SMS CAR AUDIO FAQ
Before you buy a part or book the vehicle, make sure the whole job makes sense.
Car audio is full of products that look right on paper but turn into the wrong purchase once the vehicle, factory audio package, usable space, final impedance, wiring, electrical system and installation goal are taken into account. These are the questions we want answered before you spend money.
Before you buy.
Can I buy products from SMS without paying for installation?
Yes. Eligible products can be purchased online, over the counter or by direct quote without booking an installation. The exception is when a brand or product has a specific in-store, quote or application requirement. If SMS will install the equipment later, talk to us before checkout so the product choice and the installation plan match.
How do I know a product fits my vehicle?
Year, make and model are the starting point, not always the whole answer. Trim, cab or body configuration, factory radio, screen size, premium-audio package, factory amplifier, speaker location, mounting depth, available space and retained factory features can all change what is required. A speaker can physically fit the opening and still be the wrong electrical or acoustic choice for the system. If fitment or integration is uncertain, send us the vehicle details before checkout.
Can SMS help me pick the equipment?
Yes. Start with the vehicle and the result you want. Better-than-factory sound, an SQ front stage, a loud daily, serious bass, pro audio, a top-off Jeep, motorcycle audio, cameras, lighting or a full custom build all lead to different equipment. We can match the speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, DSP, source unit, integration, wiring, electrical support and fabrication around the actual job instead of treating each product as a separate purchase.
Should I buy everything before talking to SMS?
Not when SMS will install, wire, tune, program or fabricate around it. One wrong decision early can force another purchase later—a factory interface that does not provide the signal you need, an amplifier with the wrong channel count, a subwoofer configuration that creates the wrong load, or speakers that fit the hole but not the goal. It is usually cheaper to plan the final architecture first.
Can I build the system in stages?
Yes, and staged builds can make a lot of sense when they are planned from the finished system backward. If you know DSP, more amplifier channels, a larger front stage or more bass is coming later, we can avoid choosing today's part in a way that blocks tomorrow's upgrade.
What exactly comes with the product?
The exact product listing and manufacturer package contents control what is included. Do not assume a wiring kit, bass knob, grille, harness, adapter, controller, extension, mounting hardware or vehicle-specific interface is included unless the listing says it is. If the complete job needs additional parts, we would rather identify them before the order than after the vehicle is apart.
Why do some products require a quote or in-store purchase?
Some brands and products have authorized-dealer, sales-channel or application requirements that change how they can be sold. When a product page says in-store purchase, contact SMS or quote required, that is the correct purchase path for that item. It does not mean the product page is broken.
Factory radios, amplifiers and vehicle features.
Will this work with my factory radio?
Maybe, but the radio is only one part of the signal path. Modern factory systems can have factory EQ, crossovers, all-pass filters, volume-dependent processing, noise cancellation, data-bus controls or an OEM amplifier between the radio and the speakers. Some vehicles need a vehicle-specific interface, some need DSP correction, and some are straightforward. We check what signal is actually available before choosing the integration path.
What if my vehicle has a factory amplifier or premium audio package?
That can completely change the parts list. Amplified and non-amplified versions of the same vehicle can require different interfaces, harnesses, channel routing and speaker loads. Bose, B&O, Harman Kardon, Alpine and other premium systems should not be treated as though they are the base-audio version of the vehicle.
Will I lose my backup camera, steering-wheel controls, chimes, USB or vehicle settings?
Not automatically, but retention depends on the vehicle, factory equipment, replacement radio and interface available for that application. Cameras, steering-wheel controls, warning chimes, factory amplifiers, USB connections, antennas, climate functions and vehicle settings can all be tied to the original radio. We decide what needs to stay before choosing the replacement path.
Do I have to replace the factory radio to improve the system?
No. If the factory screen already gives you the features you use, keeping it can be the cleaner solution. We can often integrate amplifiers, DSP, speakers and bass downstream from the factory source. Replacing the radio makes sense when the new source solves a real need—CarPlay, Android Auto, screen size, camera support, outputs or other features—not simply because the rest of the audio system is being upgraded.
