Question 1

Do I need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Walk-ins are welcome any day for quotes and consults. For the install itself, booking ahead lets us pre-order any vehicle-specific harnesses or dash kits so the work starts the moment you arrive.

Question 2

Are you open Sunday?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're open Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM. See /open-sunday for what we typically do on Sunday appointments.

Question 3

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Mon-Sat 9 AM to 7 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM. Open seven days a week.

Question 4

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

1610 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Just off the I-5 and I-805 in South Bay. Free parking out front.

Question 5

Do you speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bilingual shop. English or Spanish, walk in and we'll talk you through the options.

Question 6

Do you install customer-supplied gear?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all the time. Bring it in original packaging with all accessories. Our lifetime workmanship warranty covers the install labor regardless of where the gear was purchased.

Question 7

What's the lifetime workmanship warranty?

Accepted Answer

Every install carries a lifetime workmanship warranty. If our wiring, mounting, or fab work fails for as long as you own the vehicle, we fix it at no cost. Manufacturer warranties on the gear itself are separate.

Question 8

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Walk in any day, call (619) 500-5560, or use the contact form. Quotes are free and we put them in writing on the spot.

Question 9

Will my steering wheel buttons still work?

Accepted Answer

On most vehicles, yes. We use a steering-wheel-control interface that retains volume, track, and voice-command buttons.

Question 10

Can you keep my factory radio?

Accepted Answer

If you want to keep the look, we offer stock-look OEM-fit upgrades that drop into the factory dash position.

Question 11

How long does a typical install take?

Accepted Answer

1 to 3 hours for most vehicles. Some older or harder-to-access dashes take longer; we'll give you a time estimate when you book.

Question 12

Do I need to add an amp to upgrade speakers?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many speakers are designed to work with factory radio power, we'll tell you upfront whether amping is worth it for your setup.

Question 13

How long does a 4-speaker install take?

Accepted Answer

Typically a couple of hours for a daily driver. Older vehicles or models with hidden speakers can take longer.

Question 14

Can you do sound deadening too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, door deadening is a popular add-on with speaker upgrades and dramatically tightens bass response. Quoted separately at install time.

Question 15

Can I keep my trunk space?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer slim, sealed, and trunk-saver designs. Tell us how much space you want to keep and we'll spec to fit.

Question 16

Do I need a separate amp?

Accepted Answer

Subwoofers always need an amplifier, we'll bundle one into the quote so you have everything you need.

Question 17

Will it rattle the dashboard?

Accepted Answer

Not when it's tuned correctly. We set crossovers and gains so bass stays tight and the dash stays quiet at every volume level.

Question 18

Why does my factory radio whine when I add an amp?

Accepted Answer

It's almost always a ground-loop or grounding issue. We use isolators and clean grounds during install, that's the fix.

Question 19

What size amp do I need?

Accepted Answer

Match RMS power to your speakers' RMS rating, with a little headroom. We'll size it correctly during quote.

Question 20

Will an amp drain my battery?

Accepted Answer

Properly sized to your alternator output, no. On high-power builds we recommend a Big-3 wiring upgrade, which we install along with the amp.

Question 21

Do I have to plug in my phone?

Accepted Answer

No, every CarPlay head unit we install supports wireless connection. First pairing only takes a minute.

Question 22

Will it work with my factory amp?

Accepted Answer

On most vehicles, yes. We use line-output converters or factory-amp interfaces to keep your premium audio working.

Question 23

Can you keep my factory radio's look?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer stock-look OEM-fit head units that drop into the factory dash position. From outside, the dash looks original.

Question 24

How long does a custom build take?

Accepted Answer

Simple sealed boxes are a couple of hours. Full custom trunks with multiple subs and lighting take a few days. We'll give you a timeline at quote.

Question 25

Can I see other builds before I commit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, visit the shop and we'll walk you through past builds and pull photos of similar vehicles.

Question 26

Will the enclosure fit my specific trunk?

Accepted Answer

That's the whole point of custom. We measure your trunk, design around it, and build to spec.

Question 27

Which radios can be upgraded in place?

Accepted Answer

Most 2010+ factory radios. Call us with your year/make/model and we'll confirm what's possible.

Question 28

Does this void my warranty?

Accepted Answer

Our installs use OEM-grade T-harness adapters that keep every factory connection intact. The work is fully reversible, and the factory warranty remains in effect.

Question 29

Can I add a backup camera too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most integration modules include a video input for backup cam, and we can wire and install both at once.

Question 30

Can my kids watch different things?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dual headrest screens with separate inputs let each passenger watch independently.

Question 31

Do they integrate with the front audio?

Accepted Answer

They can route through the main system or use wireless headphones, your choice.

Question 32

Will they work with my game console?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the monitors have HDMI and USB-C inputs that work with Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, and laptops.

Question 33

Will an alarm cause false alarms?

Accepted Answer

Sensitivity is tuned to your specific parking situation during install so everyday street vibration doesn't trigger it. Adjustments are also possible later if your parking conditions change.

Question 34

Can I lock the car from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the smartphone module. Lock, unlock, status check, and panic from anywhere with a cell signal.

Question 35

Will it work on my push-to-start vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Push-to-start vehicles need a bypass module, which we include in those installs.

Question 36

Will this work on my push-to-start vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Most push-to-start vehicles can be configured with the right bypass module. Bring your year/make/model and we'll confirm.

