Driving a vintage car can be a romantic and nostalgic experience. Owning such a vehicle carries with it a certain charm and connection to an era that is not replicated in modern vehicles. However, despite their allure, older vehicles do tend to lack some of the modern amenities we’ve grown accustomed to, such as a state-of-the-art audio system. While many classic car owners may sacrifice these comforts for the sake of preserving authenticity, adding a Bluetooth audio system to an older car can provide you the convenience of hands-free phone calls and the luxury of streaming your favourite tunes from your phone, without altering its classic appeal. In this article, we will guide you in selecting the best Bluetooth audio system for your older vehicle and teach you how to integrate it into your car’s existing system.
Understanding Bluetooth Audio Systems
Bluetooth technology allows for the wireless transfer of data between two devices. In the context of car audio systems, this means that you can connect your smartphone to your car stereo without the need for any physical cables. This wireless connection enables you to stream music from your phone through your car speakers, make and receive hands-free phone calls, and even use voice commands to control your device.
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There are a few different types of Bluetooth audio systems available for older cars. The simplest, and often the cheapest, is a Bluetooth aux adapter. This small device plugs directly into your car’s existing aux input and pairs with your phone, allowing you to stream audio through your car stereo.
If your car doesn’t have an aux input, you might consider a Bluetooth FM transmitter. These handy devices connect to your phone via Bluetooth and transmit the audio to an unused FM frequency on your car radio.
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For those seeking a higher-quality audio experience, a Bluetooth car stereo might be the way to go. These are fully-fledged car stereo systems that replace your existing car radio and offer a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity.
Selecting The Right Bluetooth Audio System
Choosing the right Bluetooth audio system for your car depends largely on your needs, your car’s existing setup, and your budget.
If you are looking for a simple and cost-effective solution, a Bluetooth aux adapter or FM transmitter might be the best option. These devices are relatively cheap and easy to install, and they don’t require any modifications to your car’s existing system. However, they do have some limitations. The audio quality is not as good as a full stereo system, and they may not offer as many features.
On the other hand, a Bluetooth car stereo will provide the highest quality audio experience and offer a range of additional features, such as integrated hands-free calling or advanced media controls. However, they are more expensive and require a more complex installation process, which might involve removing your existing car radio.
When choosing a Bluetooth car stereo, you should also consider the device’s compatibility with your phone. Most modern systems will be compatible with both Android and Apple devices, but it’s always worth checking to be sure.
Integrating The System Into Your Vehicle
The installation process for your new Bluetooth audio system depends on the type of device you have chosen.
If you are installing a Bluetooth aux adapter or FM transmitter, the process is relatively straightforward. These devices simply plug into your car’s aux input or cigarette lighter, and then pair with your phone via Bluetooth. You will need to tune your car radio to the correct frequency if you are using an FM transmitter.
Installing a Bluetooth car stereo is a bit more involved. This usually requires removing your existing car radio and replacing it with the new stereo. This may require some basic knowledge of car wiring, or the assistance of a professional installer. You will also need to ensure that the new stereo fits into your car’s existing dashboard, so be sure to check the dimensions before you buy.
Once the new stereo is installed, you can pair it with your phone via Bluetooth. This is usually as simple as selecting the stereo in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and entering a pairing code.
Enjoying Your New Bluetooth Audio System
Once your new Bluetooth audio system is installed and paired with your phone, you are free to enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. You can stream music from your phone, make and receive hands-free calls, and even use voice commands to control your device.
Remember to keep your phone charged, especially on longer journeys, as streaming music and using hands-free features can drain your battery more quickly. Consider investing in a car charger if you don’t have one already.
Keeping Your System Updated
One final note: Like all technology, Bluetooth audio systems can become outdated over time. Newer phones may not be compatible with older systems, and updates to your phone’s operating system can sometimes cause issues with Bluetooth connectivity.
To avoid these issues, try to keep your Bluetooth audio system updated. If your system has a USB port, you can often download updates from the manufacturer’s website and install them via a USB stick. Additionally, consider replacing your system every few years to make sure you are taking advantage of the latest technology.
Choosing the Perfect Bluetooth Audio System Accessories
In addition to the main Bluetooth audio system, there are several accessories you might need to consider to complete your setup. Not only do these accessories add to the overall sound quality, but they also ensure that your system is functional and user-friendly.
One of the first accessories you may need is a steering wheel control adapter. This handy device allows you to control your Bluetooth audio system directly from your steering wheel, which adds an extra level of convenience, especially when you’re on the road. This feature is particularly useful for hands-free phone calls and adjusting volume and track selection without taking your hands off the wheel.
If your chosen Bluetooth audio system doesn’t have an integrated charger, you might need an additional USB charge adapter. As we’ve stated before, streaming music and hands-free calls can drain your phone’s battery faster. By having a USB charger in your car, you can ensure your phone is always powered up, especially during long trips.
Finally, depending on the type of audio system you choose, an aux input cable or an iPod cable might be separately sold. These cables allow you to connect your phone or iPod directly to your car audio system for instances when Bluetooth connection is not possible. Remember, since they’re often sold separately, you might need to budget for them.
Conclusion
Integrating a Bluetooth audio system in an older UK vehicle doesn’t require you to compromise its vintage charm. Instead, it adds convenience and a touch of modernity. Whether you opt for a simple Bluetooth transmitter or a full car stereo, it’s all about finding the right balance between cost, ease of installation, compatibility, and sound quality.
Let’s not forget that keeping your system updated is crucial for maintaining compatibility with newer phones. Updating your system, coupled with investing in useful accessories such as a steering wheel control adapter, a USB charge adapter, and aux or iPod cables, will ensure you enjoy the best of both worlds – the charm of your vintage car and the convenience of modern technology.
Remember, the best Bluetooth audio system for your car is one that meets your specific needs and blends seamlessly with your vehicle. So, take your time, do your research, and soon you’ll be enjoying your favourite tunes on the road, all while keeping your hands on the wheel.
