Now let's get to the source?
If the car receiver ranked the lowest, then you have several options. Think about your driving and listening habits to decide which features you want. It's important to think about what your other primary sources of music are, and whether or not you can enjoy them in your car.
Do you like downloading music from iTunes or other music-sharing sites?
Buy a CD/MP3 receiver that will play MP3 files burned to discs. Or, if you own a portable audio player or iPod®, buy a receiver with an auxiliary input. Newer adapters will charge your iPod when it's connected, and offer direct audio connection for faster signal transfer. If you get a receiver with a large monitor, you'll get the added convenience of touchscreen control and easy viewing of songs and playlists, even album art and video.
Another option is to get a receiver that features a USB port. You can play digital music files stored on your thumb drive or plug in an MP3 player with a USB connection.
Is your car your office?
Receivers that have Bluetooth® capability are really convenient if you make a lot of phone calls in your car. In most cases, you can hear callers over your speakers simply by pressing a button on your receiver. And if you have a display screen, you can see the Caller ID and dial via touchscreen.
Do you travel a lot?
If you spend a lot of time in your car, you should consider investing in a new receiver that offers MP3 playback and has an auxiliary input for your portable MP3 players or satellite radio tuner. When you hook up your portable MP3 player, you'll get hours of music at your fingertips with the added benefits of not having to fumble around for scratched discs. Satellite radio gives you a wider variety, with commercial-free music and live sports and talk. Best of all, you get coast-to-coast coverage so you won't ever lose a station again.
Like to take the family on long road trips during school vacations?
An in-dash DVD receiver can change your driving experience. Or better yet, go for backseat video. Your passengers can be quietly entertained in the back seat, so you can concentrate on getting everybody there safely. Replace your headrest with one that has a built-in screen, or purchase a model that simply slides over your existing headrest. Overhead monitors, which mount on your vehicle's ceiling and fold up when not in use, are also a convenient option. Keep in mind that some DVD players also let you connect video games or camcorders.
And for those, um, "directionally challenged" individuals amongst us?
End the "should we stop to ask for directions?" debate when you install a GPS navigation system in your car. Just enter your destination into the trip computer and follow the voice prompts and visual directions. You can also see points of interest and updated traffic information. Most in-dash display monitors are also compatible with easy-to-install rear view cameras, to help the "spatially challenged" avoid backing into other cars or lampposts.
And don't forget?
Most receivers these days offer more than one of these features, so you don't have to choose just one. The new technologies are endless, and your installation options are enough to give you what you want without totally disassembling your car or taking a bite out of your wallet.
What if I can't change my stereo?
We also carry a wide variety of adapters and other solutions for adding most of these options to your factory stereo. Use our "Outfit My Car" tool to see what's available for your vehicle.
