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Product Spotlight: Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX

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Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX

Pioneer and car audio go together like coffee and cream or a hot dog with ketchup — classic pairings that make sense. On that note, we are going to take a look at one of their NEX-Series double-DIN multimedia receivers in this spotlight. Let’s check out the DMH-W3050NEX.

Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX Platform

For most of us, describing a multimedia receiver as a double-DIN solution would tell us all we need to know. The DMH-W3050NEX is somewhat unique in that the radio’s chassis is single-DIN, while only the front panel shares the standard 4-inch by 7-inch dimensions. This allows the radio to work with many dash kits that won’t accept a radio with a four-inch-tall chassis. Right out of the gate, you’ve got enhanced compatibility in terms of vehicles this works with.

The radio features a 6.8-inch (measured diagonally) capacitive touch front panel with a WVGA 800 x 480-pixel color display behind it. There are six capacitive-touch buttons on the left side of the screen, providing access to menus, voice recognition and volume control.

Communication and Entertainment Options

Every top-quality multimedia receiver, such as the DMH-W3050NEX, includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. In this case, both platforms feature wireless connectivity, thanks to integrated Wi-Fi. There’s no better way to communicate with family, friends and co-workers; choose the entertainment you want, or get detailed turn-by-turn navigation instructions to almost any location in North America.

The radio includes an HD Radio receiver for FM radio. HD Radio not only improves audio quality on compatible stations, but provides access to additional programming on the digitally broadcast channels. For example, you might have a high-resolution music stream on 97.3, then a non-stop news broadcast on HD2 and sports on HD3, all transmitted on the single 97.3 carrier frequency. Best of all, HD Radio doesn’t require a subscription – it’s completely free. The FM tuner also includes RDS decoding.

The DMH-W3050NEX has a USB port on the rear of the chassis that will charge your phone with up to 1.5 amps of current. You can also connect a USB memory stick (or other Mass Storage Class device) to play WMA, MP3, WAV, AAC or FLAC audio files. When parked, you can also play AVI, DivX, MKV, H.264, H.265, MPG, and several other video file formats. Impressively, the deck supports full HD 1920×1080 resolution video files – something not all multimedia receivers can do.

The radio features a Bluetooth 5.3 transceiver, allowing you to stream audio from a portable media player and select tracks using the ACRVP profile. Speaking of connecting smart devices, the radio works with Pioneer’s Weblink app on your smartphone. You can stream video from a source like YouTube directly to the radio.

Your installer can upgrade the radio with a SiriusXM satellite radio receiver. With SiriusXM, you can enjoy genre-specific entertainment almost anywhere in North America.

Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX
The shallow L-shaped chassis simplifies the installation process and allows the DMH-W3050NEX to integrate into vehicles where a full double-DIN radio won’t fit.

Sound Quality and Signal Processing

The Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX is high-res audio certified, and it will decode digital audio files with sample rates up to 192 kHz. The deck includes a built-in amplifier rated to produce 14 watts of power in compliance with the ANSI/CTA-2006 standard. The front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs will deliver up to four volts.

In terms of audio processing, the DMH-W3050NEX comes equipped with a 13-band graphic equalizer, adjustable slope and frequency crossovers and signal delays. In standard mode, the radio provides front, rear and subwoofer outputs. In Network mode, the outputs are configured for low, midrange and high-frequency output signals.

The radio is compatible with the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 radio integration module. Depending on your vehicle, this interface allows the radio to communicate with the CAN network in your car, truck or SUV. You can see climate controls, dashboard gauges, tire pressure, battery voltage, and even vehicle diagnostic code information. If your vehicle isn’t compatible with the Maestro RR or RR2, your installer can likely connect to the steering wheel buttons using an interface like the Maestro SW.

Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX
The Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX boasts wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Heart of a Premium Sound System

If you’re shopping for a well-equipped, high-performance multimedia receiver to upgrade your vehicle, visit a local authorized Pioneer dealer and ask about the DMH-W3050NEX. You can find an authorized retailer near you by clicking the “Find a Store” link from anywhere on the Pioneer website.

For more information on Pioneer source units, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and dashcams, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Laser Detectors vs. Laser Transceivers

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Laser DetectorsIn any discussion of modern radar or laser detectors, the question of how to handle laser or Lidar speed measurement should be a fundamental and important aspect. More and more law enforcement agencies are switching to Lidar guns because they offer very precise speed measurements of a single vehicle, even at distances as far as 6,000 feet. An officer using a Lidar gun can measure the speed of your car, truck or SUV in as little as 0.3 seconds.

