Rearview Backup Cameras Are Great for New Drivers: Here's Why

If you’re welcoming a new driver to the road, one of the best gifts you can give them is a backup camera. Your teen may be a pro at driving a car forward, but backing up is often a different story. Even some experienced drivers struggle with driving in reverse. As such, it’s no surprise that there are roughly a half million back-up car accidents in the USA each year, according to Thomas Law Offices. You definitely don't want your kid to be a part of that statistic! Luckily, installing a high-quality rearview backup camera can be just the ticket to keep them safe and help them become a more confident driver. Let's take a look at some ways these cameras can benefit driving newbies.

Increase Visibility

With some cars, SUVs, and trucks, looking at the rearview mirror can be pretty tough. Even with vehicles that offer great rear vision, there are still always going to be blind spots. The last thing you want is for your teen to miss an obstacle behind them and back up into it! Fortunately, a good backup camera can greatly reduce if not eliminate blind spots. Of course, it’s still ultimately up to the driver to prevent accidents, but a rearview camera can put new drivers in a better position to succeed, helping calm your nerves as a parent.

Make Lane Changes Safer

A rearview backup camera will be your teen's best friend in parking lots and driveways, but these aren't the only places they'll come in handy. These cameras can prove crucial on the road as well. A good camera makes it easier to see the lanes behind the car and notice if someone is approaching in a blind spot. This can be a lifesaver on highways and other wide, busy streets.

Keep Insurance Rates Lower

If a new driver gets into a car accident, whether in a parking lot or on the road, it could greatly increase their insurance bill. If your teen is on your insurance, you could end up paying a hefty price for any mistakes they make — a single accident can result in the loss of hundreds or even thousands of dollars! Plus, it’s possible that they'll face a civil suit if they cause an accident, resulting in even more strain on your wallet. Keeping the risk of accidents down with a backup camera is the best move for all parties involved.

A rearview backup camera can help keep insurance rates low and drivers out of court. In addition to saving money, this technology can provide invaluable peace of mind for new drivers and their families. If you’re considering a rearview backup camera, get in touch with The Specialists today, and we can help you find the best model for your situation and vehicle.

Here's What to Look for in a Car Audio Shop

The car audio industry is truly booming. According to Statista, 92% of adults listened to the radio weekly in the first quarter of 2019. That number will most likely continue to increase. More and more people are opting for top-of-the-line car entertainment systems, and bass heads always look for a trophy at the latest competition. However, before you can upgrade your car's sound system, knowing what to look for in a car audio shop is essential. Be sure to keep an eye out for these four things.

Extensive Experience

Working with an inexperienced team is not an option. Wiring a car's audio system incorrectly can cause severe damage, and in some cases, the vehicle can even catch on fire. Incorrect wiring can fry the alternator and cause irreparable damage to the car's engine. Ask a shop how long they've been in business to determine how much experience they have. This way, you can ensure the installation process gets done right.

Diverse Product Selection

Always ask a shop what brands of products they work with. Then, take the time to research these brands and determine how reliable the products are. You should also consider your specific preferences for your sound system. For example, bass heads need a specific subwoofer to handle the massive speakers. Make sure a shop's offerings meet your needs.

Customization Options

Most vehicle owners have something specific in mind when they head into an audio shop. They may want more bass or a slightly upgraded standard system that sounds better. That's why it's essential to consider the customization options available at various shops. Ask them what services are offered to help you create the look and sound you want.

Professional Installation

Some businesses only sell products, requiring you to find someone else to install them. Ask an audio shop what services they offer. If a car audio shop doesn't provide professional installation services, but you love their products, ask them to recommend a professional who can install their products. Many audio shops collaborate with other companies that offer similar services.

As a car audio shop, we understand the importance of meeting your needs for your sound system. Our professional staff can help you find exactly what you're looking for. Contact The Specialists for more information today. We look forward to assisting you!

4 Benefits of Having a Back-Up Camera

Driving a car comes with great responsibility, so you should make sure that you have as much visibility around you as possible. Thanks to professional back-up camera installers, you can have the protection you need. Let's take a look at four major benefits of back-up cameras.

1. Increase Value

Like any other asset, your vehicle has value. While a car depreciates in value over time, regular updates and proper maintenance can help maintain as much value as possible. Installing a back-up camera is one upgrade that can make your car worth more. You may decide to sell your car or trade it in at some point. The higher the value it is, the more money you'll get back.

