If you're purchasing a custom car stereo, you undoubtedly have lots of questions to ask about the stereo itself. You shouldn't be focused solely on the stereo, however. A number of questions listed below are related to peripheral matters that you should also consider before having a custom car stereo installed.Does Your Car Have a Security System?
A custom stereo increases the value of your car, and that inherently makes it more attractive to thieves. Some thieves may even target your car's custom stereo itself, hoping to break in and steal stereo components that they can sell on the black market.
To mitigate the increased chance of theft, your car should be protected by a fully-functioning security system. If you don't already have one installed, ask the stereo installers to add an auto security system in addition to the stereo. A good system will have an alarm and GPS tracking, and many systems offer these features at affordable prices.
Do Your Car's Windows Need Tint?
Plenty of reasons show why tinting windows is smart when you get a new stereo. Three of them are shown below, and any one of them may justify tinting, and many drivers decide to get at least a mild tinting once they consider all three factors.
First, having your car windows tinted simply makes it look more stylish. When you have a custom stereo installed, it provides uncompromising audio, but sound is only one feature (even if it a major feature). Window tinting and a custom stereo together will give your car a sense of style and attitude that no single feature can convey by itself.
Second, tinted windows will make it more difficult for potential thieves to see the stereo in your car. If they can't easily spot the stereo while walking by, they'll be less likely to break into the vehicle. The tint forces them to get up close to the window, which is too suspicious, and most thieves won't take a risk if they don't know there's something worth taking.
Third, this is a convenient time to have your car's windows tinted. Custom stereo installers frequently also tint windows, so you can have both features installed at the same time. You don't have to bring your car back for an entirely separate service.
Does Your Auto Insurance Cover the New Custom Car Stereo?
If your auto insurance policy doesn't fully cover the new custom car stereo, you'll need to adjust protections so that the policy does.
To find out whether the stereo is covered, read over the protections for aftermarket parts that your policy offers. Most policies offer at least some protections, but the level of coverage can be limited.
If the limit for these protections is more than the price of your stereo, the policy provides sufficient coverage and you're all set. If the applicable limit is lower than the value of your custom stereo, you'll need to make adjustments. You can see the four ways to secure additional protection:
- Adjust the limit of your policy's existing coverage
- Add an optional coverage onto your policy
- Purchase an endorsement that supplements your policy
- Get an entirely new auto insurance policy
- An insurance agent can help you explore each of these options and determine which one is most affordable.
Do You Know Where Your Music Is?
Drivers who invest in custom car stereos tend to be audiophiles, and they usually have a lot of music. While they certainly have their go-to songs and playlists, they also frequently have a number of excellent CDs or playlists that they've forgotten about.
Getting a new custom car stereo is a great excuse to dig out all your old music. You'll rediscover old favorites, and some previously overlooked selections may have a new meaning to you now. Go through all your CDs and downloads to make sure everything's available for playing on your car's new system.