Portable Radar and Laser Detectors

Laser DetectorsWhen it comes to radar detectors, there are two basic options. Portable radar detectors mount to your windshield or rearview mirror and are often powered by a simple cigarette lighter plug. These all-in-one solutions do an excellent job of detecting long-range radar signals, thanks to their high mounting location on the vehicle. When it comes to Lidar guns, though, the best a portable radar detector can do is to advise you when it detects the laser beam.

What’s wrong with knowing that Lidar is being used? If the police officer was targeting your vehicle, he had the speed measurement before you could even put your foot on the brake pedal. Most radar detector users consider the laser detection system on a portable radar detector as an “I am about to get a ticket” warning.

Why do portable radar detector systems have Lidar detectors? The manufacturers hope that the system picks up a laser signal that has been reflected off a nearby vehicle. If you weren’t specifically targeted, this alert may be enough warning to let you slow down to a safe speed.

Custom-installed Radar Detectors

Laser DetectorsThe other option for a radar detector system is one that is custom-installed in your vehicle. In this system, a dedicated radar receiver is mounted behind the plastic front bumper cover and in some vehicles, an extra radar receiver in the rear. Depending on the brand of the detector you purchase, a small display module may be mounted inside the vehicle, or you may have a simple warning LED or two and a speaker system that will alert you to what type of speed measurement system was detected. Custom-installed radar detectors use larger, higher-sensitivity radar receivers to provide excellent performance.

Laser DetectorsWhen it comes to Lidar, a custom-installed radar system can provide defense against laser speed measurements. Here’s why. Many systems include, or have the option to add, laser transceivers that mount in your front grille. In the same way that a portable radar detector includes laser detection, the custom-installed system also monitors the common laser wavelengths for signs of Lidar measurement.

Here is where things change dramatically. Once the system detects a Lidar signal, it immediately transmits random information on the same wavelength to confuse the Lidar gun. If your laser transceivers are installed and aligned properly, the police officer won’t be able to get a speed measurement from your vehicle.

There’s a Part 2 to this Story

If the laser transceiver system simply continued to confuse the officer, he or she will likely recognize what you are doing and may pull you over anyhow. To keep the peace, laser transceiver manufacturers suggest that you slow down to a legal speed, then cancel the laser transmission. This will allow the officer to take a speed measurement and you can carry on your merry way. In most systems, pressing a button on a small remote or control panel will cancel the laser signal transmission.

Lidar Transceiver System Options

Laser DetectorsDifferent manufacturers such as K40, Escort, Al Priority and Stinger each provide distinct laser transceiver solutions. The number of transceivers required for your vehicle depends on its size and design. In most applications, two transceivers on the front or rear of the car or truck will provide good coverage. If you have a larger vehicle, a third transceiver will increase the intensity and coverage of the modified laser signal.

What about DragonEye?

Laser DetectorsIf there has to be a buzzword in the radar detector industry, it would be DragonEye. DragonEye Technology LLC is based in Georgia and is a manufacturer of Lidar speed measurement guns. Their speed measurement systems have proven to be difficult to confuse. Any discussion about what make and model of a laser defense system is capable of preventing a DragonEye gun from taking a measurement is often short-lived. New software updates for the guns are released on what seems like a regular basis. To keep up with this ever-changing technology, Lidar defense system manufacturers have to provide updates for their systems as well.

More important than being able to defend against DragonEye today is the knowledge that the manufacturer you have chosen will continue to provide updates as new Lidar gun firmware is released. Be sure to do your homework and ask your retailer about the frequency of updates, and how easy or complicated it is to install them on your system.

Drive Safely

We hope that this discussion of the difference between laser detection and laser defense systems helps you make an informed purchasing decision. If you do choose a custom-installed radar detector and laser countermeasure system, how the system is installed plays a significant role in how well it performs. Do your homework. Get references. Inspect the work the shop has done on other vehicles. An investment in a custom radar and laser system isn’t insignificant, so be sure it is done right the first time.

As always, the staff and editors at BestCarAudio.com hope that you always drive safely and responsibly. A radar detection and laser defense system isn’t a license to break the law. Stay in control of your vehicle at all times and drive according to the road and weather conditions. We want you as a reader for life.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: KICKER LX1200.5

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ICKER LX1200.5

If you’ve been paying attention, then you’ll know that DSP-equipped car audio amplifiers are pretty common these days. KICKER introduced a new series of amplifiers called LX. These beasts are not only packed with serious power production capabilities, but they include digital signal processing and a unique configuration solution that separates them from everything else on the market. We’ll focus on the five-channel LX1200.5 in this Product Spotlight.

