New Year, New Beginnings

Ahead of the New Year, we’d like to wish all of our customers well for the future. We’re looking ahead to 2024 with optimism! It may be the dead of winter, but a new year can mean a new start, and it’s a great time to give your car an update.

Upgrade, don’t replace

There are two choices when it comes to keeping your car properly equipped. You can either go for a new model every few years, whether by hire purchase or personal contract, or you can buy one that will last and keep it, making small upgrades along the way.

While it’s tempting to buy the latest models, it’s hardly cost-effective, and once finance deals, on-the-road fees and taxes are paid, it can end up being a lot more than advertised. Buying a well-regarded model that can last many miles can make good financial sense.

Is your car winter ready?

At this time of year, with the mercury unlikely to rise much, it’s important to ensure your car is ready for the icy blast of winter.

Tyres

Watch the tread and ensure your tyres are safe and within legal limits. Normally a tread indicator on the tyre itself will show you when it’s time to get some new ones. Otherwise, the 20p trick works well - the tread depth of the tyre should cover the rim of the coin when inserted end-on into the tread pattern. If it doesn’t - time to visit the tyre fitter!

While it’s tempting to save money wherever possible, this isn’t the place where we’d advise saving your pennies - get a reputable make and check the size (printed on the tyre wall) carefully to ensure they’re up to the task. Winter or all-season tyres are a good bet if you live in a particularly cold place, or expect very wet roads. A set of TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) sensors, if your car doesn’t have them, can be an easy way to tell if your tyres are operating safely. They’ll alert you to any sudden drop in pressure from a puncture or blowout, and give you peace of mind that everything is ok if you forgot to check your pressure before a long drive.

Fluids

Check coolant, wiper fluid and oil regularly. All these are necessary for safe operation and as cold weather is harder on your car, these may need more attention than in milder temperatures. Many cars have digital sensors to make this task easier.

Proper Servicing

We know it’s possible to reset your service lights, and with an ODB2 Scanner you no longer need a diagnostics check, but servicing your car is crucial. A MOT check simply doesn’t do enough to address any underlying issues that your car may have developed, whereas a service is more like a thorough health check. A piece of advice - a reputable, recommended independent specialist may be cheaper than your main dealer. Be sure to shop around to get the best deal - though cheaper isn’t always better!

Emissions

If you need to drive into any areas that have emissions laws, such as the newly-expanded London ULEZ area, it’s a good idea to check if your vehicle is compliant to avoid any charges. If it isn’t, which is usually the case for larger, older diesel vehicles or classic cars, it may be wise to change your travel plans. If you plan to do it regularly, it might be wise to think about buying a new one…

Are you up to speed with technology?

While you can replace your stereo very easily with our range of plug-and-play options, it’s also easy to add features to your own.

Phone connectivity

Screen mirroring, wireless connections and audio streaming are available on many stereos, including XTRONS’ range of models. This is a great place to start when considering your car’s entertainment.

DAB/DAB+

Becoming more and more the standard for new cars, digital radio offers stable connection to a huge array of channels, from broad entertainment to niche interests. Adding a simple dongle can bring your stereo in line with even the newest models, with sport, music, podcasts and more.

Visuals and Displays

An advantage of modern stereos is just how far screens have come. Full colour, refraction-free HD screens are the norm at XTRONS, and feature in many factory stereos in newer cars.

Internet and 4G capability

Built-in 4G and Wi-Fi can keep you entertained and help your productivity. Once the preserve of science fiction, now it’s possible to stay connected with a fast internet connection throughout your journey, especially if travelling in urban areas.

New options across our range

The XTRONS range is constantly expanding and morphing, according to our customer needs.

New models covered

New XTRONS models for BMW and Mercedes-Benz have launched recently, with modified Android 13 platforms for smooth and efficient running. Aftermarket stereos for harder-to-find marques such as Alfa Romeo, Smart, Land Rover and Tesla also feature, ensuring that almost the whole range of available vehicles is covered.

Latest connectivity

Our latest stereos are compatible with the latest Bluetooth 5.1 and feature Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, giving you easy control. Many of our stereos come with an integrated CANbus, ensuring your steering wheel controls work and original functions operate as they should. 2 band wi-fi and 4G connections mean that you’re never out of the loop.

Fast processors and more memory

The underpinnings of all our stereos are exceptional. Superfast processors and huge memory chips, solid state drives and brand-name components. You won’t find this sort of processing power anywhere else in an aftermarket stereo.

Still the industry standard

XTRONS has over 15 years’ experience in providing the highest grade in-car entertainment. We seek the best components, the widest compatibility and the latest upgrades to make sure that your drive is a premium one.

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