How to Install the Tesla Style Radio?

Thanks to advances in open-source Operating Systems like Android, old vehicles can now support Tesla Style Radio systems—something that every user could only dream of. Basically, these radios are Tablets running Android in your car, bringing a different aesthetic to the interior.

We’ll show you in detail how to install it if you are looking to replace the OEM car radio.

Why You Should Install the Radio In Your Car?

Installing a Tesla Style unit is pretty convenient as you get to have a car stereo system capable of supporting modern Google Play Store apps.

With the Tesla Style Radio, you’ll have:

• Google Maps support: The system makes it easier to use Google Maps for Navigation. You can easily track congested areas and avoid traffic while driving.
• Media options: You can play music from your phone or use your phone’s hotspot to listen to Apple Music or Spotify, stream Netflix, or watch movies while on the road.
• Convenience: You get to use a huge capacitive touchscreen with Quad-core or Hexa-core chips, 32/64 GB ROM, 2/4GB of RAM, and a resolution as high as 1920×1080 pixels.

Pros

• It indicates when your doors are open
• Getting apps from the Google Play Store is easy
• The unit auto-connects to your CarPlay

Cons

• The device may take up to 30 minutes to turn on in extremely cold temperatures

How to Choose the Correct Radio?

Choosing a correct radio for your car can be pretty challenging. Here are some factors you should consider when choosing one:

Screen Size

The Tesla-style screen is a revolutionary aftermarket upgrade that boasts a large touchscreen display with a size ranging from 9 to 12 inches. Therefore, to choose the most appropriate screen size, you will have to consider the size of your car's dashboard and your personal preference.

Price

The price may vary substantially depending on the brand you are going for and the features it supports. Prices typically start as low as $205, but can go up to $600. For this reason, consider a system that delivers the best value for money according to your price range.

Compatibility

While the Tesla style radio is suitable for most cars, you should confirm that the system you are getting is compatible with your vehicle. Crosscheck the features and dimensions of the radio to make sure it is compatible with the existing wiring harness and that it fits inside your car.

How to Install It By Yourself: Step-by-Step

The installation of most radio units is typically simple and can be done without the help of a professional installer.

Here’s how to do it:

1.Remove the Old Radio

The first thing to do is to disconnect your battery before proceeding to remove the stock radio. You always have to take apart your radio bezel so you can get the stock radio out. But to do this, you may have to take apart the dash in some car models.

Taking apart the dash to remove the old radio is pretty straightforward. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the dash panel screws and then gently pry off the dash panel surrounding the radio.

Once done, unscrew the screws or bolts holding the lower storage pocket and the radio face. Now, yank the factory radio chassis out to access the wiring at the back. Start unplugging the wires from the old stereo unit, being careful not to damage any connection.

2.Assembly

Before you go tossing the new radio inside your car, you should first sort it out on a spacious workbench. The Tesla Style Radio comes with a radio, wire harnesses, a plastic mounting frame, and a small bag of screws for installation.

After taking all these out, plug in the harness that will go into the car radio and then connect the GPS, USB cable, HDMI, Power Cable, and every other cable that will be useful to you. Since none of the cables have the same prong counts, it is unlikely that you will mix up the connections.

Once you are done sorting out the connections, align the plastic mounting frame on the radio and use the provided screws to attach it.

3.Installation

Take the new radio and set it on the dash opening to ensure everything lines up well on the mounting holes. Now connect the Wi-Fi Antenna to the back of the new radio and attach the two USB cables, HDMI cable, antenna cable adapter, and every other cable on the dash where you want them.

Basically, which wires you need to connect depends on your radio model. Once everything is in place, it is time to connect your battery and test the radio. If everything is working, tuck the wires in, re-align the radio bezel, and then screw everything back together.

Troubleshooting Issues After Installation

• If your radio does work at this point, you may want to look into the following:
• Mounting problems:If your car does not fit or has holes to mount the mounting tabs at the bottom, you may have to purchase an aftermarket frame to make the radio fit.
• Compatibility issues:;Perhaps the unit you bought is not compatible with your car Configuration issues: If your system changes radio stations on its own, consider downloading another media player from the Google App Store that doesn't do this.

Conclusion

Installing the Tesla Style Radio opens up a whole new world and new features to your car. You get to install the apps you like from the Google Play Store, use a rearview camera, and the most mesmerizing feature is the support for TV on the go. Besides, the installation is pretty easy as long as you are good at figuring things out.