What is the KICKER LX1200.5 Amplifier?

The KICKER LX1200.5 is a five-channel amp with an integrated digital signal processor. The amp is based on a cast aluminum chassis that measures 12.625 inches in length, 8.875 inches in width and stands 2.375 inches tall. All the connections are hidden under a removable panel along the long edge of the amp. The panel is held in place with magnets for a clean and tidy appearance. Wire connections are made via terminal blocks with heavy-duty set screws. Interestingly, there are only three controls on the amp, which are gains for the subwoofer, AMP1 and AMP2 channels.

Power-wise, KICKER rates the output of AMP1 and AMP2 at 125 watts per channel into four-ohm loads and 175 watts per channel when driving two-ohm loads. The channel pairs can be bridged to provide 350 watts into a single four-ohm load. The subwoofer channel produces 300 watts into a four-ohm load, 550 watts into two ohms and an impressive 700 watts when driving a one-ohm load. All specifications include the 14.4-volt, less than 1% THD+N qualifications, so you know they are comparable to other quality brands. The amplifier’s signal-to-noise ratio is greater than 75 dB, referencing one watt of output into a four-ohm load.

ICKER LX1200.5
To keep the installation tidy, signal, speaker and power connections are all made along one side of the amp.

OEM Audio Integration

The KICKER team knows that many amplifier installations in modern vehicles use factory-installed source units. This means the amplifiers need to accept speaker-level signals. The LX1200.5, like other models in the LX Series includes fully differential speaker inputs that can take up to 40 volts of signal without needing an external interface. In low-level mode, the preamp inputs accept up to 5 volts.

The amplifier also has two turn-on modes. The amp can be activated with the typical 12-volt signal from an aftermarket source unit or switched to DC offset detection to monitor the speaker wires for a voltage from a factory radio. KICKER calls this their FIT+ technology.

Speaking of integration, the LX amplifiers have input gain matching LEDs that illuminate when you have reached the maximum output capabilities of the amplifier.

Integrated Digital Signal Processing

Unlike most DSP-equipped amplifiers on the market that require a laptop or tablet to set up, KICKER includes a controller with the amp called the LX Control Center. This compact controller features a two-line LCD screen, four rotary encoders and buttons to access different amp channels and functions.

ICKER LX1200.5
Each amplifier includes an LX Control Center (LXCC) to let your installer configure the amp quickly and easily.

In terms of signal processing, your installer can apply high-pass, low-pass or band-pass crossover to each of the three channels on the amp. The high-pass filters are adjustable from 20 Hz to 5 kHz and the low-pass from 40 Hz to 5 kHz. Slopes can be set to 12 or 24 dB Linkwitz-Riley alignments or 12, 18 or 24 dB/octave Butterworth. You’ll want to use the Linkwitz alignment so you can set the crossover points at the same frequencies. The subwoofer channel low-pass filter is adjustable from 20 to 160 hertz and there is an infrasonic filter that can be set from 10 to 80 Hz to control subwoofer cone excursion.

KICKER includes a signal delay for the left channels on both AMP1 and AMP2. Your installer can delay the output of the left channels, which correlate to the speakers closest to the listening position in 0.1 millisecond steps, up to a maximum of 10 milliseconds. When set properly, adding delays to the closer speakers can help improve imaging and staging.

The subwoofer channel has a parametric equalizer that can be set between 20 and 80 hertz with a Q factor between 1 and 5 and a maximum gain of 6 dB. If you want to add a little Kick, no pun intended, this is the perfect solution. The LX amps also include SHOCwave 2.0. This feature analyzes audio information and creates a harmonic one octave below the fundamental to restore audio information lost by many factory-installed amplifiers. If you want to rumble, SHOCwave 2.0 can do it!

Once your installer is done setting up the amp, the LXCC (LX Control Center) can be disconnected from the RJ45 port, and the included LX Remote Control (LXRC) can be plugged in. This multifunction remote controls the subwoofer level and SHOCwave 2.0 functionality and even shows battery voltage using the LEDs around the perimeter.

ICKER LX1200.5
The included LX Remote Control (LXRC) is much more than just subwoofer level control.