2. Save Money

Hiring back-up camera installers can actually save you money. Adding this feature to your car can help prevent accidents, which can be costly. A car accident can be responsible for major car damage and may even total your vehicle. If you are at fault for an accident that damages someone else's car, that's money out of your pocket. It's wisest to prevent accidents before they even occur by installing top-of-the-line safety features.

3. Prevent Accidents

According to Edison Research, more than half of all Americans age 13 and older report listening to the radio in their cars on any given day. However, if people are too distracted by music or any other noise, it can increase the likelihood of an accident. With a back-up camera, you can negate many distractions by making it easier to park, see cars in all directions, and avoid obstructions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), back-up cameras can reduce the risk of backing accidents by 57%.

4. Make Parking Easier

Parking can be one of the most stressful aspects of driving. After all, some parking spaces can be very tight. Back-up camera installers make it easy for you to see all around you. This way, you can avoid hitting another car or pole when you're trying to move into or out of a parking space.

As you can see, adding a back-up camera to your car can benefit you in several ways. You'll make your vehicle easier to operate, add value to a depreciating asset, and potentially save money by avoiding accidents. Preventing accidents with a back-up camera can also increase your personal safety and that of other drivers and pedestrians. Take the next step in being a responsible driver and call The Specialists for our back-up camera installation services today. We look forward to working with you!

How Does a Car Stereo Work?

A good car stereo helps to make driving more enjoyable, and there are lots of great car stereos available. While many automakers include premium sound systems in their standard vehicle packages or offer them as optional equipment, there are also many great aftermarket stereo systems you can invest in to improve the sound quality of your car's speakers. Let’s examine the components of a quality car audio system.

Head Units Control Input

The head is where the audio signal originates. The signal might be from the radio or an input, like Bluetooth, digital, or a CD if you still use them. Most people refer to the head unit as the radio or stereo, which is fine. The technical term is the head, and that’s where your audio entertainment begins. It does let you control the volume and signal quality to get the best sound reproduction.

Amplifiers Boost Sound

An amplifier is what boosts the signal produced by the head unit of a good car stereo. The amplifier makes it possible to generate high volume at the speakers and fill the passenger cabin with outstanding sound reproduction. The amplifier determines the maximum wattage output that drives the speakers. Some amplifiers are included in the head units while others are separate pieces of hardware that you can install between the head unit and the speakers.

Speakers Provide Sound

Speakers are what reproduce the sound that you hear in the passenger cabin. Speakers have different power ratings that determine the maximum wattage that they can support. It’s important to ensure the amplifier won’t overpower the speakers and damage them. Most car speakers contain woofers, tweeters, and midrange speakers in one compact unit and might have as many as 10 or more speakers to give a good range of sound that fills the cabin without having to crank the volume.

Subwoofers Boost Bass

Many people like to boost the power of the very low end of the sound spectrum with one or more subwoofers. The subwoofer usually has a very large speaker to amplify the bass. The bigger the speaker, the better the bass. Some subwoofers have one very large speaker or two or more small speakers to drive the bass.

Are you looking for your own new car stereo system? Choose The Specialists Car Audio. You can call or visit our storefronts to learn more and price a system for your vehicle. We look forward to working with you!

Why to Leave Car Stereo Installation to the Professionals

There's nothing like blasting your favorite song out of your car speakers while driving around town. According to a recent survey, 76% of Millennials and 82% of Gen Z survey respondents stated that they enjoyed listening to music in their vehicles. If you're a music lover who's considering an upgrade to a new audio system, here are a few reasons why your car stereo installation should be handled by professionals.

Warranties and Guarantees

You'll want your car stereo installation protected by any applicable manufacturer warranties and guarantees. When you undertake any type of installation yourself, it's more than likely that these protections will be null and void. In fact, most manufacturers require that all covered work be conducted by approved technicians and shops. These protections are worth having, so be sure to have a professional take care of your installation.

Precision Work

Audio systems require a lot of precision work. Without the proper training and skills, you won't be able to properly complete the steps that these installations require. If you want to enjoy top-quality audio, it's important that all the installation work is done correctly. There's no sense in investing a lot of money in a quality stereo system only to install it improperly. Even if you're handy and have a lot of experience working on cars, stereo systems require a specific skill set. This is one job that you should be happy to turn over to the pros.

Avoiding Expensive Mistakes

Investing in a new, top-of-the-line car stereo often means a significant outlay of funds. After you spend money buying your new audio system, you might be tempted to try to save some money by installing it yourself. Unfortunately, this decision might turn out to be an expensive one. If you make any mistakes with the installation, you'll have to pay to have it fixed, at the very least. The other likely option is that you'll also need to pay to have it repaired before you can then pay again to have it reinstalled.

