We get into our car, put the key in the ignition, turn the engine, and… the car won’t start. While there are many things that can potentially go wrong mechanically, this usually happens when the car battery is defective or dead.

Sometimes this can be a minor inconvenience, such as a delayed trip, and at other times it can mean showing up to important business meetings and social gatherings late.

So, how much of an impact does the car radio have on your battery?

Can Radio Drain Your Car Battery? – Quick Answer

It is possible for your car battery to drain due to heavy radio usage. But because the radio consumes a very small amount of power, this is exceedingly rare.

The battery of your car should not drain due to radio usage unless you let the radio run for several hours with the engine off.

If your battery dies due to radio usage, then be sure to jump-start it yourself or seek help. Once the engine is on, keep it on and let the battery recharge for 15 to 30 minutes. Turning your accessories off and driving your car around can also help with the recharge.

Can Radio Drain You Car Battery? – Long Answer

Roughly 88 to 92% of adults still listen to the radio. Whether it’s to listen to one’s favorite tunes, catch the news, or go deep with talk radio, people continue to listen in for a variety of reasons.

So, the temptation might be there to run the radio in your car constantly, even without the engine on.

While your car is running, it’s unlikely your battery will drain due to radio usage. But if your engine is off and you continue to run the radio for hours, there is the chance it will drain your car’s battery.

Typically, you can leave the radio on for shorter periods of time without much concern, even if the engine is off. Most new cars have better quality batteries that can hold up to heavier usage.

If you know you’re going to be spending longer periods in your car listening to the radio, then be sure to turn your engine on occasionally. This will help prevent against battery drainage.

This is especially important if you plan to go on long trips or travel to remote destinations for camping, fishing, hunting, and the like. You don’t want your battery to die in a location that’s hard to reach, especially if you don’t have any cell service.

If you notice any persistent issues with your battery, then be sure to take it to your mechanic for maintenance, repairs, and if necessary, replacements. If you find that your battery drains quickly, it could be due to issues with your electrical system, not the battery, and this should be addressed sooner rather than later.

Overall, there are no major battery related concerns with running your car radio. The only thing to look out for is running the radio for long hours while the engine is turned off. This should be avoided.

If I End Up Draining My Car Battery Due To Radio Usage, Am I Fresh Out Of Luck?

If you are stuck somewhere remote, with no towns, mechanics, roadside assistance, or cell service nearby, then you’re going to have to come up with a plan. Read our earlier advice to avoid such an occasion.

Otherwise, though, all you require is a jump-start. Your battery may have drained due to radio usage, but that doesn’t mean it can’t recharge. Once you’ve boosted the battery and the engine is on, turn off the radio and all other accessories, and give the battery time to recharge.

It’s generally a good idea to drive your car around for 15 to 30 minutes after a jump-start, as the alternator can help with the recharge. Don’t turn off your engine until your battery has had the opportunity to recharge fully.

If you find that your battery frequently drains for unknown reasons, it probably isn’t due to your radio usage. The battery could be old (typically, batteries only last for three to five years), it could be faulty, it could even be issues with your electrical system. If you’re unsure, take your car to a mechanic to be diagnosed.

For reasons we’ll cover later, keeping a backup battery in your car isn’t a good idea, so your best bet is to pick up a jump box. You can use a jump box to jump-start your car without getting a boost from another driver or getting help from roadside assistance.

What About Other Car Accessories? Do They Drain The Battery?

Generally, your car’s electrical system powers most if not all your accessories, whether it’s the clock, navigation system, wipers, headlights, high beams, or otherwise.

As with the radio, your car accessories can be left on for short periods of time without consequence. Of course, it’s still a good idea to start your engine every now and then to give your battery an opportunity to recharge.

Letting your car run idle can obviously deplete your gas supply, but it will recharge your battery. It’s a bit of a tradeoff but losing a bit of petrel is generally preferable to a dead battery (just don’t drain your petrel tank in the process!).

If you’re camping, then it’s well worth investing in a power generator, as you can use it to power your car’s accessories without draining your vehicle’s battery. External power supplies also come in handy at drive-in theaters, tailgates, BBQs, races, and other situations where you might be sitting in your car for longer periods, or require your car’s accessories.

What If My Car Radio Won’t Turn Off?

Obviously, if you can’t seem to turn your car radio off, no matter what you try (including the power button), it could be a cause for concern. If this is what you’re experiencing, it’s likely due to issues with your car’s wiring.

If you’re mechanically inclined or love DIY radio projects, you might be able to make the necessary fixes yourself. Otherwise, it’s recommended that you bring your car to a capable mechanic.

Additionally, disconnecting your battery should turn the radio off. But this is like a hard reset, so it should be considered a last resort. Your clock, navigation system, and other accessory settings will be lost or reset if you disconnect the battery.

It should also be said that some cars will keep the radio on for a few moments, even after the engine has been turned off. This is usually not a cause for concern. Once you or one of your passengers has opened a door, the radio should shut off automatically.

If you think this might be an issue, then consult your car manual for additional options. You may be able to change the time limit or turn the feature off altogether.

How Long Should I Expect My Car Battery To Last?

Battery technology is constantly evolving, and never in history has there been a greater emphasis on new battery solutions, especially considering new green initiatives.

While your battery’s lifespan will depend on the make and model of your car, as well as its repair and maintenance history, most car batteries have a lifespan of three to five years.

If you’ve had the same battery for the last three to five years, and you find that it drains easily, then it may be time for a new one.

Replacing a battery is generally simple and inexpensive, but depending on your car, the battery could be in a hard-to-reach position (it’s heavy and will need to be lifted out) or under a removable panel (you’ll probably need to remove screws). These aren’t especially fun to deal with, but with a bit of help, they should not prove too problematic.

Worst case scenario, you can get help from a capable friend, roadside assistance, or a mechanic.

If you know that you’re going to be going on a long-distance trip, or if you’re planning to drive from a warmer climate to a colder one, it’s well worth replacing your car battery before your trip. This way, the likelihood of you being stranded in the middle of nowhere goes down considerably.

If you plan to keep your car parked long-term, it would also be wise to check the condition of the battery before and after. You may need to give your car a jump-start again after an extended period if there’s no one around to start your car every now and then.

If you need a new battery after keeping your car parked for a period, then you can always call a friend, roadside assistance, or a mechanic.

Batteries cost somewhere in the range of $50 to $200, but you can expect to pay more depending on the exact make and model of your car and the type of battery it requires. Of course, you will pay more for labour if you get the battery professionally replaced.

Batteries often come with warranties, so if you need a replacement early, you may already be covered.

How Frequently Should I Start My Car?

It’s inevitable that if you keep your car parked for longer periods, the battery will drain.

It’s recommended that you start your car at least once per week, and if you live in colder climates, you may even want to keep the car plugged in and start it more frequently – at least every other day.

If your car is going to stay parked for a longer period, then you should also consider disconnecting the battery. This way, you’ll be able to keep the battery from draining and doing additional damage to your car.

Is It Possible To Extend The Life Of My Car Battery?