Full Amplifier Family

The new LX series from KICKER includes the LX1200.5 five-channel we’ve discussed, a seven-channel LX1300.7 and the monster LX3000.1 3000-watt monoblock in the same chassis size. The LX series includes a four-channel LX500.4 and LX850.1, LX1250.1 and LX1300.7 in a smaller 9.625-inch long chassis. The width and height of all the amps are the same, so mixing and matching models is easy.

Speaking of design flexibility, the little illuminated badge in the center of the amp can be rotated 180 degrees to align with however your installer configures the amps in your vehicle.

Upgrade Your Car Audio Experience with KICKER LX-Series Amplifiers

If you are shopping for an impressively featured, high-performance amplifier for your car audio system, drop by a local authorized KICKER retailer and ask about the new LX series models, like the LX1200.5. They can design a system around these products, integrate it into your vehicle and configure it to sound amazing.

You can find an authorized retailer using the locator tool on the KICKER website. Be sure to follow the KICKER on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Check out the KICKER Unmasked LIVE show for weekly updates on new products and their unique technologies.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Google’s Waze offers the Best in Navigation

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Google WazeIt’s not often that a piece of software creates a significant impact on our daily lives. Milestone social media apps like Facebook and Twitter most certainly remain in the limelight, but when it comes to actually being productive, Waze is a major step forward in navigation apps for our smartphones. In the summer of 2017, Waze announced that it would include compatibility with Android Auto to make it, quite possibly, the best navigation solution for Android phone users to date.

What is Waze?

WazeWhen Waze launched in 2006 it was called FreeMap Israel. It was a turn-by-turn navigation application for smartphone users. Fast forward to 2013: Waze won the prestigious Best Overall App award at the Mobile World Congress conference. In the same year, Waze was purchased by Google for an impressive $1 billion. Google knows the value of information better than almost any other company in the world, so its choice to invest in Waze makes sense.

Waze Map Updates

Waze differs from other navigation solutions in two very important ways. Users of Waze have the ability to update map information. If there is new construction in your neighborhood or a reconfiguration of a freeway onramp, you can update the map information in real time on your smartphone. That information will be integrated into the map database, and all other Waze users can continue to enjoy the latest mapping and navigation information without the need to wait for updates or downloads.

Historically, changes to map information could take anywhere from months to years to become available. While map companies like TomTom (formerly TeleAtlas) and HERE (formerly Navteq) do update their databases quite frequently, that new information takes time to trickle through the update process for portable and vehicle navigation systems. Waze is up-to-date within hours.

Real-time Traffic Information

WazeThe second key feature of Waze is its ability to share traffic flow information with fellow users. Waze is often referred to as a crowdsourced navigation solution, as users can report traffic jams, accidents, road closures and the presence of police. Within seconds of reporting an accident or a traffic jam, all your fellow Waze users receive that information.

Waze will consider traffic jams as it creates new routing plans. If you live in a major urban area that is prone to congestion, this information can prevent significant delays and help get you to your destination much faster.

Using Waze with Android Auto

As voice control is the key benefit of Android Auto, using Waze to plan your drive is easy. Initiate the voice recognition command, then simply ask for the destination or address you want, and include the word Waze at the end of the address. Android Auto will launch Waze and calculate your route.

The Waze interface on Android Auto is very similar to what you would see while using it on your smartphone. The fonts on the screen are nice and large, and accessing route-planning options like avoiding toll roads or picking a different route are easy to get to. Many users report that Waze is, in fact, easier to configure than Google Maps.

Reporting Information

WazeAs we mentioned, a key feature of Waze is the ability to report information to other users. Tapping the Listen button will let you report traffic jams, accidents, bad weather, road closures, and more by talking to the system. You can say, “Report a traffic jam,” and Waze will ask you how bad it is. You can share the location of hidden or visible police or let your fellow Wazers know there is a pothole or ice on the road.

As users approach the location where you have provided information, they will see an alert on their screen. In the case of obstacles and police, your fellow users can also report that the obstacle has been cleared. It’s all simple, quick and easy – just like Android Auto itself.

The Navigation Experience

WazeOf course, Waze includes full turn-by-turn navigation prompting and will read out street and freeway names. You get lots of warning to let you know what maneuver is coming up next to reduce the need for sudden lane changes that can endanger you and your fellow drivers.

When you plan a route with Waze, you have the option of choosing from three different routes. Waze displays obstacle icons along a bar and the associated travel time and distance for each route. Choosing the best path is quick, easy and efficient.

