Car Tech Terms

Anti-Theft Protection
Anti-theft protection features can help deter thieves from stealing your head unit.

Auxiliary Input
Head unit auxiliary inputs provide expandability to a car audio system.

Bluetooth Pairing
Bluetooth pairing allows cellphones and other devices to interface with your head unit.

Car Radio Remote
Car radio remotes allow the head unit to be controlled from anywhere in the vehicle.

ELM 327
ELM 327 is a programmed microcontroller used in diagnostic equipment.

Hands Free
Hands free technology is designed to keep your eyes on the road when you're driving.

IEC 61508
IEC 61508 is an international functional safety standard that has a number of ramifications for automotive technology.

ISO 26262
ISO 26262 is a functional safety standard that was developed in order to apply IEC 61508 to the automotive industry.

OBD-II: On-Board Diagnostics II
OBD-II is a diagnostic system available in vehicles that were manufactured during or after the 1996 model year.

Preamp Outputs
Preamp outputs are designed to provide a clean audio signal to an amplifier.

Steering Wheel Controls
Steering wheel controls are a safer way to control a head unit when you're driving.

Switchable Illumination
Switchable illumination is a head unit feature that let's you color-match your components.

What is Underglow?
Underglow, which is also known as ground effects lighting, can create some striking visual effects, but what exactly is it, and is it even legal?