Car Stereos & Stereo Fitting Parts

Plan your upgrade

Choosing a Car Stereo & Fitting Parts

A successful car stereo upgrade combines a compatible head unit with the correct vehicle-specific mounting, wiring and integration parts. Use the guides below to compare stereo types, understand the fitting process and check compatibility before ordering.

Which type of car stereo should I choose?

SMARTPHONE FEATURES

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide compatible access to navigation, calls, messages, music and selected smartphone apps through the stereo display. Browse Apple CarPlay stereos or Android Auto stereos .

DIGITAL RADIO

DAB & Bluetooth Car Stereos

DAB-compatible stereos provide access to digital-radio stations. Bluetooth enables compatible wireless music streaming and hands-free calling. Browse DAB car stereos .

SCREEN & FITTING SIZE

Single DIN, Double DIN & Floating Screen

Single DIN stereos provide a compact installation. Double DIN units commonly include a touchscreen, while floating-screen stereos offer a larger adjustable display for compatible dashboards.

What fitting parts might I need?

DASHBOARD FITMENT

Car Stereo Fascia Adapters

A vehicle-specific fascia panel converts the original dashboard opening to accept a compatible single DIN, double DIN or larger aftermarket stereo while providing a clean finished appearance.

POWER & RADIO

Wiring & Aerial Adapters

A wiring harness connects the aftermarket stereo to the vehicle's original radio connector. An aerial adapter may also be needed to connect the vehicle's original AM/FM or DAB aerial system.

RETAIN FEATURES

Control & Integration Interfaces

Additional interfaces may retain compatible steering-wheel controls, factory amplifiers, reversing cameras, parking-sensor sounds, USB sockets or other original vehicle functions.

What should I check before ordering?

VEHICLE DETAILS

Make, Model & Year

Confirm the exact vehicle make, model, year and body style. Vehicles produced in the same year can sometimes use different dashboard designs, connectors and factory stereo systems.

ORIGINAL RADIO

Factory Stereo & Display

Check the appearance and specification of the original stereo, including whether the vehicle has a separate display, factory navigation, premium-branded audio or an amplified sound system.

FEATURE RETENTION

Controls, Camera & Amplifier

Identify which original features need to be retained. Steering-wheel controls, cameras, factory amplifiers, USB sockets and parking sensors can require different vehicle-specific interfaces.

What is the difference between single DIN and double DIN?

COMPACT FORMAT

Single DIN Car Stereos

Single DIN stereos use a standard compact-height dashboard opening. They are available with features including Bluetooth, DAB, USB and smartphone connectivity. Browse single DIN stereos .

TOUCHSCREEN FORMAT

Double DIN Car Stereos

Double DIN stereos are approximately twice the height of a standard single DIN unit and commonly include a touchscreen, CarPlay, Android Auto and multimedia features. Browse double DIN stereos .

LARGE DISPLAY

Floating-Screen Car Stereos

Floating-screen stereos use an adjustable display mounted in front of the main stereo chassis. They provide a larger screen for compatible single DIN or double DIN installations. Browse floating-screen stereos .

Why choose a complete vehicle-specific fitting kit?

RECOMMENDED APPROACH

Matched Parts for a More Straightforward Installation

A complete car stereo fitting kit brings together the main fascia, wiring, aerial and control components required for a compatible vehicle. This makes it easier to identify the correct parts and reduces the risk of ordering separate components that do not work together. Use the InCarTec vehicle search or contact our technical team if compatibility is uncertain.

What can be needed for a complete stereo installation?

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

Common Car Stereo Fitting Components

• A compatible aftermarket car stereo or head unit
• A single DIN, double DIN or 9-inch fascia adapter
• A vehicle-specific radio wiring harness
• An AM/FM or DAB aerial adapter
• A steering-wheel control interface and patch lead
• Factory amplifier integration where required
• Camera, USB or parking-sensor retention where supported

Need it fitted?

Professional Car Stereo Installation

Our specialist team at Automotive Sound & Vision Exeter can install aftermarket car stereos, fitting kits, reversing cameras, speakers, amplifiers and complete in-car entertainment systems with a clean, vehicle-conscious finish.

View Fitting Services  →

Helpful buying advice

Car Stereo & Fitting FAQs

Answers to common questions about aftermarket car stereos, vehicle compatibility and car stereo fitting parts.

How do I find out which car stereo fits my car?

Start with the InCarTec vehicle search and enter the exact make, model and year. Check the dashboard opening, original radio type and any factory features that need to be retained. The fitting kit and stereo must both be compatible with the vehicle.

What parts do I need to install an aftermarket stereo?

A typical installation can require a fascia panel, wiring harness, aerial adapter and steering-wheel control interface. Vehicles with original amplifiers, cameras, USB sockets, separate displays or parking sensors may require additional retention interfaces.

Can I retain my steering-wheel controls?

In many vehicles, yes. A compatible vehicle-specific steering-wheel control interface is normally required. Some installations also need a patch lead selected according to the make of aftermarket stereo being fitted.

Can I retain the original camera, amplifier or USB socket?

Compatible factory features can often be retained using the correct vehicle-specific interface. Support varies according to the vehicle, original equipment and chosen stereo, so check the individual product compatibility information before ordering.

Do I need a new aerial for a DAB car stereo?

A DAB-compatible aerial connection is required. Some vehicles have an original aerial that can be retained using an appropriate adapter. Other vehicles need an additional windscreen or roof-mounted DAB aerial.

Does a stereo fitting kit include the stereo?

Not always. A fitting-only kit contains the installation components but requires a compatible stereo to be purchased separately. A complete infotainment package includes both the stereo and the relevant fitting parts. Always check the listed kit contents.

Can I install an aftermarket car stereo myself?

This depends on the vehicle and the complexity of the installation. Straightforward installations may be suitable for experienced DIY fitting. Vehicles with factory amplifiers, cameras, displays or integrated controls can require specialist knowledge, so professional installation is recommended when you are unsure.

Need help choosing?

Find the Correct Stereo Upgrade for Your Car

Tell the InCarTec team your vehicle details, original radio system, preferred stereo and the factory features you want to retain. We can help identify suitable car stereos, fitting kits and installation parts before you order.

Contact InCarTec  →