at least an hour to configure in most vehicles. If you have a complex multi-channel system, you may need a DSP with more input and output channels and additional time to configure the system in your vehicle.

Regarding improvements to an audio system, investing $600 to $1,000 into a processor will yield performance gains that far exceed a similar investment in better speakers, amplifiers or subwoofers. If you already have a great audio system, adding a DSP and having the system tuned by a professional will improve every aspect of its performance.

Experience A Digital Signal Processor Today

If you are planning an audio system upgrade or you already have a system in your vehicle, drop by your nearest specialist mobile enhancement retailer and ask if they have a digital signal processor on display or in a demo vehicle that you can audition. Some shops will even have presets configured to demonstrate how each step of the tuning process will improve the performance of your sound system. Once you hear what a DSP can do, it’s hard not to want to buy one!

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Top 20 Automotive Enhancement Services Offered at Local Retailers

Automotive Enhancement ServicesIf you are like most people, you may think that your local car stereo shop specializes in custom audio systems, speaker replacements and, if they have marketed themselves well, remote car starter installations. The reality is, many mobile enhancement retailers offer a variety of automotive enhancement services that extend well beyond audio system sales and service. Let’s have a look at some of the service options that don’t get talked about as often. (Editor’s note: Not all of these services are available at every mobile enhancement retailer.)

Automotive Enhancement Services

The following items are offered in no particular order. Before you head to your local retailer, you may want to give them a call or send an e-mail to confirm that they provide the service you seek.

1. Parking Alert Systems

Automotive Enhancement ServicesMany new cars and trucks come from the dealership with advanced collision avoidance technologies. The most basic is a rear-vision camera system or parking sensor system that can alert you to the presence of an object or person while maneuvering your vehicle. If your vehicle doesn’t have a backup camera or parking sensors, a system can be added quite easily.

2. Blind-spot Monitoring Systems

Automotive Enhancement ServicesIn the same vein as the parking sensors, an aftermarket blind-spot monitoring system will alert you to the presence of a vehicle or object beside or just behind yours. When an object enters this space, a small indicator will illuminate to alert you to an object in your blind spot. If you activate the turn signal, an audible warning will be produced to let you know that someone is there.

3. Heated Seat Systems

If your car, truck or SUV didn’t come with heated seats, don’t fret. High-quality seat heating elements can be added to most vehicles to make your trips a lot more comfortable when it’s cold out. If you have a bad back, a little extra warmth may the ticket to making your drive more comfortable. Most heated seat kits offer high and low settings, but you can often opt for systems with variable settings.

4. Upholstery Upgrades

Automotive Enhancement ServicesIf you have an older vehicle or are interested in changing the look of your interior, your local mobile electronics specialist retailer can provide you with a complete custom interior. Companies like Katzkin, Leatherseats.com and Roadwire offer vehicle-specific seating upholstery in a variety of colors and patterns, including your choice of thread color. They can often embroider a logo into the upholstery if you wish. Many shops can also swap out the carpet in your vehicle with a new custom-molded piece in a variety of colors to complete the transformation.

5. Power Windows

Did you know that you can add power windows to a vehicle that has manual crank-style windows? There are two options to achieve this upgrade. Ideally, your local retailer can swap in a motorized window regulator (lift mechanism) that is a direct fit from the factory. This option won’t be cheap but it offers the best performance and longevity. If the cost or availability of the factory system rules out that option, companies like SPAL offer universal motorization kits that include control switches. Your shop can integrate your power windows (factory or aftermarket) into your remote starter, security system or keyless entry system to allow the windows (or even your sunroof) to be opened or closed remotely.

6. Fog and Auxiliary Lighting

Automotive Enhancement ServicesWho better to install aftermarket lighting than someone who specializes in automotive electrical systems? From a set of OEM-style fog or driving lights to high-power bumper or roof-mounted light bars, your local mobile electronics specialist can install and wire the system so it’s secure and reliable.

7. Emergency and Signal Lighting

If you have a work truck, talk to your local mobile electronics specialist about installing high-output emergency lighting. From beacons and light bars to surface-mount lighting, strobes, sirens and scene lighting, an automotive electrical expert is adept at integrating these systems into your vehicle safely and reliably.

8. Cruise Control

Automotive Enhancement ServicesA variety of new vehicles are still available without cruise control. Whether you have a classic car with a carburetor, a new vehicle with drive-by-wire throttle or something in between, aftermarket cruise control solutions are available to make your next long-distance trip a lot more comfortable.

