How to buy a good car radio and what to look for?

You have many options, from standard analog products through transmitters to multimedia stations. Each of these devices has its own obvious advantages, but also comes at a cost or acceptance of disadvantages. That's why our tips will help you decide which car radio to choose!

Car radio - why change?

There are basically 3 reasons why drivers decide to change this item of car equipment:

• the factory one was out of order or was missing (some still remove the radio when reselling the car);
• the equipment currently in use does not have the required connectors;
• You need to replace the audio system in your car.

One way or another, you are faced with the need to purchase a new receiver. We will try to simplify the solution.

Car radios - types of models on the market

There are several ways to listen to music in the car. However, it is not always necessary to replace the receiver itself. Before considering it, you can also consider other solutions. Below we will present and describe all those that deserve attention.

Car stereos and FM transmitters

If you want to listen to your favorite music, you don't need to change the current model. The car radio can play your favorite songs via radio waves. For this, an FM transmitter is used, which is installed instead of the cigarette lighter. It has space for an SD card or USB stick so you can plug in the drive. To listen to music from the audio system, tune the transmitter to the same wavelength as the station. Ready!

Car radio and cassette adapter

Of course, this is a very outdated solution. However, you can still find cars that have long unused cassette slots. How to include favorite works in such an audio set? An interesting (and probably the only) option is to use an adapter. It's just a cassette with a mini jack cable connected to it. The quality is not stunning, but the solution itself is cheaper. The adage “If it’s stupid but works, then it’s not stupid” applies here.

Retractable Screen Car Radios

This brings us to the most interesting part of this guide. Typically, a car radio with a retractable screen was produced in 1-din format. This is the size of the recess in which the receiver is placed. Who is the retractable screen option for? For those who have just such a small place for the radio, the car manufacturer has prepared. Car players equipped with a retractable screen are, of course, multimedia centers. You will find all possible connectors, wireless, GPS and navigation.

2-din touch radio for car

Over time, manufacturers began to use larger compartments (180 mm x 100 mm), i.e. 2-din. Such places allow you to install touch players with non-retractable screens. Thanks to this, all control of sound, navigation and other multimedia is carried out using the touch screen. Of course, you will find solutions on the market that also allow you to additionally control the system using the keys, but this will not always be necessary. The advantage of touch screen devices is the ability to connect a rear view camera.

For older car radios, Bluetooth is a great solution.

Quite an original idea and, in principle, not having much to do with replacing audio equipment. However, for all music lovers in the car who value independence, a Bluetooth speaker is a very good solution. Why? Does not require intervention in the operation of devices in the car. So you don't have to worry about taking apart your old car radio and buying a new one. Bluetooth speakers are usually:

• enough for several hours without recharging;
• have very good sound quality;
• they easily pair with your devices. 

They are also completely mobile.

Touchscreen car radio and professional car audio system

All of the above solutions are only minor modifications from what is currently described. Every lover of good sound knows that a car radio is just one way to get it. For the full effect you need:

• high-quality wiring;
• amplifier;
• woofers and tweeters;
• door soundproofing. 

Then you can expect truly first-class sound quality in your car. If the level is high, then the price should be too. Typically, such modifications exceed the amount of 2-3 thousand zlotys.

Car radios - the price of individual devices

We have already listed some of the main types of audio equipment. Now it’s worth talking a little about the prices of each of them. A cheap modification of the adapter in the form of a cassette with a minijack cable. The cheapest items can be found in online stores for less than 1 euro. Of course, do not expect miracles, because the low price goes hand in hand with very average quality. But it's hard to expect more from equipment for a few zlotys, right?

Prices for FM transmitters

Another type of car radio upgrade is the FM transmitter. This is a very comfortable and stylish device of small size. Basic options are slightly more expensive than adapters. So we are talking about amounts of 15-2 euros, however, if you want to quickly charge smartphones, connect with a high Bluetooth standard and have room for a memory card, you will spend 100-15 euros.

Touch radio for car - prices

We save the most advanced solutions for last. You will find more 2-din units on the market these days than 1-din units. On models with a retractable screen, there is an additional risk of damage to the rails. If you want a really good sound system in your car and a touch screen car radio, you need to spend at least 100 euros on it. 

Why not save on touch radio?

Of course, it can be cheaper, and in stores you will also see products for 250-30 euros, but no one guarantees their proper operation. Often these cheaper devices have a big problem with wireless connectivity, storing radio stations, managing or their software is not intuitive.

What else should be considered when deciding to change the receiver? Radio itself is not everything. If your car has bad or problematic speakers, the radio won't give you much of an effect. Replace them together with the receiver. Also, be mindful of practical and economic issues. Car radio for 100 euros for a car worth 300 euros It's possible, but does it make sense? Cheap car radios are a much better idea for a cheap car. Good luck with your search!