Slide the metal mounting sleeve (or cage) off your new radio and push this into the radio aperture in your dash until the small outer lip on the sleeve meets with the edge of the radio aperture. To make the cage fit into the radio aperture more easily, bend the top and bottom until they meet in the middle.

Some radios' sleeves have been assigned a top and bottom and require installing the correct way up. If you have a radio aperture that is not the standard (DIN) size rectangular shape you will need a fascia adaptor to reduce the aperture size, so your new radio will fit.

Now, bend the tabs on the installed cage sleeve, using a small screwdriver or right-angled pick-tool, outwards from the cage to hold it securely in position.

Pull the car’s radio wiring harness out of the radio aperture. Now, connect the lead that came with your new radio to this and also push the aerial lead into the radio's aerial socket on the rear of your radio. If your car’s wiring harness connection is a different shape to that supplied with your new radio, you will need a harness adaptor.

To finish the installation, slide the radio into the sleeve but don't push it all the way in. Turn your radio on to ensure it is working well. Save a radio station into button number one by depressing the button for five seconds. Now, turn your radio off and remove your keys from the ignition. Insert your keys back into your ignition and switch your radio back. This is to ensure it has retained the memorized radio station.

To finish off, clip on the radio trim to give it a neat finish, and then finally, push it in fully until you hear it lock into position with the cage.

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Removing your in-dash car radio is generally quick and easy. Removal and installation are best carried out from the front passenger seat if you are right-handed. Some, but only a small number of cars, will require the dash surrounding the radio to be removed as the radio may be held in with screws.

Your first step is to remove your original radio. Pay close attention to the steps involved, as refitting is simply a reverse of the removal.

There are various radio-mounting methods used among the different car manufacturers. However, the majority of factory-fitted radios are secured either in a metal sleeve (also known as cage) by two or four securing clips that you push inwards toward the radio to release it, or using the same method without the sleeve.

For radios that have either one or two small round holes on either side of the radio, you can use standard (DIN) radio removal Keys found in all car accessory shops or websites.

DIN radio tools release the majority of radios found in pre-2004 Fiat, Ford, Land Rover, MG, Peugeot, Rover models and many makes of radio. Simply insert the keys into the holes until they lock into place (for radios with only two holes, you can simply bend the keys). Some radios will require you to remove four small Allen screws (with a 2mm or 5/64 Allen Key) before you can insert the removal keys. I believe these are simply a security measure.

Now, push the keys outwards slightly, away from the radio, this will push the securing spring clips inwards. Now, pull on the removal keys to remove the radio. Some radios are a little bit stubborn, but a little persistence should pay off.

Some factory-fitted radios are held in place by securing the screws located at the sides of the radio. This type of mounting concept is found primarily on Japanese cars and these radios are mounted behind the dash that surrounds the radio. Most radios have some type of rear support but this is more often than not, just a push fit.

Once you have removed the radio from its sleeve, disconnect the aerial and factory wiring harness connectors.

If you encounter problems when removing radios that are mounted behind the dash try ringing your local dealer. Ask for the service department and ask to speak to a technician as they are generally happy to advise. On the other hand, you could always consult a Haynes manual.

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If you want the option to play CDs or MP3 whilst keeping your factory fitted radio you will simply need to add a CD changer unit that mounts in the boot, under a seat or in your glove box.

In order to do this, your radio must have CD control capability. Look for a 'CD/MD' button on your radio. Alternatively, click through the MODE button and look for the CD option. Please refer to your radio handbook or contact your local car dealer if you are unsure.

With the use of an interface (an adaptor lead) you can connect an aftermarket CD changer to your factory radio. The interface will enable the factory radio to operate the selected make of CD changer. As the interfaces are only compatible with the radio they were manufactured to work with and are not universal, if you choose an Alpine CD or CD/MP3 changer you should also get the appropriate Alpine interface to match.

You will find packages consisting of CD changers in the “Factory Fit CD” section of car audio websites. You will also see their appropriate and recommended interfaces ready to be quickly installed. These are listed under vehicle make and model.

Please note: Some cars do not require an interface in order for the CD changer to operate. You simply plug in the recommended CD changer. This will become clear if you enter the “Factory Fit CD” changer section of an online shop and select your car make and model.

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Adding an aftermarket radio would give you the benefit of having a removable security fascia to take with you when you leave the car. Incidentally all new radios come with a robust case to store your removable fascia. This feature enables you to detach the control panel whenever you want. If you keep your factory-fitted radio and add a CD or CD/MP3 changer there will be no visible sign of a changer having been added so the risk of theft will remain very low.

There are many anti-theft or theft-deterrence features in many head units. It helps to know them so that you can choose which best suits you. I don’t know about you, I personally, will not like to have to remove my fascia every time I am retiring or have to leave the car. There are other measures that I find more appealing.

There are hidden face designs. In one of these designs, the face goes black once the unit is turned off so when a potential thief looks in all he sees is a black panel. This fools the thief into thinking that it’s just the dashboard and nothing more.

Some other designs allow for the head unit to retract once it is turned off. Like the hidden face design, it also gives the impression that there is nothing but just the dashboard.

There is no anti-theft design that is foolproof for the simple reason that the thieves also get to know all the new theft-deterrence features. But that’s the “professional” thief. An anti-theft design will, however, make a difference in most cases.

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