Stock, orders, shipping and pickup.
Does “available” mean the product is physically on the shelf at SMS?
No. Product availability can come from SMS inventory, supplier stock, manufacturer production or a special-order source. An online product status does not by itself mean the item is sitting at the Marrero shop. If you need something today, for a deadline or for local pickup, contact SMS first.
Can I pick up locally?
Yes, when the order is eligible for local pickup. Wait until SMS confirms that it is physically received, checked, staged and ready for release. A supplier tracking event, online status or shipping label does not mean the order is ready at the shop.
How long before my order ships?
It depends on the product and fulfillment path. Processing can include payment confirmation, inventory or supplier confirmation, address review, order staging, packaging or custom-production approval. Special-order and made-to-order products can have different processing times than stocked merchandise. A stated production or processing period is separate from carrier transit time.
Why did I receive tracking before the package started moving?
A tracking number can be created before the carrier physically receives the package. Shipments from different fulfillment locations can also use a different carrier, packaging process or tracking system than an order leaving SMS.
Can I change or cancel an order after I place it?
Contact SMS immediately. Whether an order can still be changed or canceled depends on its status and product type. Standard unfulfilled merchandise may be easier to stop than a special-order, programmed, cut, engraved, personalized, custom-built or project-specific item. Those products can become non-cancelable once ordered, approved or started.
What if the package arrives damaged, missing something or with the wrong item?
Do not install, power, cut, program or modify it. Keep the carton, shipping label, interior packaging, manuals, hardware and accessories, then contact SMS as soon as possible. Photos or video of the unopened package, label, carton damage, internal packaging, product, serial number and missing contents can be required for the carrier or vendor claim.
Do you ship outside the United States?
The current online-store shipping setup is for eligible United States destinations. If checkout does not offer a shipping method for your destination, contact SMS before placing the order.
Returns, defects and warranty.
Can I return a normal new product?
An eligible standard-new product can be considered for return when the request is made within 14 calendar days after confirmed delivery or pickup, unless the product listing or other written SMS terms say otherwise. The return has to be authorized by SMS first; approval is not automatic.
What condition does a return need to be in?
For an eligible standard-new return, the product needs to be unused, uninstalled, unpowered, unprogrammed, unmodified, complete and in resalable condition. Original packaging, manuals, serial labels, accessories, harnesses, hardware, remotes, trim and included materials need to be present and undamaged. Do not ship or bring back merchandise without authorization.
I installed or powered it and changed my mind. Is that still a normal return?
Usually not. Once a product has been installed, powered, wired, cut, programmed, mounted, tuned, scratched, damaged, registered or used, it can be ineligible for a standard return. Contact SMS so we can determine whether the issue is a return question, a fitment problem, a diagnosis issue or a warranty claim.
What if the product is defective?
A suspected defect is not automatically the same thing as a return. Manufacturer warranty coverage is controlled by the exact manufacturer's written warranty, proof of purchase, serial number, authorized-dealer requirements, installation conditions and exclusions. The claim can require testing, photos, video, electrical measurements or inspection before the manufacturer decides whether the remedy is repair, replacement, credit, return authorization or denial.
Does a product warranty cover removal, reinstallation or tuning?
Not automatically. Manufacturer product warranty coverage does not automatically include diagnosis, removal, reinstallation, shipping, programming, fabrication changes, retuning or vehicle downtime. If labor is covered by a specific written SMS or manufacturer authorization, that will be stated separately.
What can cause a warranty claim to be denied?
That depends on the manufacturer's warranty, but wiring errors, wrong load, inadequate fusing, poor grounding, low voltage, clipping, overpowering, unsafe crossover settings, operation below enclosure tuning, heat, water or corrosion, modification, unauthorized repair and vehicle electrical faults are examples of conditions that can affect coverage. The cause has to be diagnosed before the remedy is assumed.
Are custom, special-order or clearance products returnable?
