How to Install a Car Subwoofer

Installing a subwoofer

If you’ve found the best car subwoofer for you and are looking to upgrade your vehicle’s audio system, you’ve come to the right place. Installing a subwoofer in your car adds rich, deep bass to your music while transforming the overall sound quality, giving you a more immersive and powerful listening experience.

Whether you’re an audio expert or a beginner looking to enhance your sound system with a top-rated car subwoofer, we will walk you through the installation process and provide helpful tips to ensure optimal performance. Keep reading to boost your car’s sound today and enjoy the powerful bass from your car subwoofer with every drive.

Pre-installation prep

Before diving into installing your new car subwoofer, it’s important to do a little preparation first. This not only helps the installation process go smoothly as possible, but also helps promote safety.

Measure the available space. Measure the area where you plan to install the unit, such as the trunk or under the seat. Mini subwoofers and shallow subwoofers typically require less space than massive subwoofers.
Check the power requirements. Subwoofers use up a lot of energy, so you might need to upgrade your battery or alternator if your car’s electrical system can’t handle the extra power.
Choose the right enclosure. Sealed enclosures offer tight bass, while ported enclosures provide more booming bass, so make sure the enclosure that encases your subwoofer will fit in your car.
Gather the necessary tools. Ensure that you have a wiring kit that includes power, ground and RCA cables, as well as a remote turn-on wire.

Once you’ve covered these initial steps, you should be ready to begin installing your car subwoofer.

How to install a subwoofer

Installing a subwoofer in your car is a rewarding DIY task that can bring your music to life. From selecting the right equipment to guiding you through how to wire a subwoofer, you will soon be enjoying the ultimate bass boost on the road. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to install a car subwoofer:

1. Disconnect the battery

It’s important to disconnect the battery to ensure safety before beginning any work on your car's audio system. This step prevents accidental electrical shocks and avoids short circuits that could damage your vehicle’s wiring or the new subwoofer. By disconnecting the battery, you create a safer environment to work in and protect both yourself and your car electronics. Make sure to start by disconnecting the negative terminal, securing a safe foundation for the rest of your installation process.

2. Run the power wire

Running the power wire ensures that your amplifier and subwoofer receive the power they need. Start by connecting the power cable to the car battery with an inline fuse to protect against electrical surges. Carefully route the wire through the vehicle’s firewall and secure it along the car’s interior, away from any moving parts or sources of interference. This will help deliver reliable power to your amplifier, providing consistent performance and minimizing the risk of power interruptions that could impact sound quality.

3. Mount the subwoofer and amplifier

To properly mount your subwoofer and amplifier (or your subwoofer with built-in amp), start by selecting a suitable location in your vehicle where the subwoofer can fit without obstructing other components. Your trunk or underneath a seat are typically the best spots. Then, use brackets or a custom enclosure to firmly anchor the subwoofer.

For a separate amplifier, pick a well-ventilated area to help prevent overheating and secure it with screws or mounting kits. Doublecheck that all connections are tight and cables are neatly organized.

4. Ground the amplifier

Grounding your amplifier will help you achieve clear sound while preventing electrical issues, like interference, buzzing noises or potential short circuits. Find an unpainted metal surface close to the amplifier’s location. Then, use a ground wire or the same gauge as the power wire and securely attach it to the chosen grounding point using a ring terminal.

5. Connect the remote turn-on wire

The remote turn-on wire signals your amplifier to power on when your car stereo receiver is activated while also helping prevent battery drain. To connect the remote turn-on wire, locate it on your head unit (usually marked as “REM” or “Remote”). Then, connect this wire to the corresponding input on your amplifier or subwoofer amp combo. Make sure the connection is secure to avoid any interruptions in power.

6. Run the RCA cables and connect the speaker wire

Start by routing the RCA cables from the back of your head unit to the amplifier, keeping them separate from power cables to avoid interference. Secure the cables along the vehicle’s interior panels to prevent damage. Next (if applicable), connect the speaker wire from the amplifier to the subwoofer, ensuring a solid connection at both ends. Using high-quality RCA cables and connectors will help you maintain your signal and get you the best sound performance from your car audio subs.

Start enjoying the bass of your car subwoofer

By following these six steps, you should now have a better sense of how to install a car subwoofer. As you can see, the process can be a little complex and time-consuming, especially if it’s your first time. If you ever need any assistance, car electronics professional installation is also always an option. Either way, adding a subwoofer to your car is a great way to upgrade your in-car entertainment and enhance your listening experience with deeper bass and improved sound quality.