Car batteries do have a limited lifespan, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things you can do to get the most out of your battery. Here are a few tips that should help:

• Don’t let your car idle for longer periods. This probably sounds like contradictory advice at this point. But longer periods of idling can drain your battery.
• Keep the battery clean. Dirt and grime buildup should be removed to keep your battery at maximum efficiency. Also watch out for corrosion. You’ll recognise it by its white-, blue-, or green-tinged appearance. The substance can build up around the cables, battery posts, and terminals. Corrosion can be cleaned, but it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions.
• Avoid extreme temperatures. This is obviously harder to do in hotter or colder environments. If you know you’re going to be in a climate with extreme temperatures, find a battery solution that caters to your climate (if any are available).
• Disconnect your battery. If you won’t be using your car for a while, then be sure to disconnect its battery. This should reduce unnecessary drainage.

Is A Backup Battery A Good Idea?

On the surface, it may seem like a good idea to keep a backup battery stowed away in the back of your car, but in practice, it’s not advisable.

This is because:

• If you crash your car, a battery can become a dangerous projectile
• The terminals can short out, producing a large current that can set your vehicle on fire
• The battery can topple over and spill corrosion producing sulfuric acid-based electrolyte

Your best bet is to store thick, durable battery cables and a jump box in your car.

Can Radio Drain Your Car Battery? Final Thoughts

So, can your radio drain your car battery? Generally, only if you’re running it for longer periods while the engine is off. For the most part, it’s not a major cause for concern.

If you find that your battery is draining quickly, there is likely another cause. It could be a faulty battery, problems with your electrical system, or even issues with another accessory. If in doubt, take your car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed.

If you continue to have issues with your battery, then it may be time for a replacement. Batteries generally only last three to five years. Check to see if your battery is under warranty, as you may be able to get a new one for little or no cost.

The post Can Radio Drain Your Car Battery? Even If The Engine’s Off? appeared first on Best Radios.

People who fancy replacing their car radio might be looking for:

• An entirely new fan dangled radio and stereo system
• To upgrade from an FM radio to a Bluetooth/touchscreen/smart system
• Simply to replace their broken radio with the same or slightly newer model
• A radio for a car with no previous sound system or radio

The costs of each of these options vary greatly depending on what the person wants to update.

Below, the costs of replacing a car radio get a breakdown in more depth. This article is just an outline; there is always the chance that prices are slightly skewed depending on the make and model of the car and radio in question.

Please note that this article uses the words “radio” and “stereo” interchangeably to mean the part of a car with buttons and a screen that controls music and AM/FM sound. “Speaker,” “subwoofer,” and “bass unit” may all be used to mean the part of a car that music comes out of.

The Radio Replacement Cost Breakdown, an Introduction to Parts

Whether a person wants to install their new car radio themselves or have it done by a professional, the price of parts is about the same. However, some installers will upcharge supplies to make a profit. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable in many cases, as it can be hard to tell if the installer is telling the truth.

This information is not here to discourage people from having their radios installed professionally. The next subsection (Cost of Parts) can help a person who wants to make sure they are not being scammed by a professional. The reader can learn the terms for the parts needed to complete the job below. Then they can compare prices on this list and reputable websites with the quote that a professional installer gives them.

At the end of this section, there is an outline of the price of parts alone with various options ranging from low to high end. There is an inclusion of additional speaker upgrades in some of the calculations. These additions are specified where appropriate.

The reader is encouraged to keep in mind that installation and tool costs are not in this section. If a person wants to install a new car radio themselves, they may incur additional costs if they need to purchase new tools for the job. Contrastingly, a person will surely accumulate additional costs if they want the radio replacement done professionally.

Cost of Parts

Multiple sets of wiring, an aerial adapter, the new radio itself, and possibly new speakers are everything a person needs to replace a car radio. Here is the breakdown of prices for each of these parts.

Wiring

New wiring is necessary to connect a new radio to the rest of a car’s system. This will cost from £15 to £30.

There is also steering control wiring. This ensures that the driver can continue to control the steering wheel with a new radio or stereo system. In newer cars, this wiring also ensures that the driver can control the radio volume and song controls with the buttons on their steering wheel. This wiring is separate from the basic wiring and will cost about £45 to £100.

A patch lead connects the steering control wiring to the steering wheel control module, which costs about £10. All three of these wirings connect together in a circuit.

Total cost range for all wiring: Between £70 and £140.

Aerial Adapter

An aerial adapter is needed to connect the car’s aerial system to the new radio. This adapter is pretty inexpensive, which runs from about £1 to £25. Sometimes the car’s aerial adapter is already compatible with the new radio and will not need to be replaced. It will depend on the make and model of the car, the year of the car’s manufacture, and the make and model of the new radio.

Total cost range for the aerial adapter: Between £0 and £25.

Radio and Optional Speakers

And of course, there is the new car radio itself and any additional speakers or subwoofers the person may wish to install. This can range considerably based on the technology a person wishes to include in their new system.

The cheapest radio can cost as low as £37, with the most expensive option costing as much as £899.99 on Halfords’ website. Their website offers a varied range of products and was therefore used to make sure this article considers a wide range for these calculations.

The cheapest radio option is going to be the most basic AM/FM radio possible. A person may want this option if their car’s simple radio is broken and irreparable. The expensive radio versions include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and can hook up to reverse camera systems. Note: Stereos do not come with any camera systems themselves, and the price mockup of this article does not include them.

Total cost range for a new radio: Between £37 and £900.

If a person is interested in simply replacing a singular faulty speaker in their vehicle, the cost can be as low as £10. However, if the person wants to upgrade their entire speaker system complete with a bass unit subwoofer, this will cost between £149 and £429.

For the purpose of this article’s calculations, £429 will be the number taken into account. The reader is encouraged to keep in mind that this price does not include professional installation and wiring for the speakers. Whether the person uses a professional installer or does it themselves, they will need wiring. Stereo wiring is an additional cost not included in this section of the mockup.

Total cost range for new speakers: Between £10 and £429.

The Total Price Range of Radio Parts

And finally, here is the total cost breakdown of all parts and supplies. The reader should keep in mind that this is a range, and realistically a new set of radio parts will fall somewhere in the middle.

Low-End Total Cost with No Speakers: £107

High-End Total Cost with No Speakers: £1,065

Low-End Total Cost with Single Replacement Speaker: £117

High-End Total Cost with Complete Sound Overhaul: £1,494

Replacing the Stereo by Oneself or With the Help of a Friend

To replace a car radio at home, the average DIY-er will need the parts and supplies from the last section as well as tools. However, there are a couple things to think about in addition to parts and tools.

Potential Future Radio Repairs

Something to keep in mind when installing a car radio at home is the potential repair cost. Many outlets that sell radios and offer installation also offer warranties, guarantees, and free repairs. Halfords offers a 12-month guarantee which includes free repairs should anything go wrong with a new car radio purchased from them.

Note: There is usually a fine print with these guarantees. But for the most part, they are reliable and can come in quite handy.

This information is not here to discourage readers from installing a car radio themselves. It is definitely the most cost-effective upfront to complete the installation as a DIY project. However, professional installation can offer peace of mind later down the line.

