While a custom paint job may snag some attention, nothing turns more heads than a thumping sound system.Instantly transforming your ride from stock to custom, you can easily and affordably upgrade your ride with a series of high quality car electronics that add both style and convenience.One of the most convenient add-ons (and a necessity in most states unless you want to avoid getting pulled over just for talking on the phone) is a hands-free device.Hands free car kits feature Bluetooth technology, pairing your phone directly with your stereo, routing calls through your speakers for crystal clarity and true hands-free calling.When a call comes in, it mutes your radio and plays the call through your front speakers.And, it comes with a deluxe noise-cancelling microphone, so you can speak naturally instead of having to scream like the Iron Sheik.Plus, if you're a Mac person, you can keep your iPhone from sliding around by installing an iPhone car cradle.Many hands free car kits will even let you pair your MP3 player directly with the car's stereo, providing the convenience of a digital music library without having to purchase any additional accessories for connection.Connect your iPod or iPhone to a car power inverter and never worry about getting stuck in the car with a dead battery again.These handy devices can charge all your electronic gear while you drive, including cell phones, GPS devices and just about anything else you can think to plug in.A car power inverter is available with 200W, 400W or 1000W of power and has built-in safeguards that include high and low input voltage alarms, overload protection, short circuit protection, automatic shut off and an internal cooling fan.But before you begin plugging in, you may want to give a quick thought to your power system.The more you have plugged into your system, the more power you'll need to keep it all up and running.The electrical system in your vehicle has many components, but the two biggest things you need to focus on when adding electronic gear are the battery and the alternator.Your car battery provides the primary source of power when the vehicle is not running and the alternator provides the power after you start the engine.The primary functions of the battery are to start the vehicle and provide power when the vehicle is not running.Depending on your car's stock electrical system, it may not supply enough power to run your aftermarket stereo system and other electronic devices.Generally speaking, systems that crank out less than 500 watts will not need an upgrade.Anything higher, and it's probably a good idea to have your battery and electrical system tested by a qualified technician to see if it can support the extra load.Frequent dead batteries are a good indication that your electrical system isn't keeping up with your car electronics, and you may need to upgrade your alternator.Doing so will give you the boost necessary to run all of your electrical components, including your stereo system, headrest monitor, iPod car adapters and radar detectors, without drawing on the battery.The problem is your alternator is undersized for your new electrical requirements and is relying on the battery to provide the extra power, resulting in shortened battery life.But again, have a qualified technician verify this before investing in a larger alternator.To keep from getting stuck with a dead car battery, it's always a good practice to have a jump starter in the trunk.A personal jump starter has enough stored energy to crank up your powerplant when your battery goes flat, so you won't have to call a tow truck or pester the person parked next to you for a jump.
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