Many are final sale or have restricted return terms. Custom enclosures, fabricated parts, vehicle-specific pieces, CNC or laser work, personalized acrylic, Lit FX, special-order and non-stocked items, programmed interfaces, cut wiring, batteries, open-box, used and clearance merchandise can have different rules from a standard new boxed product.
Installation, quotes and appointments.
Does SMS install customer-supplied equipment?
No. SMS installs equipment supplied through SMS Car Audio. Keeping the product source, fitment, system design, installation responsibility and warranty path under the same project gives us control over what is being installed and what support exists afterward.
What if I already have equipment installed by another shop or a previous owner?
That is different from bringing us loose products to install. Existing third-party equipment already in the vehicle can be inspected as part of an upgrade, correction or troubleshooting plan. Depending on what we find, wiring, mounting, integration or equipment may need to be corrected or replaced before we build on top of it.
How much does installation cost?
There is no honest one-price answer for every vehicle. Labor changes with the vehicle, factory audio system, access, wiring path, OEM integration, number of channels, amplifier and DSP layout, speaker mounting, enclosure work, electrical upgrades, fabrication, programming and final tuning. We quote the actual scope instead of hiding the difficult parts inside a generic installation price.
How long will the installation take?
That depends on the same scope. A straightforward product installation and a vehicle that needs integration, custom fabrication, multiple amplifiers, electrical work and DSP calibration are not the same appointment. Product arrival, fabrication, customer approvals and shop scheduling also affect timing. The job schedule is confirmed when the project is scoped and booked.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes for installation, DSP tuning, fabrication, lighting, custom enclosures, vehicle inspections, system planning and larger quote sessions. Quick product questions can usually be handled by phone, text or email.
Is a deposit required?
Installation and DSP-tuning appointments generally require a 50% deposit. Custom and one-of-a-kind work is paid in full before production or ordering. Special-order equipment can also require advance payment.
What happens if I miss the appointment?
A missed appointment or late cancellation can result in forfeiture of the appointment deposit. Contact SMS as early as possible when something changes.
What should I send before asking for a quote?
- Vehicle year, make, model, trim and factory audio package.
- Engine information when electrical work is involved.
- Current radio, speakers, amplifiers, subs, DSP, batteries and previous aftermarket work.
- Photos of the radio, dash, doors, cargo area, battery area, saddlebags or existing wiring when useful.
- What you want more of: clarity, staging, volume, bass, outdoor output, source features, cameras, fabrication, lighting or a complete build.
- Your working budget range and future upgrade plans.
- Seat travel, cargo space, roof or top storage, door function, service access and anything else that must remain functional.
What services do you not offer?
SMS does not offer automotive window tint, alarm installation or remote-start installation. Boat or vessel projects must be approved before equipment is ordered or an appointment is booked.
Custom fabrication and Lit FX.
What can SMS fabricate?
SMS uses 3D scanning, CAD, 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting and engraving, acrylic work, speaker rings and adapters, custom enclosures, amplifier racks, vehicle-specific parts and Lit FX. If a clean off-the-shelf part does not solve the problem, fabrication can become part of the system instead of an afterthought.
Can I cancel a custom part after I approve it?
Personalized, built-to-order, vehicle-specific, CNC-cut, laser-cut, engraved, acrylic, lighting, enclosure and one-of-a-kind work is generally non-refundable and non-cancelable after approval or production begins, except where applicable law requires otherwise. Changes after approval can also change the price and production schedule.
How long does a custom Lit FX order take?
Lit FX production timing begins after required customer approval and varies by product, customization and current production workload. Any quoted production estimate is separate from carrier transit time.
Can handmade acrylic have small cosmetic variation?
Yes. Individually fabricated acrylic can have minor non-structural cosmetic variation or a small blemish. Shipping damage, electrical failure, incorrect personalization caused by SMS or a material issue that affects normal use should be reported promptly with clear photos or video.
Financing and lease-to-own.
What payment options are available?
Current payment paths include America's First Finance in store, Snap Finance through the online purchase path, Shop Pay Installments for eligible customers at online checkout, and Acima lease-to-own when the merchandise and transaction qualify. Availability, approval and terms come from the provider.
