Guide Note

To improve the stereo system in a vehicle, aftermarket speakers are usually used to replace the stock speakers in the car. While most car speakers can be swapped out with ease, additional components such as tweeters and subwoofers can be integrated to further improve sound quality.

Fast Facts

1. Tweeter: Small, high-frequency car speaker
2. Midrange: Medium, medium-frequency car speaker
3. Woofer: Large, low-frequency car speaker
4. Subwoofer: Ultra-low-frequency car speaker
5. Audio crossover: Limits frequency range each speaker must handle
6. Amplifier: Provides necessary wattage to drive speakers

A car stereo can be modified a number of ways. The first step in improving a car's sound system is replacing the radio, or head unit. This is the radio/CD player located in the car's dash. An aftermarket unit will provide more power to the speakers and generally be of better quality than most factory head units.

The next step is replacing the car's main speakers. Most cars will have a four speaker system with two speakers up front and two in the back. Unless the vehicle is equipped with a premium system from the factory (such as Bose), aftermarket speakers will improve sound over moderate factory installed components.

Adding booming bass to a car is popular among car audio enthusiasts. Subwoofers can be added to a sound system, often being located in the vehicle's trunk. Subwoofers commonly range in sizes of 8, 10, 12, and 15 inches and are connected to amplifiers to provide high wattage for louder bass.