Not happy with your factory sound system? We have good news: you can often improve your factory stereo without spending an entire paycheck. Here are four different ways you can make your factory stereo sound better.


1. Replace Your Factory Speakers
Most brand new cars come with the cheapest possible speakers. They’re made out of paper (yes, paper), and they use the cheapest possible components. Almost any speaker with a polypropylene cone will perform better than a typical factory speaker. You can buy a whole set of them for less than the cost of a new set of sneakers. You can install upgraded speakers yourself or your local car audio shop can pop them in for a fee.

Upgrade car audio speakers
Aftermarket speakers, such as Bose, make a world of difference in terms of sound quality, via D0c
2. Add Satellite Radio
Most people think that adding a satellite radio tuner to a factory stereo means one of two things. Either:

Attach a satellite tuner to your dash, and then string a bunch of wires to get satellite over your existing speakers, or
Replace your factory stereo with an expensive aftermarket unit
While there are some benefits to option number 2 (some of the expensive aftermarket stereos are quite incredible), you don’t need to do either of these things to add satellite to your vehicle.

Instead, you can purchase and install a satellite adapter kit from VAIS Technology. With a VAIS kit, you don’t have to worry about cluttering up your dash because our kits can be either plugged into a USB port or installed behind the dash. Our kits integrate seamlessly with the factory stereo, even if your vehicle has a steering wheel radio tuner.

Also, if you’d rather not mess with installation, we’ve got installers all over the country you can work with.

3. Add A Subwoofer
aftermarket subwoofer
Turn up the bass with an aftermarket 8 inch sub.
This upgrade isn’t for everyone, but it’s a good way to spend your dollars if you enjoy listening to music with a lot of bass. There are two types of subwoofer options to consider:

Active subwoofers (aka powered subwoofers), which have their own integrated amplifier
Passive subwoofers, which require an external amplifier that’s almost always separate from the main stereo head unit
On many vehicles, there are powered subwoofer kits you can install that are custom designed for your specific year, make, and model. These subwoofers are in an enclosure designed to hide under a seat or tuck into a corner of your trunk. Then you plug into the existing stereo wiring. Depending on what you drive, a powered subwoofer could be easy to install and affordable.

4. Install Sound-Deadening Mats
Sound-deadening materials have a lot of benefits when it comes to car audio:

They absorb vibrations and noise from outside the vehicle that can reduce the fidelity of the sound inside the vehicle.
They help hold in (or keep out) heat. Your vehicle’s heater and A/C systems will work better, as most sound-deadening materials act as a layer of insulation.
They don’t cost very much, at least in terms of materials.
The downside to sound-deadening mats is that installation can be tricky. For some vehicles, there are pre-cut mats you can install inside doors, but a lot of times the materials have to be cut and installed by hand. To install sound deadening on the floorboards, you’ll need to pull up your carpet (which involves removing seats).

Still, you’ll notice a huge difference in sound inside your vehicle when you’re done.

Whatever you do, be sure to talk to the experts at your local car audio shop. They can offer suggestions for improving your vehicle’s stereo that won’t break the bank.