Answers to common questions about auto electronics

At Daily Saves, you can find the auto electronics you need to upgrade your vehicle, from a dash-mounted camera to a killer stereo system with added speakers and a subwoofer. Before you decide on your purchase, take a look at these common issues. Having this knowledge will help you make the best purchasing decisions for long-lasting and successful electronics additions to your vehicle.

Will adding aftermarket electronics equipment to my vehicle void its warranty?

Getting factory-installed electronics like a DVD player or Bluetooth stereo system can add to the up-front cost of a car if you buy brand-new from a dealer. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to go for aftermarket electronics and DIY install or have a professional install them after you bring your new car home. However, some dealers may warn that the aftermarket approach can cause the car's warranty to become void. While aftermarket electronics installations can impact a car's warranty in some cases, it's not a universal truth.

That doesn't mean that your warranty will be completely unaffected by poorly installed aftermarket electronics. If you have a problem with your car that can be directly traced to any alterations you make, that absolves the manufacturer from having to take responsibility for repairs. In other words, if the problem is your fault, you're responsible for fixing it. Warranties only cover manufacturing errors and other things that have nothing to do with the way the owner treats the vehicle. With that in mind, it's definitely worthwhile to take your time and be careful about purchasing and installing any electronics into your car or truck.

Do I need to install a second battery to support my new automotive electronics?

It seems logical to think that, since new electronics in the car would lead to increased power requirements. But most people will not need to add a second battery. Adding an unnecessary second battery can actually create a host of additional problems for the car. Car batteries generate power when the engine is on, so one battery should be sufficient. The only situation in which a second battery may be appropriate is if you plan to run your vehicle's electronics for an hour or more while the engine is off.

In short, a single battery should be enough to power electronics like backup cameras and stereo systems, so long as the engine stays on the majority of the time you're using them. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that your new installation won't cause problems for the battery. If your battery drains quickly after you install your new electronics, that may be a sign that the equipment was installed improperly. You may want to get some help from a professional mechanic if this ends up happening to you.

What skills and knowledge do I need to install my own automotive electronics?

It's possible for amateurs to install automotive electronics on their own. However, the process can be complicated and requires a lot of patience and specific information to get it right. Be aware that if any of these skills seem out of your comprehension or ability, it may be best to have a professional auto electronics installer or qualified mechanic handle it for you.

• Wiring: For portable and other battery-operated auto electronics, this isn't a concern. However, if you're buying something that's meant to be permanently installed in your vehicle and attached to the internal electrical system, you'll need to understand proper wiring. You might even need to be able to solder or otherwise properly connect wires. Failure to correctly wire your electronics equipment can lead to malfunctions and other potentially serious issues.
• Panel removal: Chances are that the wires and other parts you'll need to access during installation are hidden behind plastic panels in your car's interior. That means you'll need to be able to remove these panels without breaking them in order to preserve your car's sleek interior appearance. There are special panel tools you can use to pry these off, but it's a good idea to know exactly which panels to remove and where to insert the tool for removal. You may want to look up specific information for your car before you start trying to pry panels off of your interior display.
• Removal of old components: If you're planning an auto electronics purchase to replace something that's currently in your car, such as speakers or an in-dash stereo, you should look into the proper method for removing these components. Different companies may use different panels and hardware, so it can be helpful to do some research first to find out what kind of tools you might need. Failing to properly remove these parts may result in cracked plastic panels and other issues that not only look bad but also make it difficult to install your new electronics.