Of course, one can make the argument that “time is money” as well. So, it is quite a personal decision. Would a person rather spend money not to have to waste time installing a new car radio? Or would they instead spend time to save money on the installation of a new car radio?

The At-Home Installer Needs a Specialized Toolkit

Philosophical questions aside, what goes into installing a new car radio at home is the radio itself, all the necessary parts, and some specific tools.

This article outlined the costs of a new radio, speakers, and parts in previous sections. But what about tools for the person who wants to complete this sound upgrade themselves?

A simple tool kit is needed to extract the old radio from the fascia plate. These tools usually come in a set. These sets are on offer online as an “Auto Trim Removal Kit,” “Car Trim Removal Kit,” or “Car Radio/Stereo Removal Tool Set.” Prices for these toolsets range from £8.99 to £190.

Unfortunately, these kits are very specialized for the singular purpose of removing a car radio. There are not many other practical uses for the tools found in these sets. So unless a person wants to start their own car radio replacement business, they probably will not need to invest in a £200 kit!

The Total Price Range of At-Home Radio Replacement

Again, this range goes from one extreme to the other. The realistic price will fall somewhere in the middle. But it is good to know that this job can be done very cheaply if a person wants the most basic of radios.

Cost of Radio and Speakers: £37 to £900 for a new radio, £10 to £429 for speaker(s)*

Cost of Necessary Parts: £70 to £165*

Cost of Auto Trim Removal Tools: £8 to £190

Total Cost: £115 to £1,255

*Prices are taken from the previous section Cost of Parts.

Do Not Forget the DIN

One other thing to keep in mind is that if a person wants to replace their car radio themselves, it is essential to note the DIN of the original car radio. DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung and is the standard measurement for car radios. It is a German term, but most auto manufacturers use it.

A single-DIN radio is about 2 inches tall, while a double-DIN radio is 4 inches tall. Think of standard 90’s radios with CD players (single DIN) vs. today’s touchscreen Apple- and Android-compatible radios (double DIN). A handful of radio manufacturers create radios that are in between the two standard sizes, called 1.5 DIN radios.

DIN is important because it is much easier to replace an old double-DIN radio with a new double-DIN radio – as opposed to a single DIN – if doing it as a home DIY project. This ensures that the person will not have to mess with trying to replace or modify their car’s fascia plate.

Fascia plate upgrades are not part of this DIY section of cost breakdowns because it is an advanced technique. This article assumes that someone with fascia plate upgrade knowledge will already be acquainted with the prices of replacing a car radio.

Cost of New Car Radio with Professional Installation

This section outlines the cost of labor. It also goes into detail about why the cost of parts might be different when purchasing an entire installation through a professional car audio shop.

Parts and Labor

Professional installers will charge a range of prices depending on their level of expertise, and the car and radio make and model on which they are working. Car sound system experts can outfit almost any vehicle with a brand-new stereo.

On average, the cost of labor to uninstall the old car radio and install the new one runs between £50 and £200. This price is in addition to the cost of the parts, which professional shops may upcharge in order to turn a profit.

A new speaker system includes additional wiring and labor, which can cost anywhere from £50 to £300 for installation and parts. This price does not include the price of the speakers themselves.

Some professional installers run promotions that make the cost of speaker installation cheaper when paired with a new radio install. The estimated price of £50 should only be assumed as true when in a situation where the radio will be installed as well. All of these prices are estimates; every professional car audio shop is different and will have its own pricing system.

Total cost range for car radio replacement labor: Between £50 and £200.

Total estimated cost range for parts when billed through a professional installer: £100 to £300

Total estimated cost range for speaker installation: Between £50 and £300

While this might be a deterrent, it is important to remember that websites upcharge for all their products as well. Most shops get their products from the same inexpensive wholesaler and increase the price they charge on their websites and in their stores. Professional installers do the same thing, but sometimes at a steeper price.

Halfords, for example, offers an add-on option with their radios to fully fit a new system into the customer’s car. They also offer a demonstration of each new radio sold to their customers. This convenience is rolled into a one-stop-shop package and is worth the higher price tag for many customers.

Fascia Plate Upgrades

When a car’s radio is replaced, a person is usually trying to upgrade their system. This means they will sometimes want a different size and shape (DIN) than their original radio. When a person has their car’s radio replaced professionally, they have many more options.

Why is this?

A car’s radio can be replaced with a different sized radio because a professional installer can make sure the car’s fascia plate is fitted correctly over the new radio. This is why DIN does not matter as much in the case of professional installation.

Most professional installers can look at a person’s car and advise them on which radios they can choose, from single DIN to double DIN.

Total cost range for fascia plate replacement: Between £30 and £149.

Cost of Radio and Speakers: £37 to £900 for a new radio, £10 to £429 for speaker(s)*

Cost of Necessary Parts: £100 to £300

Cost of Professional Labor for Radio: £50 to £200

Cost of Professional Labor for Speakers: £50 to £300

Cost of Fascia Plate Replacement: £30 to £149

Total Cost without Speakers (Radio Only) with Fascia Replacement: £217 to £1,549

Total Cost without Speakers (Radio Only) without Fascia Replacement: £187 to £1,400

Total Cost for Radio and Speakers with Fascia Replacement: £277 to £2,278

Total Cost for Radio and Speakers without Fascia Replacement: £247 to £2,129

*Prices are taken from the section Cost of Parts.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Radio? Conclusion

So that was a breakdown of how much it costs to replace a car radio. These cost mockups included a vast range. We wanted to include the most extreme options on both ends. We feel that this gives an accurate representation of the whole picture. But what do you think?

Do you have any secret tips to replace a car radio for even less money? Do you have a fancy radio in your car that was worth every penny? Let us know in the comments!

The post How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Radio? With & Without Installation appeared first on Best Radios.

The good news is that we’ve compiled a list of common reasons why a radio or stereo system might be stuck on. If you can’t turn off your radio, try troubleshooting some of the common reasons we have compiled for you.

Car Radios and Car Stereo Systems

Car systems that won’t turn off can drain your battery and leave you stranded. You may overlook the issue with your car stereo if your volume is down, resulting in a surprise dead battery. Below are some common problems that make a car radio or stereo system stay in the “on” position.

The Radio is Designed To Stay On Temporarily

Radios in cars can stay on after the vehicle has been turned off and programmed to stay on for a specific period. If your radio is supposed to turn off when you open the door and it doesn’t, or it continues past the manufacturer’s programming, you will have to keep looking for the cause.

The Radio’s On/Off Knob is Broken

It seems obvious once you say it, but if the music turns off with the car but not when it is on, it could be that your vehicle has a faulty on/off switch for your radio. If cleaning the knob doesn’t do the trick, it might be time to repair or replace the controls on your system.

Door Switch or Sensor is Dirty or Faulty

Your car’s door may have a switch or sensor that triggers the radio to turn off when activated. The easiest solution is to give the sensors and switches a good cleaning. If that doesn’t solve your problem, there may be a faulty mechanism causing you troubles.

The Receiver or Head Unit Has Wiring Issues

The head unit, or “receiver”, is the primary control system for a radio system. Car owners can find head unit controls in your dashboard or the steering wheel.

