Aftermarket radios are far superior to factory fitted radios. So, why should any audio expert advise you to keep your factory fitted radios? Reasons abound why that may be a wise option for some. However, let’s ensure first that everyone understands the terms “factory fitted” and “aftermarket”.

Factory Fitted Radios, commonly known as OE (Original Equipment) radios are those that are fitted or installed in your car as standard at the factory when your car is manufactured. They can also be bought from car dealers as a replacement should it fail at some point.

OE radios are manufactured by various suppliers including Alpine, Blaupunkt, Becker, Clarion, Delphi, Ford, Fujitsu Ten, Grundig, Matsushita, Philips, Toyota, VDO, Visteon. These are not to be confused with aftermarket car radios that can be defined as radios not fitted at the factory and are found on car audio websites and in car audio shops, etc.

These are superior to standard factory-fitted radios. But having said that, factory-fitted radios are now far higher in quality and performance than they were as little as five to ten years ago.

Many car dealers/manufacturers now fit aftermarket radios as standard. This is a bonus for you, the driver. You can then add an aftermarket CD changer and aftermarket MP3 changer. These give far better performance than OE CD changers. They also cost a lot less than from your car dealer.

There are so many advantages in keeping your standard radio and adding-on a CD changer. The most obvious benefit is that you retain the integrated look and functionality of your car’s current radio set-up. By doing so you will prevent the need for any extra accessories that would ultimately cost you more expense if you were to add an aftermarket radio. These accessories include a fascia adaptor, harness adaptor lead, Stalk Control, SMART lead, etc.

Some folks have bought great CD changers at Ebay or similar markets only to discover that they are not compatible with their car radios. How do you save yourself such heartache? How do you know which CD changer is compatible with your factory radio?

You’ll need to establish your radio model number or name if you want any one to recommend a CD changer and interface package for your factory-fitted radio.

This will either be a number or name found on the radio fascia, or on a sticker on top, underneath or on the side of the radio. If it isn’t printed on the radio fascia you can find it by using one of these methods.

• Consult your radio manual.

• If possible, release your radio to locate the sticker with the number.

• You can send an email to the car audio shop you intend to buy from. Send them a picture of the radio fascia, connections, sticker and pre-installed CD lead connection (where available) and details of the vehicle and radio. They’ll be glad to help out.

• Make a note of your chassis number (vehicle ID) found on your VIN plate or logbook. Ring your local main dealer and quote this number and ask for your radio model number.

When you know your radio model number, take a look in the “Factory Radio CD Changer” section of a good online car audio shop. If you don’t see your radio, email them the number or name and they will recommend a CD package.