Does financing approval mean the system is approved for my vehicle?
No. Payment approval only answers the payment question. It does not confirm speaker fitment, factory-radio integration, amplifier channels, enclosure space, final impedance, electrical support or installation labor. If SMS is building the vehicle, define the system first and apply the payment path to the finished scope.
Can installation and custom work be included?
Sometimes. Eligible equipment can be included when the provider and transaction allow it. Installation, custom work, special orders and project-specific charges are included only when that payment provider and transaction permit them.
Is lease-to-own the same as financing?
No. Some payment products are lease-to-own agreements rather than traditional loans. The provider owns the merchandise until the agreement's ownership requirements or an available early-purchase option are completed, and the maximum-term cost can be substantially higher than the cash price. Read the provider's exact disclosure before accepting the agreement.
Do not send Social Security numbers, bank credentials, complete card numbers, financing passwords or other sensitive financial information to SMS by text or email. Enter that information only through the provider's authorized application.
Car-audio buying questions.
What should I tell you first when planning a system?
Tell us the result. “I want clean vocals and a real front stage,” “I want the top off and still want to hear it,” “I want four 8s under the seat,” “I want big bass and I will give up the space,” and “I want it to look factory” are more useful starting points than naming a random amplifier. The goal tells us which tradeoffs are acceptable.
How do I choose between a 6.5-inch and an 8-inch speaker?
Do not choose by diameter alone. An 8-inch driver can offer more cone area, but it also needs the physical space, mounting depth, power, enclosure or door volume, crossover range and installation strength to use that advantage. A properly installed 6.5-inch driver can be the better choice when the vehicle or system architecture does not support the larger speaker cleanly.
How do I choose a subwoofer size?
Start with the bass goal and how much space you are willing to give up. Driver size, number of subs, enclosure type, usable airspace, mounting depth, amplifier power and final impedance all work together. A larger sub is not automatically the better answer if the enclosure it needs does not fit the vehicle you want to keep.
Sealed or ported?
Neither is automatically better. Sealed is usually more compact and can be easier to package. A properly designed ported enclosure can deliver more output around its tuning range, but it needs enough airspace, adequate port area, correct port length and proper filtering below tuning. The driver and vehicle still have to support the design.
Which impedance or voice-coil version should I buy?
The version is chosen around the number of subwoofers and the final load the amplifier is designed to run. Lower impedance is not automatically better. The goal is a safe final load that lets the amplifier make useful power without creating the wrong wiring configuration or operating condition. If you are unsure, send us the exact amplifier and number of subs before ordering.
Do I need a DSP?
Not every system does. DSP becomes valuable when the factory signal needs integration or correction, multiple speaker sections need independent routing, active crossovers are being used, locations need time alignment, or the system needs precise control over level, EQ, polarity and subwoofer integration. DSP cannot repair a leaking speaker mount, clipped signal, reversed wiring, weak electrical system or wrong enclosure; the physical system still has to be right.
Do I need a battery or alternator upgrade?
Maybe. The answer comes from the system's sustained current demand and the vehicle's charging capacity, not an advertised amplifier wattage by itself. Cable size, fuse protection, grounds, battery reserve, alternator output, amplifier efficiency, operating voltage and accessory load all matter. A modest system may need nothing beyond correct OFC wiring; a large bass or pro-audio build can require substantial electrical support.
What does RMS mean?
RMS is commonly used for continuous amplifier output or speaker power handling, but the test standard, voltage, impedance, distortion limit and manufacturer terminology still matter. RMS, AES, program, dynamic and maximum ratings are not interchangeable. We use the rating in context instead of treating every watt number on a box as equal.
How does the shop work?
Where is SMS Car Audio?
5919 4th St, Marrero, LA 70072.
What are the shop hours?
Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Saturday by appointment; Sunday closed.
How do I contact SMS?
Call or text 504-289-8127 or email al@smscaraudio.com.
Not sure which question applies to your build?
Send the vehicle, factory audio package, what is already installed, what you want the system to do and the constraints that matter. You do not need to design the system before you contact us.