How to tell if your vehicle's audio system is working properly

In-car audio equipment can be sensitive. Damage to audio equipment can result in excellent sound quality and distracting or annoying audio. However, recognizing problems with the audio system isn't always easy for most drivers.

Read on to learn the most common symptoms of a damaged audio system and how to tell when it's time to seek professional maintenance.

When you're driving, you want audio that's crisp and clear, not muffled and distracting. Sometimes, you may be so used to the sounds coming from your car's audio system that you don't realize what you're listening to.

 

 

Wondering if you're hearing the effects of a malfunctioning audio system? Here's what to look for.

 

Common Sound Problems

 

Low audio

Can't tell what the lyrics are when listening to music? Do podcast and radio hosts sound like they're talking into polystyrene Styrofoam cups? Having a hard time distinguishing between instruments or notes in a song?

These are all signs of low audio, and it's one of the most common ways to tell when your audio system is in need of an upgrade.

Unclear bass

One of the first things to go when your audio system starts to deteriorate is your bass. This is especially common for owners without a subwoofer.

You want your bass to sound smooth and bouncy, not rough and congested. Your ears don't lie to you - if your bass doesn't sound great, your audio system may need fixing.

Crackling

Your audio system shouldn't sound like a bowl of rice pudding covered in milk. If you hear crackling, popping and popping sounds, your speakers may be damaged.

 

Common Visible Problems

 

Sometimes, problems with your car audio system go beyond what you can hear. Pay close attention to these signs that indicate your audio system needs to be fixed.

Digital Display Doesn't Work

What if the LCD display that shows information such as the time doesn't work, or the touchscreen doesn't register your taps?

In the latter example, your touchscreen may just need to be recalibrated. However, these are all signs that you may be experiencing a major problem. If your routine maintenance steps don't work, consider contacting a professional.

Speakers don't vibrate or move

A properly functioning audio system will show you that it's working - by this, we mean that you'll see your speakers vibrate or make a slight wobble when playing music. If your speakers are completely still when audio is playing, there may be some problem.

 

What causes these problems?

 

Aging Audio Systems

Unfortunately, the quality of most audio systems deteriorates over time. This is especially true for older vehicles. You may also notice tears or cracks in certain parts of the unit - it's not uncommon for these types of issues to occur over a longer period of time.

Poorly matched components

Vehicle owners have the option of upgrading their equipment on their own. While this may seem convenient to some, it comes with a host of problems - most notably, the equipment may become "mismatched". When amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers are not designed to work directly with each other, they can break or become damaged and exhausted. Therefore, it's always a good idea to enlist the help of an audio professional - they can help determine if your audio equipment is properly matched.