If you’re a car enthusiast, I am sure you know that the quality of your sound system can make or break your driving experience.
One of the key elements are the speakers, and if you want to upgrade your car’s sound system, installing a coaxial speaker is definitely the way to go, but how to install them correctly? Let’s find out.
To install coaxial car speakers, follow these basic steps:
#1. Gather the necessary tools.
#2. Remove the old speakers.
#3. Disconnect the wires.
#4. Prepare the new speakers.
#5. Mount the new speakers.
#6. Connect the wire.
#7. Test the speakers.
#8. Secure the wires.
Tip: If you’re planning to install coaxial speakers in your car, it’s crucial to choose high-quality speakers that can provide clear and powerful sound.
For an exceptional listening experience, I highly recommend the Polk Audio MM1 6.5-inch Coaxial Speakers, which are known for their remarkable sound quality and outstanding durability. You can find them on Amazon.
As someone who has been using these speakers in my car for the past few years, I can personally attest to their top-notch performance. They’re definitely worth considering, especially if you have a convertible or any type of vehicle with an open roof.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps for successfully installing coaxial car speakers in your vehicle. So, let’s dive in and get started!
Are Coaxial Speakers Easy to Install?
If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s audio system, coaxial speakers are an excellent choice.
These compact speakers provide excellent sound quality and are easy to install, making them an all-in-one solution for your car’s audio needs.
With coaxial speakers, you can enjoy clear and accurate sound that immerses you in your music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Plus, installing them is a breeze, so you can get started on your upgrade right away.
In short, to install your new coaxial speakers, follow these simple steps:
#1. Remove your old speakers to make way for your new ones.
#2. Connect the new coaxial speakers to your car’s wiring harness.
#3. Mount the new speakers into their designated locations.
#4. Test the speakers to ensure they’re functioning properly.
By following these steps, you can easily upgrade your car’s audio system and enjoy your favorite content in high-quality sound.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To install coaxial speakers in a car, you will need a few materials and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Materials
- Coaxial speakers
- Mounting hardware (brackets, screws, etc.)
- Wiring harnesses (if necessary)
- Sound-deadening material (optional)
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
- Pliers or wire cutters/strippers
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- Panel removal tool (if necessary)
- Drill and drill bits (if necessary)
- Sound-deadening roller (optional)
The specific tools and materials you need may vary depending on your vehicle and the type of coaxial speakers you’re installing. I recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions for any additional requirements or recommendations.
Additionally, if you’re installing any car speakers on a boat or other marine vehicle, you may need marine-rated speakers and wiring to ensure durability and protection against water damage.
Marine rated speakers are also good for convertibles or off-road vehicles.
Removing the Old Speakers
Now that you’ve chosen the right speakers for your car audio setup, it’s time to remove the old speakers from your vehicle.
The first step in removing old speakers is to locate them in your vehicle. Depending on the make and model of your car, the speakers may be located in the door panel, dashboard, or rear deck.
Once you’ve located the speakers, you need to remove the door panel or other interior elements to access them.
To remove the old speakers, you’ll need a few basic tools, including a socket wrench and screwdriver. Depending on the location of the speakers, you may also need a panel removal tool.
In most cars, you need to start by dismounting interior panels or covers to access the mounting screws or bolts, then use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove the screws or other fasteners holding the speakers in place.
Once the old speakers are removed, you have to disconnect the wires, and it’s a good idea to clean up any debris or dust left behind. This will ensure a clean surface for installing the new speakers.
Preparing the Mounting Location
Now that you’ve removed the old speakers from your car, it’s time to prepare the new speakers for installation.
Proper preparation is critical to ensuring a successful and professional-grade installation.
#1. I suggest starting with a visual inspection of the speakers and trying any necessary mounting brackets before you put the speakers into their locations.
This way, you can preposition any parts before assembling them, giving you an idea of how it will look in the door or any other location.
Some speakers come with attached mounting brackets, while others may require you to create your own. If your new speakers need mounting brackets, attach them securely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
#2. When the speakers seem to be in good condition, and they fit brackets, check the wire connections and polarity of the new speakers.
It’s essential to make sure that the positive wire from the car’s audio system is connected to the positive terminal on the speaker and vice versa for the negative wire.
#3. When preparing the new speakers, it’s also a good idea to test them before installation. You can do it by connecting the speaker wires to the back of the speaker and temporarily connecting them to the car’s audio system.
This will allow you to test the sound quality and ensure everything functions properly before completing the installation.
Installing the New Speakers
Now that you’ve prepared the new speakers for installation, it’s time to make their connections and install them.
Installing new speakers can be a bit more involved than removing old ones, especially if the new ones have larger magnets, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be a straightforward process.
#1. Start the installation by placing the new speakers in the appropriate location in your car.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the new speakers may need to be mounted in the door panel, dashboard, or rear deck. Make sure that the speakers are securely mounted and aligned correctly.
#2. Next, connect the wires from the back of the new speakers to the wires from the car’s audio system.
With most cars, factory connectors have only one mounting position, but if you install aftermarket speakers with the new wires, remember to connect the positive wire to the positive terminal on the speaker and the negative wire to the negative terminal.
For the aftermarket speakers, you may need to use wire strippers to remove any insulation from the wires and twist the exposed wires together, securing them with electrical tape.
You may also need to use wire adaptors.
#3. Once the speakers are mounted and wired, test them again to ensure everything works properly. Turn on your car’s audio system and listen for distortion or other issues.
If you notice any problems, check your connections and wiring to ensure everything is secure and properly connected.