Self-contained head units have amplifiers to provide power to the speakers. If your system is custom or a mixture of both old and new, this may create wiring problems that cause your radio to stay on.

Wires can also begin to fray or fail, especially if small animals have made their way into your car. Have a professional inspect it if you suspect your radio has a wiring problem beyond your skills.

Fuse Issue

Radio problems can be as simple as using the wrong fuse in the right slot. Some fuses won’t blow but create unusual stereo system behaviors.

Poor Quality Cables or Connectors

Poorly made equipment can cause power regulation problems in radio systems. If your cables send signals to your radio that input is received when it is not, it might malfunction. Cables and connectors that cause issues can be externally connected to the stereo system or behind the dash in the head unit.

Ignition Switch Providing Accessory Power, Even When Turned Off

An ignition switch can wear down or malfunction, giving the car a signal that says accessory power should be on, even when in the off position. If you notice that other accessories are having trouble with consistent energy, either staying on or suddenly losing control, look into the ignition switch as a potential cause. Another symptom or related causes can be the key not fitting or getting recognized in the vehicle.

Radio Stuck in Anti-Theft Mode

Many cars have anti-theft features, either in the alarm system or within the stereo system itself. When a radio gets stuck in anti-theft mode, it can prevent controls and signals from being received, resulting in a radio refusing to turn off in anti-theft.

Radio or Stereo System Needs a Firmware or Software Update

All electronic devices take their instructions from software, and for it to work correctly, it needs to be the latest version. Out of date software or firmware can result in features not working correctly, including your radio or clock. There are times when a device in a car may need to get a firmware or software update.

Mechanical or Hardware Malfunction

Mechanical devices have temperature and use limits. If your area is experiencing high heat, it is possible to experience mechanical or hardware failures due to failed epoxy or circuit boards overheating.

Radio Controls Are Locked and Preventing Auto-Off

Radios come with all sorts of features and modes, and the input you have your radio in may lock out the option to turn off the radio. Locking out the controls makes for an uninterrupted music experience. However, it might accidentally keep your stereo system on in your car.

Bluetooth Connection is Active to a Phone or Device

Some Bluetooth connection systems for car stereo systems can cause your system to get stuck in a specific mode. If you’ve ever seen a computer or phone freeze while playing music, you might be familiar with this issue. Stereo systems are just computer systems that can come with their types of hiccups.

Some phones and devices have child lock features that turn off controls. If your stereo system can lock out kids, you may be in child lock mode.

Home Audio and Theater Systems

In principle, home stereo systems and car stereo systems operate similarly. That said, home systems, including theater systems, may have different reasons why the system is failing to turn off.

The Stereo System is in Standby Mode

Home audio systems are notorious for offering a standby mode to save power. If the standby mode malfunctions, it can convince your system that it is in standby mode while it is actively playing music. Getting your system out of standby mode can usually be resolved with some power cycling or resetting of devices, but make sure you turn off your speakers to prevent blowout when audio devices (including cables) get disconnected during troubleshooting.

The Radio or Stereo System is Miswired

Miswiring is the source of a lot of odd radio problems. If you are unsure what type of wiring you’ve got behind your system due to power or control issues, getting a professional to investigate anything beyond your expertise is never a bad idea.

The Buttons on Your Radio Are Broken

Whether the remote or the physical button on the system, it’s possible that the problem with your system is a broken button. Some radios don’t have visual displays to show whether the system is on or off, making it more challenging to determine where your radio is malfunctioning.

Your Device or System Needs a Firmware or Software Update

Both car and home audio systems use software to function, and sometimes an update is required for standard features like “off” to keep working. The update may be on both the input and output devices, so check your phone’s available updates to use it as a controller.

Poor Quality Cables or Connectors

Poorly made equipment can cause power regulation problems in radio systems. If your cables send signals to your radio that input is received, it might malfunction. Cables and connectors that cause issues can be externally connected to the stereo system or behind the dash in the head unit.

Power Outlets are Incorrectly Wired

If power outlets provide the incorrect voltage to a radio, the circuit board and other parts can malfunction. Problems can be due to a unit overheating or getting fried from excess electricity.

Mechanical or Hardware Malfunction

In addition to temperature limits, radios use materials with a limited lifetime of use. Warranties often cover the known life of a product’s parts, expecting that failures could happen after the warranty period ends. Symptoms of hardware or mechanical failure can be the command to turn off not making it to the circuit board of the audio system.

Controls Are Locked and Preventing Auto-Off

Home radios have some of the same features that autos do. Child locks keep kids out of systems, no matter what buttons they push, unless they complete a task like putting in a security code. If you can’t turn off your home audio system, you may have just discovered that your model has child locks. Look up the model online to find more about its features and if you need to troubleshoot a malfunction.

Bluetooth Connection is Active to a Phone or Device

If nothing is directly attached to your audio system providing its controls, check if a Bluetooth device is connected and offering input. Car radios and home audio systems both suffer from getting confused from Bluetooth, which a person could resolve with the simple act of turning appliances off and back on again. Start with the device providing input, and then try the output device.

Solutions And Fixes: What To Do When You Can’t Turn Off The Radio

There are some simple solutions to try before getting a professional involved in your car or home audio repair.

Detail Your Audio System

Whether you want to have a professional come in or complete the detail yourself, sometimes a good cleaning can dislodge debris and dust, causing knobs, sensors, and buttons not to connect as they should.

If you are doing the cleaning yourself, make sure the products you use are safe for electronics, screens, and any materials you use that product to clean. Water can ruin your electronics and give you further problems.

Reset the Radio

You may need to reset your radio or audio system to function correctly again. Resetting the radio might be as simple as turning it off and back on again, unplugging it from the power source, or looking up the model number and following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Consult the Manufacturer

Manufacturers offer reset codes and other repair options in their manuals. Manuals can be found online and contain any reset options for your model. The manual may also include a number for their customer service or product support line. If the radio came with your car, it might be your vehicle’s manual.

Repair The Radio or Stereo System

Connect with a professional to solve your audio problems if you know your limits or have reached your limits. If you need to leave your car for some time and cannot get the radio to stop, the next option is to turn it down. If the volume does not change, try changing it to a mode with no input or a radio station with nothing playing (the between stations).

Be warned that your radio not turning off may result in a dead battery for your car. Call for emergency services if you are in unsafe conditions or need a professional to assist you right away.

The post Why Can’t I Turn Off The Radio? Some Potential Reasons [Car Or Home Radio] appeared first on Best Radios.

Most new cars come with DAB radio built-in, but if you have an older car, it’s easy to upgrade with an aftermarket DAB car radio adapter.

These adapters are generally cheap and easy to use, and work by plugging into your car or van’s cigarette lighter socket.

These adapters connect to your existing stereo, so you don’t need to replace it altogether.

Using an adapter is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your car radio to DAB, and you should be able to install the adapters reviewed here in less than 30 minutes.

Buying a car radio adapter and installing it yourself usually works out much cheaper than buying a new car radio and paying to have someone else install it.

