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Published on July 18, 2007

Low- to middle-cost audio gear basically lasts for two to three years. High-end equipment usually lasts longer because it uses higher-quality equipment. But don't count on cheap audio products lasting for more than one year. The overall sound, particularly the bass notes and the upper end of the scale, will become lacklustre.

Periodic checking and maintenance is an unavoidable task if your beloved system is to serve a full and productive life. The first check-up should come six months after installation, then again after one year. Here are the areas you need to watch carefully.

If the audio signal from a tape cassette appears to be running at a slow speed, this indicates that wear and tear is affecting the tape heads, the capstan and the drive mechanism. Most of the parts of a tape deck come into contact with tape cassettes, and these transfer dust, dirt and accumulated lubricant into the mechanism. Small particles from the magnetic tapes also build up on the tape heads. One way of determining whether a tape deck is working properly is to compare the same audio track from a CD and from a tape cassette.

If the CD detecting system skips, even though you are playing a new CD, this indicates that the pick-up laser mechanism in the CD player is worn out. In most cases, I would recommend replacing the whole unit rather than trying to get it repaired.

If there is radio interference or undesirable noise in the system, especially when the car's engine is running, causing weak output during playback, this is most likely due to cables that have been wired insecurely or have become oxidised. Generally, if problems like this arise in a system in the course of one year, they usually come from corrosion affecting interconnecting or speaker cables, or dirty connectors. Oxidation has the effect of signal loss and reduced conductivity. Check to make sure that the power cables and connections on the unit are securely plugged in and free of oxidation.

If the overall sound from the system has an unclear bass note from the woofers or a strange noise coming from the dome tweeters, this indicates that something may be wrong with the loudspeakers, rather than the tape or CD players.

If the speakers have old rubber surrounds that have lost their condition, then unfortunately they are telling you that it's time for a new speaker set. Strange noise from a dome tweeter, particularly at high volume, indicates a malfunction in the voice coil. If speakers are heavily used for a long time, they will suffer from wear and tear, or the voice coils can burn out.

If you detect abnormalities in your car's audio gear after just a few months, the problem may result from a factory defect or improper installation. Better get it thoroughly checked before it becomes a big headache.

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.