Making an upgrade to your car’s audio system is one of the most noticeable things you can do. While the average passerby may not instantly notice a new paint job or an upgrade to your engine, everyone with working ears is going to notice the loudness or your bass or the more clear sound.

Even people who aren’t the biggest audio heads or music fans look to upgrade their car’s audio system, as it adds an instant change and is something that can be appreciated by everyone.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new into the world of cars or a seasoned veteran, there are still plenty of things to consider when going about upgrading your car’s audio system.

Below, we’re going to highlight the six most important things you should be thinking about before making a big upgrade.

Starting Out Small

When looking at systems, you might notice that you have plenty of options in front of you. Not just of different brands, but actual system options.

You can go for the full overhaul, putting in tweeters, mid-range speakers, and woofers. You might want to just install a woofer.

You will also have to choose between coaxial (where all the speakers are together in one unit) or component, where the speakers are their own individual items. Coaxial is cheaper and easier to install but the component route is going to give you the best audio experience possible.

If this is your first time upgrading something in your vehicle, then we recommend starting out small. It’s best not to try and redo everything at once. Start with just a subwoofer or a new head unit instead of going from 0-100 in a matter of seconds.

Choose The Right Amp

If you’ve ever bought a new TV, surround sound system or computer, you know the final test to make sure everything is working it to turn on the power button. It can be a moment of anxiety as you cross your fingers, hoping you did everything right.

The same kind of thinking goes into your car’s sound system. Depending on what upgrades you make, you may need to purchase an amp.

Amplifiers serve to amplify (who would’ve thought of that) your music by providing more power to your speakers. There are two types of amps: internal and external.

Internal amps typically go on your dash and provide a small extra boost of power. If you’ve just installed a woofer or made a small upgrade, then this is usually the right choice.

External amps, on the other hand, are needed for complete sound overhauls. Without the right amount of power, you may be stuck in the mud.

Make Sure It Fits

You’ve gone through and scoured the market to find the ideal subwoofer for your vehicle. You’ve checked the reviews, watched installation videos, and you’re ready to go.

The only problem is, it’s too big for your vehicle.

This is often a problem that compact car drivers will run into. You find the perfect item only to find out it takes up way too much space in your trunk,

Thankfully, there are many different options for speakers and subs. If you’ve got a compact car, you can opt for a shallow mount subwoofer instead of a traditional one. You will lose a bit of audio quality and bass-pumping ability, but it’s an instant upgrade to your vehicle.

DIY vs. Professional

For those out there who like to tinker and figure things out, going the DIY route is not only enjoyable but it’s also a great money saver. What can be better than making a vehicle upgrade yourself?

Sometimes, the speaker will make the decision for you.

Before you make a purchase, look online and read reviews. Most people will make some comment about the installation and how easy or difficult it was.

While some speakers are pretty straightforward to set up and install, some can be absolute pains in the you-know-what. Some don’t even come with instructions.

That leaves you to scour the internet until you find a video or guide on how to properly install your speaker. If DIY is really important to you, then you should be reading reviews ahead of time.