DAB gives you a bigger choice of stations than FM, including lots of digital-only stations such as Kisstory and Radio 5 live sports extra.

You could use your phone to listen to internet radio in the car, but this will incur data charges and will mean you need to look at your phone to change the station.

At the time of writing, all of these adapters can be bought for less than £100. While buying a DAB radio adapter requires an upfront cost, DAB radio is free to listen to and doesn’t use internet data.

Here’s a roundup of the best plug-and-play DAB car radio adapters available in the UK.

Best DAB Car Radio Adapters in the UK

1. Pure Highway 200

This DAB adapter from radio manufacturer Pure connects to your car stereo using a built-in FM transmitter.

You tune both the adapter and your radio to an unused FM frequency, and the adapter acts like a mini radio station broadcasting DAB radio to your car stereo.

This adapter comes with an antenna, which is best positioned in the top corner of the windscreen.

Features

Summary

Provided you follow the instructions carefully, this DAB adapter should offer good sound quality with strong reception and few signal dropouts.

It’s also easy to install and can be fitted in as little as 20 minutes.

2. FirstE DAB-005

This 5-in-1 adapter from FirstE offers a lot of features at a reasonable price. It plugs into the aux-in port on your existing car radio and can be powered by either a 12V or 24V system.

It comes with an aerial that works well for most people, so it should offer you reliable DAB and DAB+ reception in your car.

Features

Summary

The DAB signal compares very well with pre-installed DAB car radios, so it’s a great way to get digital radio in your car without having to completely replace your radio (or your car!) Installation is quick and shouldn’t take more than half an hour.

3. FirstE DAB-008 Radio Adaptor

The FirstE DAB-008 adaptor offers a very convenient way to get DAB radio in your car and has a great TFT colour display which makes this adapter look more modern and fun.

You can connect this device to your stereo using an aux cable or the built-in FM transmitter, which broadcasts the signal to your existing FM car stereo.

One nice thing about this adapter is that it has Bluetooth, so you can stream music from your phone or take hands-free calls.

Features

Summary

The FirstE adapter is easy to install and offers pretty good value for money. It should pick up a good number of DAB radio stations.

When using the SD function, it may be best to have your music in folders, or you may find yourself flicking through all of your songs to find the one you want.

4. Blufree DAB-106B

This DAB car radio adapter from Blufree offers great value for money. This adapter plugs into the cigarette lighter socket and connects to your car radio via an aux cable (included).

If you don’t have an aux-in port, you can just tune your car radio to the adapter’s frequency instead as it features an FM transmitter. It comes with a windscreen aerial for picking up DAB signals.

As well as picking up digital radio stations, this adapter also features Bluetooth so you can take hands-free calls or play music from your phone through the car stereo speakers. This device will work with either a 12 or 24-volt car.

Features

Summary

This adapter is an affordable choice that offers a quick and easy way to get digital radio in your car.

It’s quite a versatile device that offers Bluetooth streaming, USB charging and MP3 playback as well as just digital radio.

5. Esuper Dual-Use DAB/DAB+ Radio Receiver

This affordable DAB car radio adapter comes with an aerial to attach to your windscreen, and can be connected to your car stereo either by using the built-in FM transmitter or by attaching a cable to the aux out port.

This adapter is very small, measuring just 5.3 x 5.3 x 3.2 cm. This means it won’t get in the way while you’re driving.

According to the product description, the “Dual-Use” in this product’s name refers to the fact that you could use it in the home as well as in the car, though once you’ve installed it in your car, you’re unlikely to want to take it out and use at home.

Features

Summary

This adapter offers a cheap and relatively painless way to get DAB radio in your car. You should be able to install it in about 30 minutes.

The aerial supplied is a wire aerial that sticks to the windscreen. Some people have found this aerial to be disappointing, but others find it offers a good signal. You may need to experiment with its placement to get the best signal.

How DAB Car Radio Adapters Work

DAB car radio adapters allow you to receive DAB radio stations without replacing your car stereo. They are usually powered from the cigarette lighter rather than having an internal battery. They connect to the existing car stereo in one of two ways:

• Via an aux cable which connects the adapter to the car stereo’s aux-in port
• If the adapter has an FM transmitter function, you can connect it to the stereo wirelessly by tuning the car stereo to the same FM frequency as the adapter (usually an empty frequency such as 87.5 MHz). The adapter acts like a mini radio transmitter that only broadcasts a few metres, so your car FM radio can pick it up. This doesn’t require Bluetooth, as it uses FM transmitting rather than Bluetooth.

Some adapters have an antenna which you attach on the roof of the car, whereas others have a wire antenna that you attach to the inside of the car. The adapter usually goes on the dashboard or the window screen.

DAB Adapter FAQs

Can I use a DAB car radio adapter if my stereo doesn’t have an aux-in port?

Yes, if the adapter has an FM transmitter function. This will allow you to connect the adapter without needing to plug a cable into the car radio.

Where does the aerial go?

Depending on the adapter, the aerial will either go on the roof of the car or be attached to the door frame or inside of the front window. Most adapters come with a magnetic ground which attaches to the car’s metalwork, thereby grounding the aerial.

Do plug-and-play adapters remember the station you were listening to when you switch them on and off again?

This depends on the adapter, but adapters usually remember the radio station you were listening to. Many adapters also let you save your favourite radio stations as presets so you can find them again quickly.

Do you need to buy an aerial?

DAB radio adapters usually come with a wire aerial which attaches to the windscreen. However, these aerials usually don’t work as well as roof-mounted aerials, so if you find the reception is poor you may want to invest in a roof-mounted aerial.

Aux vs. FM transmitter

Most DAB adapters can be connected to your car stereo in two ways:

1. Via an aux cable – Most DAB adapters let you connect the adapter to your car stereo using an aux (auxiliary) cable. Most car stereos have an aux port, but if yours doesn’t you will need to use an FM transmitter instead. Using an aux cable usually offers better sound quality with no interference, but having an extra cable on your dashboard can make things untidy.
2. Using an FM transmitter – If a DAB adapter has an FM transmitter this means it can transmit an FM signal to your car’s existing FM radio. The adapter acts like a mini radio station that just broadcasts within your car. You have to tune your radio to a free frequency. One problem with this method is that the sound quality can be worse due to interference.

How are DAB adapters powered?

DAB adapters can be powered in a number of ways, but usually, they plug into the car’s 12V cigarette lighter socket.

Some adapters, such as the FirstE 5 in 1 Car DAB/DAB+ Radio, can be powered via a USB port (if your car has one).

Pure Highway 600 comes with a specially designed 12V adapter that is designed to avoid interfering with DAB signals.

How to Choose an Adapter

Here are some things to consider when choosing an adapter:

• Price – The price of DAB car radio adapters ranges from about £40 to over £150. A higher price doesn’t always equal better performance, but more expensive products often have better warranties and look more stylish.
• Brand – Many DAB adapters are made by obscure Chinese manufacturers that you probably won’t have heard of before. These products are often affordable and work well. Pure and Majority, both British brands, also make some popular adapters.
• Features – Some features to look for in a car radio adapter include Bluetooth for streaming music from your phone and taking hands-free calls, USB ports for charging devices and playing MP3s and the ability to save and easily access preset stations.

