Five Reasons to Consider Repairing Your Factory Stereo Before Buying Aftermarket

Many consumers are considering replacing their factory stereo with one of the many aftermarket models available due to malfunction in their stereo or simply because they view an aftermarket stereo as an upgrade. But as factory stereos become more integrated into complex manufacturer setups, there are at least five reasons why you should consider repairing your factory stereo before you make the plunge into the aftermarket waters.

1. You Might Be Losing a Premium Sound System – Don’t be fooled by the flashing screens! Make sure you know what type of sound system your car is currently equipped with before making any modifications. Manufacturers are increasingly equipping new vehicles with premium sound that is better than low end, aftermarket stereos. A simple fix might save you money and give you a better overall audio quality.

2. You Might Sacrifice Factory Integrated Navigation and Climate Controls – Many vehicles, especially newer models, come equipped with complex, integrated features like navigation systems, climate controls, parking assist, backup cameras, steering wheel controls, etc. Removing the factory stereo can often mess up the entire system, stripping your vehicle of important features. Repairing your factory stereo would ensure that all your vehicles features function properly.

3. You Might Find Yourself Listening to Less Music and More Engine Noise – One of the biggest problems with installing aftermarket stereos is that the majority of installs are simply just not as good as the original manufacturing job. This leads to poor quality of sound. Even with the best installation, the problem of engine noise cannot be overlooked. There is a large potential for increased engine noise in aftermarket stereos over their factory counterparts. A simple repair could provide cleaner overall sound quality even when purchasing premium aftermarket equipment.

4. You Might Find that your New Stereo Has Been Stolen – While stereo theft is a decreasing problem nationwide, it is still far easier for someone to steal an aftermarket stereo than it is for them to steal a factory stereo. The ease of installation means aftermarket stereos are also quite easy to steal. While many factory stereos won’t even work in a different car, aftermarket stereos never prove so problematic for potential stereo thieves. Repairing your factory stereo may mean preventing costly damage to your car and the potential theft of an aftermarket stereo.

5. You Might Find Yourself Paying A Steep Price When You Sell Your Car – You might love your new aftermarket stereo, but factory stereos, especially on newer model vehicles, are far more attractive to dealers and potential buyers of your car. Custom stereos are specific to your taste, but they might not be what other car buyers are looking for. That means if you choose to replace your factory stereo with an aftermarket stereo you could be decreasing the resale value of your car. Repairing your factory stereo is the safest bet in helping your vehicle retain its value.

The next time you find yourself coveting the flashing lights in the stereo aisle, or when your factory stereo is causing you problems, consider seeking a factory car stereo repair shop and make sure you weigh all options before replacing your factory model with an aftermarket replacement.

Short Circuit Car Audio Repair is based in San Jose, CA and has been serving the needs of the Nissan / Infiniti community on NICOclub for over a decade. Contact them and tell them you read about them on NICOclub!