Smart Motorist » 6 Easy Steps to Measure Car Speaker Size

6 Easy Steps to Measure Car Speaker Size

If you’re getting a new stereo for your car, you would want to replace the speakers as well. Or you may just want to replace an old car speaker with a new one. Maybe it’s too old, or it just isn’t of the quality you want?

Whatever the reason for wanting to find a replacement, getting the speaker measurements right is important. It makes searching for a new one an easy task since you know the exact size you want. It also makes the installation process a breeze because the new one fits well, like a lock and key.

Knowing how to measure car speaker correctly is something you, as a car owner, need to be conversant with. At one time or another, you will need to replace your car speaker. Taking the measurements of your car speaker isn’t hard, though, and mounting one after removing an old one is even easier. This is how to do it.

How to Measure Car Speaker In Easy Steps

Measure Car Speaker Size

What you will need:

  • Tape measure
  • Panel removing tools
  • Screwdriver
  • Notepad, and
  • Pen or pencil

Steps:

Step 1. Remove the panel from your car’s door to expose the speaker if it is located on the door panel. For rear or front speakers, you may not need to remove any panels.

Step 2. Unscrew the speaker and place it on a flat surface with plenty of space.

Step 3. Measuring the car speaker mounting depth

Measure from just below the mounting plane down to the end of the speaker’s magnet and note down the length. This ensures the replacement speaker isn’t too deep to press on things beneath during installation. Doing so would even make installing it impossible because the screws wouldn’t tighten.

Step 4. Measuring the car speaker height

Measure from the bottom of the mounting plane of the speaker all the way up to the highest point. The correct height ensures the new speaker doesn’t stick out.

Step 5. Measuring the car speaker diameter

Hold one end of the tape to one end of the speaker and extend it to the other, keeping the tape as close to the center as possible. This will ensure the new speaker fits the mounting depression closely.

This step is crucial if you’re to buy the right size speaker. As you already know, speakers are called by their sizes. A speaker whose diameter is 2.1 inches has this measurement in its name. Once you know your speaker’s size, finding a similar one becomes easy.

Step 6. Measure the distances between screw holes. By taking the screw hole measurements, you save yourself the trouble of having to drill new holes because the speaker you buy will fit into the existing ones. However, if you intend to use different types of screws, this step is not necessary, and you can skip it.

Other Metrics to Consider

Car Speaker Size

In addition to length measurements, you need to ascertain other technical specifications so that you don’t end up with a speaker that’s out of step with your stereo. They include:

• The power rating of your car stereo

If your stereo is high powered, it would better go with low sensitivity speakers. The opposite applies in case the stereo is low power. Getting it right helps to ensure the right sound from your car speaker.

• The type of screw mounting the speaker

For compatibility, the mounting screws that come with the new speaker must match the old ones both in size and shape. It makes installation easy with the screws going down their holes without difficulty. It also saves you the trouble of having to drill new holes to fit the new screw types.

• The weight of the speaker

This is determined by the place you intend to install your new car speaker. For speakers installed inside door panels, look for speakers that are lightweight, so they don’t weigh down your car’s door. For speakers installed in other parts of the car, the weight wouldn’t matter that much.

Because purchasing a speaker, replacement involves leaving your car behind, knowing how to measure a car speaker to take the measurements with you helps. That way, you will end up buying the right one for your car’s mounting slots, and one compatible your the car stereo. Measurements are usually in inches, though centimeters are also usable. Before you buy the speaker, you may want to have it tested to see if you like its sound.

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