Where to Buy a DAB Car Radio Adapter

Here are a few places to look when buying a DAB adapter.

Amazon

Amazon has a large selection of reasonably priced DAB adapters, with lots of reviews to help you choose the right one.

eBay

You can find quite a large selection of new and second-hand DAB radio adapters on eBay. Most of them are made by less well-known brands from the Far East, but they are usually very affordable.

Halfords

Halfords could be a good place to buy a DAB adapter as their staff have expertise in installing car electronics, so they will be able to help you if you have any issues installing your adapter.

Alternative Solutions

A DAB adapter isn’t the only cheap way to get DAB radio in your car. You could use a pocket DAB radio and attach it to your car stereo. Another alternative is to stream online radio, MP3s or podcasts from your smartphone by plugging a Bluetooth receiver like the TaoTronics Receiver into your car stereo.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one of these adapters to recommend it would be the Pure Highway 200 as it’s quick and easy to install and offers strong DAB reception with good sound quality.

Related posts

• How to Get DAB Radio in Your Car
• Can You Get an Internet Car Radio?
• Will a Portable DAB Radio Work in a Car?

The post Best DAB Car Radio Adapters 2026 appeared first on Best Radios.

In theory, leaving the radio on while the engine is off could drain the car battery. However, radios usually don’t use a lot of power, so battery drainage is more likely to be caused by other things such as lights, fans and heaters.

Having the heating on while the engine is off is much more likely to drain the battery than leaving the radio on.

The amount of battery power your radio uses will depend on the audio equipment you have in your car.

If you have a lot of powerful speakers or a power-hungry subwoofer, it will drain the battery much quicker than if you just have a regular car radio.

Also, if your radio has a large screen and you fiddle with the controls a lot, it will drain the battery more quickly.

How long can a car battery last while playing radio?

If your battery is in good condition, you should be able to listen to the radio for hours without any problems.

Make sure to turn off heaters and lights, as these could cause the battery to drain quickly.

If you’re worried about the battery running down, it might be a good idea to use a portable radio in the car instead of the built-in radio.

Should you turn off the radio before turning off the engine?

If you’re driving a modern car, there’s generally no advantage to turning the radio off before turning off the engine.

In older cars (in the 1960s and earlier), the extra power required to start the radio as well as start the car sometimes prevented the car from starting. New cars are more powerful, and won’t have a problem starting the engine and radio at the same time.

If your car radio keeps playing when you turn the engine off, you will save a bit of battery power by switching the radio off before turning off the ignition, though it won’t make a huge difference.

Can the radio drain the car battery even when it’s turned off?

If the radio is switched off, it shouldn’t be able to drain the battery.

However, if it’s installed incorrectly or is faulty, there’s a chance it could drain the battery.

If this is happening to you, make sure the radio is wired properly.

Since it’s very unlikely that your car radio would drain the battery even when turned off, it might be a good idea to consider these other possible explanations:

• Check that the radio really is turned off, and not just silent.
• The battery might be getting old.

Related posts

• Should You Get a DAB Car Radio Adapter?
• Best DAB Car Radio Adapters
• Can You Get an Internet Car Radio?

The post Does Leaving the Radio on Drain the Car Battery? appeared first on Best Radios.

You can also use a Bluetooth FM transmitter to take hands-free calls or use Google Maps as a sat-nav.

Most Bluetooth FM transmitters plug into your car’s cigarette lighter.

You tune both your car radio and the FM transmitter to an unused FM frequency (see this article for advice on which frequency to use).

The Bluetooth FM transmitter essentially acts like a mini radio station that just broadcasts from the device to your car’s stereo.

Getting a Bluetooth FM transmitter is a cheap and easy alternative to replacing your old car stereo if it doesn’t have Bluetooth.

Here’s a roundup of 5 of the best Bluetooth FM transmitters available. All of the products reviewed here offer both hands-free calls and wireless audio streaming.

Best Bluetooth FM Transmitters for the Car

1. VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter

The VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter (model number H-VT-0805) can be used for streaming music from your phone or an MP3 player or taking hands-free calls using Bluetooth.

This transmitter offers an easy and cheap way to upgrade an old car stereo that doesn’t have Bluetooth. You could also use it for listening to online radio via your phone.

Features

Dimensions: 12 x 6.5 x 5.7 cm

Summary

The VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter is an impressive product that is very easy to use and generally sounds clear with no interference. It’s reasonably priced and highly rated by users.

2. Nulaxy KM29 Bluetooth FM Transmitter

Unlike most Bluetooth FM transmitters, the Nulaxy KM29 has a landscape colour screen that shows additional information such as the voltage of your car battery.

It’s easy to install this device just by plugging it into the cigarette lighter and tuning both it and the radio to the same free FM frequency.

Features

Summary

There isn’t much to complain about with this transmitter. It’s easy to install and usually offers good, interference-free sound quality. The landscape screen shows plenty of information.

3. FirstE Bluetooth FM Transmitter

This compact Bluetooth FM transmitter from FirstE plugs into the cigarette lighter socket allowing you to stream audio from your Android smartphone or iPhone.

It has some useful extra features including USB ports for charging devices and a voltage detector that lets you know when it’s time to replace your car battery.

Features

Summary

This is a very useful device for older cars that don’t have Bluetooth. It’s cheap and easy to set up and use. However, sometimes there is static and background noise when listening to music.

4. CHGeek Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter

The CHGeek CH05 Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and tunes to a frequency between 87.5 MHz and 108.0 MHz.

It has some useful features such as two USB charging points, one of which you can also use to play MP3 files from a USB drive.

Features

Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3.7 cm

Summary

The CHGeek CH05 Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter has a simple and convenient design with just one button, making it easy to use while driving. It’s also attractively priced and offers great value for money.

5. Nulaxy KM19 Wireless In-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter

The Nulaxy KM19 Wireless In-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and offers lots of useful features including two USB ports, and SD and TF card readers. You can also connect devices to the transmitter using an aux cable.

Features

Dimensions: 11.8 x 6.8 x 5.6 cm

Summary

Most people find that the Nulaxy KM19 is easy to use and works very well. It offers quite a lot of functionality for the price, and is an easy way to add Bluetooth to your car stereo.

6. TeckNet Bluetooth FM Transmitter

The TeckNet Bluetooth FM Transmitter (model number 78924), is a popular transmitter with Bluetooth 4.0 technology and two USB ports. It’s easy to control while you’re driving simply by rotating and pressing the device.

This transmitter plugs into your cigarette lighter and uses an empty frequency on your FM radio. You can read our full review of this Bluetooth FM transmitter here.

Features

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 3.3 cm

Summary

The TeckNet Bluetooth FM Transmitter is small and easy to use. Like the VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter reviewed above, it’s one of the most affordable and popular FM transmitters in the UK.

7. Sumind FM Bluetooth Transmitter

The Sumind FM Bluetooth Transmitter is a very cool-looking product that lets you stream audio via Bluetooth, take hands-free calls and play MP3s from a Micro SD or TF card. It attaches to your car’s cigarette lighter and has a bendy ‘hose’ which lets you change its position.

