Apple CarPlay and Android Auto simplify the process of streaming albums, artists, and playlists using just a smartphone and Bluetooth. Although the music may originate from your phone or another source, you remain dependent on your car’s audio system. They represent a category of consumer technology where the possibilities are endless, and spending thousands of dollars on a high-end speaker setup is not unusual. Nevertheless, even a new car with factory-installed speakers can encounter problems, notably the primary speaker culprit: crackling. Specifically, we refer to the kind of crackling that occurs as you increase the volume.
This typically takes place because your vehicle’s speakers are connected to the integrated stereo receiver of your car’s infotainment system. That receiver contains a built-in amplifier that supplies a limited amount of power to your car speakers. If the factory-installed sound system cannot provide sufficient power to each channel, the outcome is often a crackling, distorted sound emanating from one or more speakers.
Overusing your car speakers might even lead to physical damage to them, with a damaged cone or broken voice coil certainly introducing crackling. That being said, if you enjoy blasting music at maximum volume, it could be time to consider investing in an aftermarket amplifier and a dedicated subwoofer.