Like most drivers, you probably take your car’s audio system for granted. You crank up the volume, rock out to your favourite songs, and never give it a second thought. But what happens when your car speakers start blowing?
Suddenly, that excellent sound quality you’ve come to rely on is gone, and you’re left with nothing but static and a ringing in your ears. Thankfully, fixing blown car speakers is a lot easier than you might think, but how to repair blown car speakers correctly? Let’s find out.
If the cone of the blown speaker is ripped or torn, it will need to be replaced. Likewise, if the voice coil is burned out, it will need to be replaced. But in most cases, if the voice coil has been moved out of its position, pushing it back into place fixes the issue.
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Tip: Repairing blown car speakers is worth it for expensive or unique models. For example, if you have installed Focal ES 165 KX2 and their warranty expired (link to Amazon), the repair is advisable.
In other cases, the effort may not be worth it, given the cost of replacement parts and the time required to fix the issue.
In this article, I will look at some of the most common causes of speaker failure and some simple steps you can take to get your audio system back up and running in no time.
How Do You Fix a Blown Car Speaker
Fixing the blown speaker is not easy, especially if it requires replacing the internal parts of the speaker. The best way to fix the problem is by taking it to the nearest car service centre and letting the experts handle it.
However, if you’re confident, you can try a few things at home.
Just remember that working with electrical components can be dangerous, so always take precautions and follow the instructions carefully.
There are some key steps you can do by yourself to fix your blown car speaker.
#1. The first step is to identify the blown speaker. In most cases, it will be obvious which speaker is not working, as there will be no sound coming from it.
#2. Once you’ve identified the blown speaker, take a look at the connections. In many cases, loose or damaged wires can cause the speakers to blow after creating a short circuit.
#3. Check the voice coil. To check the voice coil’s free movement, gently push the cone towards the magnet.
If the movement is free, then the voice coil is not damaged, but if you feel that movements are limited or something is blocking it, the voice coil or suspension is damaged. Any damaged components have to be replaced.
Even if the voice coil has free movement, you must check it with the multimeter (link to Amazon). The resistance should be within the specified range. If the resistance is unlimited, the voice coil is damaged and must be replaced.
#4. Check the cone. Checking the cone is more of a visual inspection as you look for rips, tears, or other damage. If there are minor damages, the cone can be repaired, but for bigger cracks, you will have to replace it with the new one.
#5. Check the surround by gently pushing the cone to see if it moves freely. If it doesn’t, the surround is probably damaged and will need to be replaced. Also, check the speakers all around to see any surrounding damages on the edges.
#6. If, after checking and replacing damaged components, the sound quality is still not up to par, you may need to replace the blown speaker with a new one.
What Is a Blown Car Speaker
I am sure you have heard it many times that someone’s speakers have blown, but what does it mean?
In the most basic terms, a blown car speaker is one that has ceased to function correctly due to severe voice coil damage or the cone/suspension.
There are many reasons a speaker may blow, but the most common cause is an electrical malfunction. This can be caused by several things, such as loose wires, damaged components, or even wear and tear over time.
Whatever the cause, a blown speaker can be a real pain, as it can significantly reduce the quality of your music. In some cases, it may even make your car’s sound system unusable.
How Can You Tell if a Speaker Has Blown
There are a few telltale signs that will let you know if a speaker has blown.
#1. The most obvious is if there is no sound coming from the speaker, or if the sound is significantly quieter than usual, it means that the speaker may be blown, especially if you have the balance on the stereo at zero and the speaker on the other side works fine.
#2. Another sign of a blown speaker is distortion. A crackling or popping sound usually indicates this, and it can make your music sound fuzzy and unclear.
#3. Lastly, if your speaker is making a rattling noise, this is also a signal that something is wrong. This is usually caused by loose components inside the speaker, and it can be pretty irritating.
What Causes Car Speakers to Blow
Of all the causes, the most common cause is an electrical problem. This can be caused by loose wires, damaged components, or even wear and tear.
Another common cause of blown speakers is physical damage, often caused by water damage, mechanical impact, or even age.
Finally, speakers can also blow due to excessive volume. If you play your music too loud, it can cause the speaker to overheat and eventually fail, and in some cases, the voice coil may pop up from its position, which is common, especially with bass speakers that work at high volumes in too large enclosures.
This is why always keeping the volume at a reasonable level is essential.