Features

Dimensions: 21.4 x 7.8 x 5.7 cm

Summary

The Sumind FM Bluetooth Transmitter is relatively expensive, but it has a very stylish design and offers plenty of useful features.

Bluetooth FM Transmitter FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Bluetooth FM transmitters.

What is an FM Bluetooth transmitter?

An FM Bluetooth transmitter is a small device that plugs into your car stereo’s cigarette lighter socket. It can receive Bluetooth signals from your phone and then broadcast them to your car’s stereo using an FM frequency.

You tune both the transmitter and your car radio to the same blank FM frequency (87.5 usually works well).

FM Bluetooth transmitters offer a cheap and easy way to get Bluetooth in your car. They are useful if you have an older car that didn’t come with Bluetooth by default.

How well do Bluetooth FM transmitters work?

Bluetooth FM transmitters usually work well if you tune them to a clear frequency. However, they can pick up interference at times.

Another common issue is that if the transmitter has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls it can be too quiet, meaning that the person you are speaking to might find it hard to hear you.

Which FM frequency should I use?

87.5 is usually the best frequency to use in the UK, though 108 can work well too. We have an article about the best frequencies to use for FM transmitters here.

Do Bluetooth FM transmitters play stereo or mono audio?

If the original audio source is in stereo and your car has stereo speakers, the transmitter should play stereo audio.

Will a Bluetooth FM transmitter work in an older car?

Yes, provided the car has a cigarette lighter and a radio.

Which devices will a Bluetooth FM transmitter work with? (iPhone, Samsung, tablet, laptop etc.)

A Bluetooth FM transmitter will work with any other device that has Bluetooth and can play audio. This includes almost all modern smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Conclusion

If we had to recommend just one of these Bluetooth FM transmitters it would be the VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter. It’s one of the most popular FM transmitters in the UK thanks to its reasonable price, a good list of features and impressive performance.

Related posts

• Best DAB Car Radio Adapters
• Best DAB Aerials
• Can You Get an Internet Car Radio?

The post Best Bluetooth FM Transmitters 2026 appeared first on Best Radios.

Problem 1: You can’t receive any DAB stations

Sometimes your car stereo display will say something like “No signal” or “No service”, meaning that you can’t receive any DAB radio stations. This could be caused by a fault with the DAB radio itself, or failure to install the aerial properly.

Here are some possible fixes:

• Try a factory reset – Look in the car manual or search Google to find out how to do a factory reset. If you can’t find out how to do a factory reset, disconnecting and then reconnecting the car battery will usually do the same thing.
• Make sure the aerial is powered (if applicable) – If you are using an amplified DAB car radio aerial that uses phantom power you will need to make sure that it has access to a phantom power supply. Otherwise, the DAB radio will not work properly.
• Aerial type – if you change your car radio from FM to DAB you will normally need a new aerial.
• Replace the radio – If you have just bought your car and the DAB radio has never worked, contact the dealership as this probably means the radio itself is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Problem 2: The DAB reception is very poor

If your radio works but just has poor reception the problem is probably due to interference, your location or the position and angle of your aerial. Here are some possible fixes:

• Disconnect possible sources of interference – Other electronic devices in the car such as dash cams, sat navs and USB chargers can interfere with the signal. Try disconnecting unnecessary electronic devices and see if this improves the DAB radio reception.
• Try again in a different location – One of the most common causes of poor radio reception is your location. Poor reception can be caused by geographical features such as hills, trees and tall buildings. Some areas of the UK such as the Scottish Highlands have very poor or no DAB coverage. If the DAB reception is fine in some areas but not others you can switch to FM or AM when the DAB signal is bad.
• Change the aerial position and angle – The best place to put a DAB aerial is usually on the roof of the car or on the rear window. It should be positioned on the outside of the car and as far from the engine as possible, as electrical discharge from the engine can interfere with the DAB signal. You should also check that the angle is as vertical as possible. DAB aerials usually work best vertically, unlike FM aerials which work better horizontally.

Problem 3: DAB radio keeps losing signal

When DAB was launched, one of the claimed benefits was better radio reception combined with less loss of signal from obstacles due to a wider signal being transmitted. However, it’s still quite common for DAB car radios to frequently lose signal when you’re on the move.

Buildings, hills and other obstructions can still block the signal to some degree but this should only be temporary and the signal should soon reappear. A longer period of loss may indicate a weak signal or no signal at all in the area and you may need to switch to FM to hear a particular programme; some radios can switch automatically between DAB and FM depending on signal strength.

Retuning and Checking

If you have a relatively new car, the radio may have been tuned to DAB stations in a different location. Deleting all the presets and then re-scanning to select local ones may fix the problem.

Losing a signal at a particular time or at the start of a specific programme, typically a news bulletin is a known problem with some BBC stations and should eventually be resolved. It’s apparently caused by a signal being broadcast before the programme starts and is intended to retune the radio to a different station, which can result in the programme being lost instead.

More frequent loss of signal can indicate a problem with the equipment. This could be due to a bad connection, the wrong type of aerial being fitted, interference from a USB adaptor or similar, failure of the head unit or some other problem.

If you can check each part of the setup, you may be able to identify and correct the fault fairly easily. Failing this, you may need to consult your local dealer or car accessory supplier, or try using a car radio adapter or getting a new DAB radio aerial.

Conclusion

We hope these tips have helped you get your DAB car radio working, but if you are still struggling with the loss of signal, then get in touch with your car dealership (especially for newer cars). Or contact the manufacturer of the radio in your car to see if they have any specific troubleshooting methods. Please leave a comment if you have any other tips to share regarding DAB car radios.

Related posts

• How to Get DAB Radio in Your Car
• Best Plug-and-Play DAB Car Radio Adapters
• Should You Get a DAB Car Radio Adapter?

The post Why Isn’t the DAB Radio Working in my Car? appeared first on Best Radios.

Whilst this initially meant using a PC or laptop, the availability of smartphones and other mobile devices combined with the proliferation of 4G networks means listening from anywhere is now a much more viable option. Listening in the car, however, is not so straightforward.

An ideal internet car radio would accept a 4G SIM card and have an app to access radio stations. A system from Parrot did exactly this but has now been withdrawn, although it is apparently installed in some Volvos as the Sensus Connect. This uses the TuneIn app among others and can also access the fuel gauge and the car’s locking system.

Some cars, such as several BMW and Mini models, do have internet streaming but, for the majority that don’t, you’ll need other solutions.

Internet Radio in the Car

To listen to internet radio in your car, you’ll need a smartphone or tablet that provides a mobile internet connection and access to radio content. You can connect the mobile device to the car radio system (the head unit) either by:

• Using a cable from the phone’s headphone out socket to the head unit’s aux-in or USB socket; in the latter case, use the phone’s charging cable while you might need to purchase a cable for the former. Using the head unit’s controls, choose ‘aux’ for input.
• If the head unit has Bluetooth, pair it and the phone using controls on each device (read the car’s documentation for ways to do this). This method means broadcasts will be interrupted for you to take incoming calls hands-free.
• When neither sockets nor Bluetooth are available, use a cassette adaptor that plugs into your phone’s speaker socket.