9. Truck Accessories

Automotive Enhancement ServicesAre you in the market for a set of side-steps, a new toolbox for the truck bed, a new tonneau cover or an off-road-ready grille guard? Drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer. In addition to being experts at automotive electrical systems, most shops have the tools and experience required to install a variety of truck accessories.

10. Vehicle Tracking Systems

Automotive Enhancement ServicesIf you want to know where your vehicle or fleet of vehicles is at all times, a GPS-based tracking system is a perfect solution. These products can monitor a single vehicle and send you an alert when it moves, or they can log the location of dozens or hundreds of trucks, all at the same time. GPS tracking systems have been proven to cut down on wasted time and reduce the potential for accidents by altering driving behavior. Tracking systems are also available for powersports vehicles and construction equipment.

11. Power Trunk Release

Almost any car stereo shop can add an actuator to a cable-operated power trunk to integrate it into a keyless entry, remote start or security system. They can even add a switch to your dash, center console or glove box to pop the truck easily from inside the vehicle. Why stop with the trunk? How about a power fuel-filler door release?

12. Electrical Repairs

Automotive Enhancement ServicesDo you have a power window that won’t roll down, a door that doesn’t lock when you press the button on your remote, or an intermittent instrument cluster? The advanced troubleshooting experience that most mobile electronics technicians possess far exceeds that of some dealership service centers. If there is something electrical or electronic not working on your vehicle, drop by and see if they can help.

13. Custom Fabrication Products

Not every fabrication project needs to be about an audio system. If you need a mobile office complete with 120 VAC outlets and mobile Internet in your SUV or van, that’s an easy task. What about building custom door panels and a center console for a custom or classic car restoration? Many mobile electronics shops around the country specialize in custom interior fabrication.

14. Radar Detector and Laser Countermeasure Systems

Automotive Enhancement ServicesIf you live in a state or province that allows the use of radar detectors, the team at your local car stereo shop is far and away the best choice to integrate a premium system into your vehicle. Custom installed radar detectors and laser defense systems provide early warning against police radar and can delay laser measurement devices from obtaining a speed reading.

15. Detailing and Paint Protection

Are there scratches or swirl marks in your paint finish? Having your vehicle professionally detailed can make it genuinely look better than new. There are several premium paint protection products available that can help maintain the finish of your vehicle. Ceramic coatings and paint protection film will help keep your car, truck or SUV looking like new.

16. Window Tinting

Automotive Enhancement ServicesHaving the windows of your vehicle tinted does a lot more than simply change the style of your vehicle. Window films block almost all of the ultraviolet energy from the sun to protect the occupants from accelerated skin aging. Premium films offer infrared rejection properties that help to keep the interior of your vehicle cooler. Window tint can also make your vehicle safer. If you get into an accident, the resulting tiny pieces of glass will remain adhered to the film rather than flying across the vehicle. Finally, window tint can help to reduce crimes of opportunity. If someone can’t see the contents of your vehicle, there is less reason for them to break in.

17. Wheel and Tire Upgrades

Many mobile enhancement retailers offer a variety of wheel and tire packages for cars, trucks and SUVs. In many cases, you can have the products you choose installed in a day or two. Nothing changes the styling of a vehicle more than a new set of wheels. Tires are the No. 1 safety item on your vehicle — they are the only thing keeping you connected to the road.

18. Premium Floor Mats

Automotive Enhancement ServicesMany retailers offer automotive accessories like floor mats. One of the most popular brands in this category is WeatherTech. Their premium Floor Liner solution features a high-quality protective mat that is molded to the floor of your vehicle. The mat extends up the firewall and the center console to protect your carpet from damage, dirt and salt stains. WeatherTech also offers side window deflectors, mud flaps, bug deflectors and much more. Even if your local retailer doesn’t carry the WeatherTech brand, they should be able to source a solution to keep your vehicle looking great.

19. Boat, Motorcycle and Powersport Vehicle Audio Upgrades

Just because it’s called a car stereo shop doesn’t mean that its technicians aren’t adept at working on all sorts of mobile audio systems. Marine audio upgrades are a great way to make your time on the water even more enjoyable. Cruiser-class motorcycles are even more fun when you have an audio system that sounds great. If you want music on your side-by-side, ATV or even a snowmobile, they should be able to handle that as well.

20. Performance Parts

Automotive Enhancement ServicesAre you looking for a set of lowering springs, a computer programmer or maybe a supercharger or turbo kit? Many mobile electronics retailers have technicians available to enhance the performance of your vehicle. A bolt-on exhaust, cold-air intake, high-flow air filter or throttle body spacer can provide your vehicle with a little extra power and may improve your gas mileage at the same time.

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.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

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