Removing a Car Radio tips: Here at In Car Music, car stereo installation is one of the unique services we provide to make your car audio experience run that little bit smoother. Whether you’re buying an aftermarket system for your new car or you’re rejigging the sound of a pre-existing radio, we’re always there to help you achieve the sound you want for your vehicle.

With that in mind, some people may find it easier or cheaper to install their own car radios. Whilst we can give you tips and tricks to help improve your sound, only you know the true sound you want to achieve. Whilst it always helps to get a professional to install your radio, we thought that we’d provide just some of the tips and tricks to help you run your own car radio installation.

What tools will you need?

Luckily enough, you won’t need a massive collection of tools to get on with your car stereo replacement. Make sure that your toolkit is kitted out with the basics - a few sizes of screwdriver, wrenches, wire strippers and tape suitable for electrical use.

One tool that might be a little harder to get hold of is a panel removal tool, which could take several forms. These need to be correct for your head unit’s removal so as not to damage the interior of the car.

Out with the old

So you have your tools all sorted out. What now? Make sure you know what kind of panel you’re dealing with and have the right tools for it before trying to remove your old in car stereo. 

Removal methods

There are three methods of attaching a car radio to your dashboards DIN unit. The first is the spring clipped radio, which can be released using a DIN tool and releases the clips by pulling out the car radio.

The second is the bolted car radio. You can release this by simply using a wrench to twist off the bolts. You might have to take off the front of the car radio to find the bolt, but should be able to carefully pry this off as it will most likely be attached by spring clips.

Alongside the bolts and the spring clips, there are some manufacturers that place their factory radio unit onto a railsystem. This makes for easier removal but might need to also be removed for your new installation. This is usually a case of unscrewing screws placed inside the rail, and mihgt take time.

In with the new

Once you’ve removed the old unit, it’s time to put in the new one. Whilst installation might be a case of reversing the previous steps, you’ll still have to work out which wires do what.

Which wire’s which?

Many of the best car stereo providers will also provider a manual telling you which colour coordinated wire does what. This will help you to seamlessly connect your cars wires with the ones that come with your new car stereo. If such a manual or harness does;t exist, then stop by In Car Music, where our team of professionals can help you out! Whether doing it yourself or need help, our team can also help you suss out the best way to connect your wires and integrate your new system.