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When should I upgrade my electrical system for my car audio?
I’m upgrading my old car now making it into the perfect vehicle for me, and part of that is an awesome audio system. I installed something that has the perfect output, but the guy I bought it from said I’ll probably have to upgrade the electrical system too. When should I upgrade my electrical system for my car audio?
Bellina Gaskey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! Your car’s alternator or battery might need to be upgraded, or you might need to install a capacitor for your electrical system. It all depends on the system you’re installing.
Upgrading or
decorating your car
requires precision. When considering if you need to upgrade the electrical system, consider the specifications of your audio system closely.If your audio system requires 1000 watts or over, upgrading your alternator is a good idea. This is especially true if you’re adding more batteries to your vehicle because the alternator will help manage all that power.
This depends on what kind of car you have as well and might look different for each kind of car.
How much power does your audio system need? Having enough power going through the audio system is crucial. Too much power will be okay, but not enough will tax and kill your car. If you’re adding an amplifier to your system, it’s recommended to add a secondary battery too.
Every time you add, make sure your battery capabilities are up to snuff. This is especially important to consider if you have an
electric car
. You wouldn’t want to spend all your battery power on your audio system instead of your mileage.You can also consider adding a capacitor. A capacitor acts as a temporary storage tank for electricity. It doesn’t add electricity, but charges up and then helps control the voltage by strategically providing bursts of electricity during peak power demands.
This is an option for when you have enough battery power, but you’re experiencing headlight dimming or other occasional power issues. The capacitor helps smooth things out.
No matter what kind of electrical or audio system you have, get yourself the most affordable insurance.
Jerry
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MORE: A Guide to Ambient Lighting in Cars
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