Do All Car Speakers Blow Eventually
Not all car speakers will eventually blow, but it is unfortunately a common problem.
This is especially true for older cars, as the wiring and components can damage over time. Also, in older cars, the cones and other parts of the speaker may degrade due to age, which can lead to blowouts.
However, if you take good care of your car and its sound system, there is no reason why your speakers shouldn’t last for many years, even those strong ones powered by large amplifiers.
How Can You Prevent Car Speakers From Blowing
The best way to prevent car speakers from blowing is to take good care of them. This means keeping an eye out for any signs of damage and ensuring they are not overloaded.
It’s also a good idea not to go too high with the volume and match the impedance of the speakers with the amplifier.
This will help to prevent the speakers from overheating. If you’re unsure about how to do this, consult with a professional.
Another important thing is to keep the speakers from the high moisture level, which can weaken the cones over time and create rust on the magnets or voice coils.
If you live in an area with high humidity or dust in the air, it is worth installing marine-grade speakers, such as Polk MM1 or any other from the MM series (link to Amazon).
This will help to prevent any water damage or other problems that can lead to speaker blowouts because the marine speakers are made from robust materials and are fully sealed.
What Are the Consequences of Driving With Blown Car Speakers
The consequences of driving with blown car speakers can be significant.
Not only will you not be able to enjoy your music as much, but it can also lead to other problems like battery drain and electrical issues.
In some cases, it may even damage your car’s sound system beyond repair, so it is always best to fix the problem as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure how to deal with the blown speakers yourself or how to identify them, consult with a professional. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Can Blown Car Speakers Cause Damage to Other Parts of the Car
Blown car speakers can cause damage to other parts of the car. This is because when a speaker blows, it often emits a loud pop or bang.
Blown speakers can affect other car audio parts and even cause damage to the electrical system in your car.
A speaker that blows can even cause physical damage to your car’s interior if its cone is not covered and placed close to the car’s upholstery.
Risks Associated With Repairing Blown Car Speakers
There are some risks associated with repairing blown car speakers. This is because you will be working with electrical components, and there is a risk of shock if you do not know what you are doing.
It is also important to be careful not to damage the speaker cones when you are removing them from the car.
Another risk is that after repair, the speaker may not work as well as it did before, so you may spend time repairing it, and in the end, you will need to replace the speaker.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Blown Car Speakers
When the speaker has a slightly damaged cone or suspension, the repair cost is just the tape, glue, or piece of rubber.
However, in the case of severe damage, replacing an individual speaker can cost between $100- $200, depending on the model and the damage level.
The brand will also influence the price of the replacement speaker. For example, parts for a Focal speaker will be more expensive than for a Boss.
Is It Worth Fixing Blown Car Speakers
I hate to use this word, but it actually depends. You need to consider the cost of the fix, speaker type and model, and the value of your time.
In general, the common cheaper speakers are not worth repairing, and fixing is often done for the more unique brands or those speakers for which finding the replacement may be difficult or even not possible.
Also, if you are confident in your ability to fix the speakers and you have the time to do it, then it may be worth fixing them.
However, if you are not experienced or have the time, it may be better to replace the speakers, especially those worth less than $100 per pair.
In some cases, it may also be worth upgrading your sound system so that you can avoid blowouts in the future.
How Long Do Fixed Car Speakers Last
This is a difficult question as it depends on the damage level and the fix. For example, if you just used tape or glue, the fix will not last very long.
However, if you replace a damaged part with a new one, the speaker should last as long as it would the original one.
It is also important to note that even if you fix the speakers, they may not sound as good as they did before, so it is always best to do comprehensive research and consult with a service or someone with experience in car audio.
What Happens to Car Speakers That Can’t Be Fixed
If you cannot fix the speaker, then you will need to replace it. However, depending on the damage’s severity, you may find a used speaker that is in good condition.
If the damage is severe, or if you cannot find a replacement, then you will need to purchase a new speaker. This can be a more costly option, but in many cases, this is the only solution.
When purchasing a new speaker, you will need to ensure that it is compatible with your car and that it fits in the space where the old speaker was installed.
Conclusion
It is possible to fix blown car speakers, but this is not an easy task, and some risks are associated with this.
The cost of the fix will also vary depending on the severity of the damage and the type of speaker.
However, even if you fix the speakers, they may not sound as good as before, so it is always best to do complete research and consult with a service or someone with experience in car audio.