Question 37

How far away can I start the car?

Accepted Answer

1,500–3,000 ft for radio remotes, anywhere with cell signal for the smartphone module.

Question 38

Can I remote start a manual transmission?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the proper neutral-safety setup. We do this regularly. Quote and process explained at install.

Question 39

Will it work with my factory radio?

Accepted Answer

On most 2014+ vehicles, yes, we use a video integration module to feed the camera into the factory display.

Question 40

Does it record?

Accepted Answer

Backup cameras are live-only. If you want recording, that's a dash-cam install, we offer those too.

Question 41

Can you do the truck-tailgate-handle replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we install OEM-replacement tailgate cameras for most 2014+ trucks. Cleanest install option for trucks.

Question 42

How is it powered without draining the battery?

Accepted Answer

The hardwire kit includes a low-voltage cutoff that shuts the cam off when your battery drops below a safe threshold (usually 12.0 V on standard vehicles, configurable). Parking-mode dashcams pull around 0.3 to 0.5 amps, so a healthy battery handles 1 to 2 days of parked recording with the cutoff in place.

Question 43

What resolution should I get?

Accepted Answer

1080p is fine for everyday accident documentation and the lowest file sizes. 2K is a meaningful upgrade for reading license plates at distance (think hit-and-run footage from across an intersection). 4K is the new pro-tier standard, captures the most detail, and uses larger memory cards. We help match resolution to your actual use case.

Question 44

Should I get front-only or front + rear?

Accepted Answer

Front-only is enough for most insurance scenarios. Add a rear cam if you do a lot of highway driving, get rear-ended frequently, or live somewhere with high parking-lot risk. Triple-channel with cabin coverage is the standard setup for Uber and Lyft drivers.

Question 45

Do cloud-connected dashcams cost extra to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the 4G/LTE models require a cellular plan, usually $5 to $15 per month depending on the brand. The benefit is real-time alerts and remote live view, useful if your alarm goes off or your vehicle is parked somewhere you can't see it. We'll explain the plan options at quote time.

Question 46

What memory card do I need?

Accepted Answer

Use a high-endurance microSD card (rated for continuous-write video, look for the 'high endurance' label or U3 / V30 speed class). Standard photo memory cards burn out in months under dashcam loop-recording. We supply a properly rated card with every install.

Question 47

Can I review footage on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every modern dashcam we install has a Wi-Fi app that lets you review and download clips on the spot, no need to pull the memory card. Cloud-connected models also stream live from anywhere with cell service.

Question 48

Does it record audio? Is that legal in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes by default, but it can be turned off in the camera settings if you don't want it. California is a one-party consent state, meaning if you're in the vehicle and you consent (it's your car, your dashcam), audio recording is legal. If you want to be safe, disable audio.

Question 49

Will the dashcam work if the engine is off?

Accepted Answer

Yes when wired in parking mode through the hardwire kit. The cam keeps recording on G-sensor or motion trigger while parked, with the low-voltage cutoff protecting your battery. Without parking mode wiring, the cam shuts off when you turn off the ignition.

Question 50

Do you install dashcams in rideshare vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is one of our most common installs. Triple-channel setups with cabin coverage are standard for Uber and Lyft drivers, the cabin cam protects you against false rider claims and the front + rear protect against insurance disputes. We can also disable the in-cabin audio if state law in your operating areas requires it.

Question 51

Is there a monthly fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most GPS systems require a small monthly subscription for cellular data. We'll explain the options.

Question 52

Will the driver know it's there?

Accepted Answer

Trackers are hidden during install. They're undetectable without intentional inspection.

Question 53

Can it disable the vehicle if it's stolen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with an optional starter-disable kit. We can include that with the install if you want it.

Question 54

Are car speakers OK to use on a boat?

Accepted Answer

No, UV and salt will kill them in months. Marine-rated gear is built for the environment and lasts years.

Question 55

Can you do tower audio on my wakeboard tower?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we install full tower-can audio with marine-rated speakers and dedicated amps.

Question 56

Will the system work with the engine off?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we wire to a deep-cycle accessory battery so you can run audio for hours without affecting the starting battery.

Question 57

Will it survive mud and water?

Accepted Answer

Marine-rated speakers and amps are designed for that. Properly installed, our UTV systems hold up to daily off-road use.

Question 58

How long does a UTV install take?

Accepted Answer

A sound bar swap is a couple hours. A full system with a sub and amp can take most of a day. We'll book accordingly.

Question 59

Can I run it without the engine on?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we wire it to a relay so accessories run on key-on power. For long stops, we recommend an auxiliary battery.

Question 60

Will it work with the doors off?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every speaker in our Jeep installs is weatherproof. Doors off, top off, no problem.

Question 61

Can I keep my factory Uconnect radio?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we tap into Uconnect's audio output to drive aftermarket speakers without replacing the head unit.

Question 62

Does it survive rain in a soft-top Wrangler?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marine-rated components and sealed connections handle daily rain and weather without issue.

Question 63

Will LED lights drain my battery?

Accepted Answer

Properly installed with timers and low-voltage cutoffs, no. We wire to ignition or accessory so they don't run with the car off.

Question 64

Are these legal in California?

Accepted Answer

Interior lighting is legal. Some underbody and exterior colors are restricted while driving, we'll explain at install.

Answers from the install bay.

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