Car stereo installation is more complex than many realize. If you've decided it's time to upgrade the sound system in your vehicle, The Specialists are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive an estimate for your job. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

3 Questions to Ask a Car Audio Shop

Adding a new sound system to your vehicle allows you to listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while you drive or travel. According to Headphones Addict, over 60% of all Americans identify as either music lovers or fanatics. When the time comes to have a new car audio system installed, there are numerous shops you can give your business to. Here are three questions you should ask a car audio shop to narrow down the list of places where you should have your system installed.

1. Are Your Installers Certified?

The individuals who install your car's audio components should be trained and certified. Mobile Electronics Certified Professional, or MCEP, is one of the largest and most noteworthy companies to offer this type of service. But, you should always ask to ensure their installers are properly trained and certified. Mistakes can affect other systems and components in your vehicle, including electrical components.

2. What Types and Brands Do You Carry?

Not every car audio shop carries the same products. Some shops may carry a specific brand or manufacturer, while other companies may carry a larger selection of items. Always ask a shop what types of products they carry and what brands of products they carry. If you are looking for a specific product or brand, ensure that the company you are considering working with offers the products that you desire.

3. Do You Offer a Warranty?

No one anticipates having an issue with a newly installed car audio component. But, if something pops up, you will be glad you inquired about a warranty or satisfaction guarantee. The best installers will stand behind their work and warranty what they install. If there are any issues, or you need help getting the sound you desire, you can come back and they will fix the issue, free of charge.

As you look from the outside in, each car audio shop may be similar. But, once you start asking the right questions, you will quickly learn that there are differences among them. Asking the above three questions is the right first step to helping you find a car audio retailer to install your new audio components. If you are looking to have a new radio or speakers installed, we would love to help. Reach out to us today to discuss your needs and how we can help.

3 Indications You Need a New Rearview Backup Camera

The rearview backup camera is one of the most important safety features added to modern vehicles. According to Driver Knowledge, around 6 million car accidents occur in the U.S. annually. You can help avoid an accident when you have a functioning rearview backup camera. Ensure your car's camera works correctly by watching out for these three problems.

Your Vehicle's Rearview Backup Camera Presents Signs of Exterior Damage

First, you should consider replacing your car's rearview camera if it shows signs of exterior damage. Remove the camera from its perch and check if it has sustained any cracks. You should also check for indentations on the camera's surface. The camera may also present visible signs of wear and tear.

Hopefully, you got to your camera quickly, so the exterior damage isn't that bad. You may still be able to take the camera to an auto shop for repairs. In some cases, the wear and tear may be so significant that it renders the camera incapable of functioning properly. Big cracks and bumps on the camera's surface may also force you to purchase a replacement.

Your Vehicle's Rearview Backup Camera Is Displaying a “No Signal” Message

After hopping into the driver's seat and turning on the rearview backup, you may be greeted by a “no signal” message. The “no signal” message is a potential indicator of different issues. In many cases, it is an indicator that there are issues with your camera's wiring. The message appearing due to a relatively simple wiring issue would be the best-case scenario.

There's also a distinct chance that the “no signal” message is related to a blown fuse. You can try replacing the fuse to see if that gets your rearview backup camera back online. If the “no signal” message persists, you should look into getting a new camera.

Your Vehicle's Rearview Backup Camera Is Waterlogged

Although rearview backup cameras are designed to withstand contact with water, prolonged exposure is a different matter. Too much water soaking into the camera can compromise its functions. Make a habit of drying your rearview camera as soon as possible whenever you have to drive in wet conditions. Consistently waterlogged backup cameras are unlikely to last very long.

Rearview backup cameras have made driving and parking significantly easier for motorists. Those cameras have become essential safety features on modern vehicles. Don't take to the road without a working camera on your camera. Contact us today so we can supply the replacement camera your vehicle needs.

What Are Car Radar Detectors?

Radar detectors can be a great tool for drivers as long as they're legal in your state. If you're considering investing in a radar detector for your vehicle, here's everything you need to know before you buy.

What Are Car Radar Detectors?

A radar detector in your car is a device that can pick up on X-band signals from other devices, letting you know when there's a device putting out X-bands nearby. According to Thomas, X-band radar can detect objects two to four miles away thanks to its low frequency and high output. Because the radar guns that law enforcement officers use typically operate at about 10.5 GHz, you can pick those radar guns up with your radar detector while you're driving.

Why Use a Radar Detector?