Once you’ve made the connection, download an internet radio app (such as TuneIn) to your phone, which will allow access to up to 50,000 radio stations worldwide. As an alternative, use apps such as Slacker to create ‘personal stations’ featuring music you like or download podcasts to listen to live shows later.

If there’s no WiFi hotspot available, which is quite likely when you’re on the move, you will be using your 3G/4G data allocation. This usage can amount to around 2.7GB a month when listening to two hours every working day and so can be costly if you don’t have an unlimited deal. For more info about radio data usage, see this article.

You can counteract data costs to some degree by listening to stations that broadcast at lower bit rates but quality will definitely suffer if you do.

A further problem is that signal strength may vary and can drop out completely in remote areas. Until coverage is improved, therefore, internet radio may not reach its full potential.

The post Can You Get an Internet Car Radio? appeared first on Best Radios.

The existing aerial is intended for AM and FM frequencies and may well filter out stations outside these bands. This will generally prevent reception of DAB stations, which have a 210-230 MHz range of frequencies.

Even if it does pick up these stations, reception is likely to be relatively poor. Consequently, a separate or additional aerial is required.

DAB Aerial Choices and Challenges

Many DAB car radios and radio adapters come with an aerial that sticks to the inside of the windscreen.

You can run the cable behind the dashboard and plug it into the rear of the DAB radio, which will also have a connection for the existing aerial so you can receive both digital and analogue broadcasts.

If the aerial does not work correctly, particularly in areas where the signal is relatively weak, you may need to fit an external aerial.

These aerials are relatively inexpensive and come in the form of replacements for your existing aerial, and so can receive both analogue and digital signals, or as separate aerials that are mounted magnetically.

A good choice is this Hama antenna that picks up DAB/DAB+ as well as AM and FM radio.

Replacing the existing aerial may not be possible if it also has other uses, such as for GPS reception or to connect other devices. In this case, you can mount an additional magnetic aerial on a flat surface and route the cable through an opening.

How do I install a DAB aerial in my car?

To replace an existing aerial, you’ll need to drop the headlining in the car, unfasten the old aerial and install the new one in its place. This should connect to the existing cable or you can fit a new one instead.

Installing or replacing an aerial can be a difficult job and is not for the novice. If you have any doubts, consult a car accessory or audio supplier, or your local dealer, who may also be able to handle the installation.

Related posts

• Best DAB Aerials
• Best DAB Car Radio Adapters
• Why Isn’t the DAB Radio Working in my Car?

The post Do I Need a New Aerial for a DAB Car Radio? appeared first on Best Radios.

Increasingly, drivers are listening on DAB radios, which are becoming ever more common in new cars.

The number of radio stations broadcasting digitally has increased significantly with the building of many new DAB transmitters, resulting in the UK having the largest digital radio network in the world and many more digital stations than those on FM and AM bands.

Digital radio offers a greater choice of stations, improved information displays and better sound quality with (in theory at least) less interference and a stronger and more reliable signal.

The latter is particularly important for drivers who, through being on the move, receive variable signal strengths.

What Is DAB Radio?

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting.

It’s a particular way of broadcasting that uses a digital format, rather than an analogue format like on FM.

DAB signals use a similar digital audio format to MP3s. However, it’s different to streaming audio, and doesn’t use the internet or cost any money to use.

DAB radio allows more radio stations to broadcast within the same area without competing for frequencies, so having a DAB radio means you will have a greater choice of stations.

Which Cars Have DAB Radio?

The good news for new car buyers is that the proportion of models with DAB radios fitted as standard has been steadily growing. The figure has risen from only 7.5% in the last quarter of 2010 to over 87% by the end of 2017, with in-car digital radio listening going up by 20% each year.

All of the ten bestselling models in the UK have DAB radios fitted as standard and nearly all the top manufacturers, such as Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota and Volkswagen, fit DAB radios on most of their new models.

Luxury brands such as BMW tend to have DAB radios across the whole range while others may fit them only on certain models.

Smaller cars and ‘base models’ (cars with the minimum specifications) are generally the ones that miss out and it may be necessary to upgrade from base levels to get the radio you want.

Since many people like to have the latest gadgets when buying a car, a DAB radio will no doubt add to the trade-in or sale value when you come to replace it. It will also futureproof the vehicle against the time when the old analogue system is eventually switched off.

List of Cars with DAB Radio

Here is a non-comprehensive list of some of the UK’s most popular cars that have DAB radio by default:

• Audi – All UK models since April 2013 (source)
• BMW – All UK models since 2013 (source)
• Ford – All UK models since late 2012 (source)
• Mercedes – All C-class models since 2014 (source)
• Mini – All UK models since 2013 (source)
• Nissan Qashqai – UK models since 2014
• Vauxhall Corsa – UK models since 2014
• Volkswagen – All UK models since 2013 (source)

How Do I Know if my Radio Is a DAB Radio?

The easiest way to know if your car has DAB radio is to see if it can pick up any of the following digital-only stations:

• BBC Radio 1Xtra
• BBC Radio 4 Extra
• BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
• Heart 80s
• Planet Rock
• talkRADIO
• Virgin Radio UK

These stations are only available on DAB, not AM or FM, so if your car radio picks any of them up, that means its a DAB radio.

You can also check the manual to see if your car has DAB radio.

Do You Need a DAB Radio?

At present, many stations broadcast on both DAB and AM/FM transmissions so listeners with old or new radios are well served. This means you can still listen to AM and FM broadcasts without any problems.

However, the government’s aim is to switch over fully to digital once certain criteria are met:

• 97% of the population can receive national DAB radio services
• 90% can get local DAB radio services
• More than half the population actually listens to digital radio

At present, the target coverage has been met but audience levels haven’t quite reached the required level, so no date for the switchover has been announced.

Once this does occur, however, the old analogue transmissions will be gradually switched off and a non-DAB radio will be increasingly redundant. Drivers will therefore need to ensure that any new car they buy has a DAB radio fitted.

Upgrading Your Car Radio to DAB

A DAB radio will receive both digital and analogue signals, enabling a wide choice of stations. However, an analogue radio is limited to AM and FM stations only and the choice will decrease as the years progress.

There is no date set for the switchover to digital. Even when it is, local stations may remain on FM/AM for some time although national stations will probably become digital-only. Once that occurs, listening choices will be restricted unless you make the switch to DAB. This can be achieved by:

• Replacing the sound system in the car, which may not be possible and could require professional fitting if it is.
• Fitting an adapter that will enable your current system to receive digital radio.
• Plugging your phone into the aux-in system or using Bluetooth to listen to digital radio via your phone, although data usage may be an issue.
• Plugging a portable DAB radio into your car stereo’s aux-in port using an aux-to-aux cable.

If you are looking to buy a new car in the foreseeable future, however, the better option is to ensure you get one with a DAB radio fitted.

Although you’re unlikely to choose a car just because of the availability of DAB, after deciding on the make and model, go for the trim level that includes it.

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