Car Audio Blog
Expert tips, installation guides, and the latest in CarPlay & Android Auto from Auckland's mobile specialists
Wireless CarPlay Adapter vs a New CarPlay Head Unit: Which Is Better in NZ?
A wireless CarPlay adapter makes factory wired CarPlay wireless. A head unit adds CarPlay to a car that does not have it. Here is how to choose.
How to Choose a Car Stereo Installer in Auckland: 8 Questions to Ask
A good installer confirms fitment first, keeps your factory wiring intact and puts the price and warranty in writing. Eight questions to ask before you book.
Reverse Camera Installation Cost in NZ: What Changes the Price
There is no single price for reverse camera installation. Camera type, your screen, the vehicle and the wiring route all move it. Here is how to read a quote.
What Is Apple CarPlay? A Plain-English Guide for NZ Drivers
Apple CarPlay puts a simple version of your iPhone on your car screen. Here is what it does, what you need, and how to get it if your car does not have it.
CarPlay Not Working? 9 Fixes to Try Before You Call Anyone
CarPlay will not connect, keeps dropping out or shows a black screen? Nine quick fixes for wired and wireless CarPlay, and the signs that point to hardware.
Android Auto in NZ: What It Is and How to Get It in Your Car
Android Auto shows your Android phone apps on the car screen. Here is what it does, what you need, how wireless works and how to add it to a car without it.
Can You Use Apple CarPlay on an Android Phone?
No, Apple CarPlay only works with iPhones. Android phones use Android Auto, which does the same job. Here is what to use instead and how to choose a head unit.
How to Choose a Car Head Unit in NZ: 9 Things to Check Before You Buy
Fit, CarPlay and Android Auto, screen quality, camera inputs, steering controls and warranty. A nine-point checklist for choosing a car head unit in NZ.
How to Add Bluetooth to an Older Car: 5 Options Compared
A Bluetooth adapter, an FM transmitter, a cassette adapter, a USB receiver or a new head unit? Five ways to add Bluetooth to an older car and which suits you.
Car Stereo Not Working? 8 Common Causes and What to Check
No power, no sound, no stations or a frozen screen? Eight common reasons a car stereo stops working, what to check yourself and when it is time to replace it.
Reverse Camera Wiring Explained: How a Reversing Camera Connects
A reverse camera needs three connections: video, power and a reverse trigger. Here is how each one works, why the picture appears only in reverse, and what goes wrong.
Japanese Import Radio Missing NZ Stations? FM Band Expander Explained
A radio built for Japan can miss part of the NZ FM dial. Here is why, how to tell, and how a band expander or a new head unit fixes it.
Dash Cam Buying Guide for NZ: What to Look For and How They Are Installed
Front or front and rear, video quality, storage, parking mode and hard-wiring. What to look for in a dash cam in NZ and how a tidy installation works.
How to Change a Japanese Car Radio to English
Bought a used Japanese import with a stereo you cannot read? Here are the real ways to change a Japanese car radio to English, and which one is actually worth it.
Which Japanese Imports Need an English Stereo Conversion?
A plain-English guide to which popular used imports, from the Toyota Aqua to the Nissan Leaf, need an English stereo conversion, and why some cars are far simpler than others.
Upgrading Your Ute's Stereo: Hilux, Ranger and Navara
Thinking about a stereo upgrade for your Hilux, Ranger or Navara? Here is what a modern head unit adds to a ute, and how to keep every factory feature along the way.
Wireless vs Wired Apple CarPlay: Which Is Better?
Wireless vs wired CarPlay both give you the same Apple CarPlay screen. The difference is how your iPhone connects, and how that feels every day.
Can You Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Car?
Yes, you can almost always add Apple CarPlay to an older car. Here are the two main ways to do it, plus what suits Japanese imports.
Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto: How to Choose
Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto comes down to the phone in your pocket. Here is how they compare and how to pick the right head unit.
What Is Wireless CarPlay and How Does It Work?
Wireless CarPlay is Apple CarPlay with no cable. Here is what it is, how the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth link works, and how to get it fitted.
Single DIN vs Double DIN Head Units Explained
Single DIN or double DIN? We explain what the two head unit sizes are, what each one does best, and how to tell which one your car was built to take.
What Does Head Unit Installation Cost in Auckland?
Head unit installation cost is never one flat figure. Here are the parts that set the price, from fascia kits and wiring harnesses to cameras and labour.
Reverse Cameras Explained: A Buyer's Guide
From number-plate cameras to flush-mount units, here is how to choose a reverse camera, what the key features mean, and how a tidy install actually works.