Locating the Cause of the Problem

• Though it might seem that the speaker is the problem when your car stereo sound isn't what it could be, there are often other causes. Sometimes these are not directly related to the speakers. Check the wires and cables first to make sure these are not the source of your troubles. Do this by unplugging the cable going to the amp, checking to see if you hear noise coming from the speakers, and then doing the same by unplugging the cable from the radio. If you don't hear noise in these instances, it might be the cables, the amp or the radio itself, rather than the speakers.
  
  

Is the Speaker Blown?

• This is the most common cause of scratchy, unsatisfying sound in your car. Unfortunately, there is no cure for a blown speaker. It must be thrown out and replaced. To keep a speaker from being blown in the future, make sure you never turn the volume all the way up, keep the treble/bass adjuster near the center for even sound, and turn down the volume when switching audio sources.
  
  

Check to See If Your Speakers are Compatible

• If you've bought speakers separately from your car audio system, the problems with your sound could stem from incompatibility. Check the manufacturer's handbook to see if your speakers are meant to be compliant with the rest of your system. If not, you may need to return them and buy something that is for best performance. Staying within the same name brand is not always necessary, but it usually produces the best results.