In most cases, you should not have any issues, but I mention this because sometimes an old wire connector can be loose and fall off from the terminal. Therefore, I suggest double-checking everything before you start reassembling the interior panels.
Testing the Sound
After installing your new coaxial speakers, it’s crucial to test and fine-tune the audio settings to ensure the best possible sound quality.
Testing and fine-tuning can help you identify any issues and optimize the audio performance of your car’s audio system.
To test the new speakers, begin by playing a variety of audio content, such as music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
Listen carefully for any distortion, buzzing, or other issues that may indicate a problem with the speakers or wiring.
If you notice any issues, troubleshoot them before proceeding with fine-tuning the audio settings. Some common problems may include loose wiring, improperly mounted speakers, or incompatible audio equipment.
Addressing these problems before fine-tuning the audio settings can help ensure a better listening experience.
Once any issues are addressed, it’s time to fine-tune the audio settings:
#1. Start by adjusting the balance and fader controls to ensure the sound is evenly distributed throughout the car.
#2. Then, adjust the equalizer settings to enhance specific frequencies and improve overall sound quality. Depending on your preferences and the audio content you listen to, you may want to adjust the bass, treble, or mid-range frequencies.
When fine-tuning the audio settings, make minor adjustments one at a time and test the sound quality after each one. This approach will help you identify the optimal settings for your specific audio setup.
#3. Finally, there are some tips you can use to optimize the sound quality of your car’s audio system.
These tips include using high-quality audio files, reducing background noise, and adjusting the volume level appropriately.
Remember that your car’s audio system is affected by factors such as road noise, weather conditions, and other external factors that may impact the sound quality.
Therefore, it may be beneficial for you to soundproof the floor or door panels.
To learn more, check out my article about soundproofing cars for audio systems.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed new coaxial speakers in your car and taken an important step in upgrading your car’s audio system.
To recap, the installation process involved:
- Choosing the right speakers based on factors such as size and power handling
- Removing the old speakers
- Preparing the new speakers by attaching mounting brackets and checking wire connections
- Installing the new speakers and testing and fine-tuning the audio settings
By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you can enjoy high-quality sound in your car and enhance your overall driving experience.
Upgrading your car’s audio system can make a big difference in the quality of your commute or road trip and make your daily errands more enjoyable.
Remember that your car’s audio system is affected by various factors, including the quality of your audio files and the external environment. Be sure to regularly test and fine-tune your audio settings to ensure the best possible sound quality.
Overall, upgrading your car’s speakers is a worthwhile investment that can improve your driving experience and bring a new level of enjoyment to your time on the road. So go ahead and crank up the volume, sit back, and enjoy the benefits of your new car speakers.
FAQ
What Tools Do I Need to Install Coaxial Speakers in My Car?
To install coaxial or any other car speaker, you will need several tools, including a socket wrench set, screwdrivers, wire cutters, wire strippers, crimpers, electrical tape, and mounting brackets.
Additionally, depending on your specific installation needs, you may need a drill, a multimeter, and a soldering iron.
How Do I Remove the Factory Speakers From My Car?
To remove factory speakers from your car, you’ll need to first locate them, then carefully disconnect any wires and remove any screws or mounting brackets holding them in place.
Be sure to consult your car’s manual or a professional if you’re unsure how to safely remove the speakers.
It’s also important to choose replacement speakers that are compatible with your car’s audio system and installation requirements.
Can I Install Coaxial Speakers Without an Amplifier?
You can install coaxial speakers without an amplifier, but the sound quality and volume may be limited because the speakers require a certain amount of power to function optimally.
For optimal sound quality, I recommend adding an amplifier to any speakers with RMS higher than 20 Watts.
What Size Coaxial Speakers Do I Need for My Car?
The size of coaxial speakers you need for your car depends on the diameter of the speaker opening in your car’s door panel and the depth of the opening.
Most cars can accommodate speakers between 5.25 inches and 6.5 inches in diameter or 6×9 oval, but check your car’s owner’s manual or consult a professional installer for the exact size and specifications.
Upgrade your car’s speakers to enhance your audio experience while driving, but when you use the right speakers.
What Type of Wiring Do I Need for My Coaxial Speakers?
Coaxial speakers require a two-conductor speaker wire, typically ranging from 18 to 14 AWG, depending on the speaker’s power handling.
It is important to choose a high-quality wire with good insulation to reduce the risk of interference or signal loss.
Additionally, make sure to match the impedance of your speakers with the impedance of your amplifier to ensure optimal performance.
Can I Install Coaxial Speakers in the Rear of My Car if It Doesn’t Have Them Already?
You can install coaxial speakers in the rear of your car even if it doesn’t have them already, but the installation process may vary depending on the car’s make and model and the speaker size and shape.
How Do I Properly Connect the Wires to My New Coaxial Speakers?
To properly connect the wires to your new coaxial speakers, start by identifying the positive and negative terminals on both the speakers and the audio receiver or amplifier.
Then, strip a small amount of insulation from the ends of the wires (around 0.5 of an inch) and insert them into the corresponding terminals on the speakers and audio device.
Be sure to tighten any screws or clamps securely to ensure a solid connection.
What Should I Do if I Encounter Any Issues With the Installation of My Coaxial Speakers?
If you encounter any issues with the installation of your coaxial speakers, the first step is to check the wiring connections and ensure that they are correctly connected.
You should also check the wires’ polarity and ensure they are correctly aligned with the positive and negative terminals of the speakers.
If the issue persists, you may need to troubleshoot the amplifier or head unit.