How much time do you spend in your car? If your daily commute consumes 100 hours a year, as is the case for many people, then you can easily justify a modest investment to improve the sound of your car stereo.

Navigation, video screens and Bluetooth are terrific. But we think it's time to refocus on the enjoyment and stress relief that Hi-fi music provides, so we put together a series of tips to help you get better sound. Tip #1 suggests a small outlay that can make a huge difference.

Replace your car speakers

In most cases, speakers are just about the last thing a manufacturer thinks about when building your car. Factory systems have improved in the last few years, but many so-called "premium" systems still use cheap speakers that don't deliver top-notch sound.

You can make a big difference in your system's sound quality by installing a nice set of speakers. You'll hear tighter bass and more overall clarity, and you'll most likely notice little details in familiar songs that you've never caught before. Replacement speakers give you maximum bang for your buck, so they're a good first step on the road to better sound. 

This post is excerpted from a recent article in our Learning Center, Jeff's Tips for Getting Maximum Sound Quality in Your Car.

Learn more about car speakers.