The simple reason to use a radar detector is to make sure you're not caught in any speed traps by the police. It's common for police to sit in areas where the speed changes or drivers frequently speed, and they may even set up an automated speed safety camera to catch you speeding. When you have a radar detector, you can see where radar guns and speed safety cameras are in use and slow down as you approach those areas.

Are Radar Detectors Legal?

You might get a hard time from police if they spot a radar detector in your car when they pull you over, but these devices are actually legal in many states. Even laser jammers are legal in several states. That being said, it's always smart to check the laws in your state before you use radar detectors.

Connecting Your Radar Detector

If you want to hardwire a radar detector to your car, all you have to do is connect it to the radio fuse wire. If you don't want to hardwire your radar detector, you can simply connect the power supply to your rearview mirror or your cigarette lighter socket.

Investing in a radar detector is a smart way to save on speeding tickets and avoid accidents. When you see a radar gun being used a mile ahead of you, you know it's time to slow down soon. Want to learn more about radar detectors and how they can help protect you? Contact The Specialists today to learn more about our products.

How Back Up Camera Installers Keep You Safe

More vehicles are coming equipped with a backup camera. If your vehicle does not, or your existing camera was damaged in an accident, you may be looking to have a new one installed. Back up camera installers help install these cameras that help to keep you, your family, and those around your vehicle safer when you are backing up. Here are a few of the key ways that they help to keep you safe.

Help to Prevent Car Accidents

It is estimated that there are approximately half a million backup car accidents in the United States each year, according to Thomas Law Offices. Most of these accidents occur because there are blindspots when someone is backing out. A backup camera helps a driver to see these blindspots, reducing the likelihood of an accident happening as they are pulling out of their driveway or pulling out of a parking spot.

Help to Keep Small Children and Pets Safe

One of the key reasons why backup cameras have become customary in newer vehicles is because these cameras were initially designed to help keep small children and pets safe when someone is backing out of their driveway. It can be hard to see small children or pets who are running or playing outside. A backup camera, in conjunction with checking your mirror, helps you to see more, ultimately helping to keep small children and pets a bit safer.

Aid in Parallel Parking or Backing Into a Parking Spot

The final way that back up camera installers help to keep you safe by installing new cameras is because backup cameras aid in parallel parking or backing into parking spots. Backup cameras help you to ensure no one suddenly walks behind you and helps you see exactly where your car is so you do not hit or back into other parked cars.

Backup cameras help to prevent backup car accidents, help to keep small children and pets safe, and aid in parallel parking or backing into a parking spot. If you do not have a backup camera on your existing vehicle, or yours does not work, now is the perfect time to install one. Our team of back up camera installers can properly install your backup camera for you. Call The Specialists - Car Audio today to learn more.

5 Things to Look for in a Car Audio Shop

A good car audio shop can transform your vehicle into a rolling symphonic experience by upgrading the stock audio system. According to Edison Research, 54% of those that listen to any amount of radio choose to rely on their radios exclusively while in their vehicles. When you want the services of an audio shop for your car, these five tips can help you to find a good one.

1. Do They Have Demo Cars?

Many audio shops have demo vehicles that contain highly customized audio systems. Those customized systems should show the best possible work and feature cutting-edge, high-performance audio systems. A demo car gives you the opportunity to see and hear the kind of system that you might obtain.

2. Look for Audio System Displays

A good car audio shop also should have a variety of audio systems displayed that you can try out. The displayed systems should include the types of systems in which you are interested and others that also might fulfill your needs. When you can test different systems and compare their respective prices, the audio shop lets you take the audio systems for a virtual test drive.

3. Are the Technicians Trained and Experienced?

You don't want just anyone taking apart your audio system and installing a costly new one. You should ask about the training requirements and experience of the car audio technicians and the types of installation equipment they would use. Then you'll know your vehicle is in safe and experienced hands.

4. Check Out the Work Area

A good car audio shop should have a clean and tidy work area where its technicians do the installation work. A well-equipped and well-organized work area helps to show the amount of care that the shop's owners and technicians put into their work. It also is a good indicator of the work quality they will provide for your audio system installation.

5. Learn How the Shop Protects Vehicles

It's very important to protect your vehicle during the audio installation. A dropped tool might scratch that paint, or maybe a screwdriver might damage the upholstery. You should find out what kind of precautions the technicians will take to prevent damage to your car while ensuring you get a first-rate audio installation.

Ready to get started with a reliable car shop for your new sound system? You can stop by our car audio shop for the latest systems and professional installation services. Our team at The Specialists looks forward to working with you!