If Waze is alerted to a traffic jam along your route, it will provide you with a prompt that suggests a new route and the new travel time and estimated time of arrival. You can, of course, choose to ignore that advice, but we recommend you don’t.

Another cool feature of Waze is that it will notify you of obstacles, even without a route planned. If you are driving along and someone has reported a pothole or hidden police officer, the notification appears just the same.

Is There a Downside to Waze?

Do silver linings always have a dark cloud? Maybe, maybe not. There is one limitation to Waze that is a bit of an annoyance. You can only plan routes that are less than 1,000 miles. If you are in San Francisco and want to go to Niagara Falls, you can’t plan a single route. You need to choose a destination within 1,000 miles, then plan another 1,000 miles from that point. What’s more frustrating, Google Maps CAN plot that route. Waze provides a message that they are “working to increase that distance,” but that’s been a limitation for a long time.

The other thing about Waze is advertisements. We all know that Google loves to sell advertising. Companies like McDonald’s, Whole Foods and Taco Bell all pay for pop-up ads that are displayed when you are using Waze on your smartphone. Good news, though: These advertisements aren’t currently displayed when you are using Waze with Android Auto. That would be contradictory to the philosophy of reducing driver distractions.

Check out Android Auto and Waze Today

If your car, truck or SUV came with Android Auto, then check out Waze next time you are in the car. If you don’t have an Android Auto-equipped radio, drop into your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask if there is a solution for your vehicle. Android Auto and CarPlay are amazing products, and can not only make your time behind the wheel much safer but also more productive.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Hertz Capri H100

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Though there are dozens, if not hundreds, of marine source unit options on the market, very few are designed with audio performance as their primary consideration. To this end, the Hertz Capri H100 features support for modern high-resolution audio file playback and premium Bluetooth streaming connectivity. Combined with a large color display, this is the marine source to consider for those who care about sound quality. Let’s check it out!

Hertz Capri H100 Design and Features

The H100’s focal point is its large 4.3-inch color TFT IPS display. The In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology dramatically improves off-axis viewing clarity to ensure the displayed information is visible even when the radio is mounted at an angle. Aside from the usual audio source information display, the Capri has a camera input that could help with docking a larger boat.

A rotary volume encoder is located on the left side of the front panel, making control easy and intuitive. Rubberized buttons above and below the control handle source selection, track selection and menu access.

The H100 radio has a slender rear chassis and an oversized face. The face measures roughly seven inches wide and four inches tall. The cutout for the chassis needs to be six by 2.5 inches. The chassis will protrude about 5 inches behind the mounting surface. The front panel has an IP67 rating, so it can handle getting splashed without fear of water damage.

Hertz Capri H100
The H100 display features a high-quality color display and intuitive controls.

Source Options

The Capri H100 features an AM/FM receiver with tuner frequency spacing support for countries worldwide. RDS and RDBS information display is also supported, so you can see what track is playing, assuming the station broadcasts that information. The radio will also receive Weather Band information so you can stay up to date with the marine forecast in your area.

If you want the best sound quality from your entertainment system, you must start with the best source. Connecting a USB memory stick with FLAC, WAV or Vorbis files will deliver high-resolution audio playback. You can also play MP3, WMA or AAC files. The radio supports USB memory sticks up to 256 GB in size with as many as 9999 files on the stick.

The Capri H100 isn’t shy about inputs. First, there’s an RCA input that you can use with a media or DVD player. A TOSLINK S/PDIF input also supports 24-bit, 192 kHz audio streams.

Moving down the sound quality food chain takes us to Bluetooth. The Capri is state-of-the-art, supporting LDAC and aptX HD high-resolution formats. If your Android phone supports these transmission types, your music will sound better than the classic AAC protocol. You may have to dig into your phone’s menu to turn these all on. Those of us with an iPhone are stuck with AAC.

The H100 can be upgraded with a SiriusXM SXV300 tuner module and antenna if you want to enjoy genre-specific entertainment. This is a must-have in rural regions without terrestrial radio stations or cell service.

System Connectivity and Expansion

Let’s start by looking at the audio outputs. The built-in four-channel amplifier is rated to produce up to 70 watts of power when driving four two-ohm loads. Continuous ANSI/CTA-2006 compliant output is 26 watts per channel into four four-ohm loads.

The Capri H100 is a multi-zone radio with four sets of stereo and subwoofer RCA outputs rated for four volts RMS. Each stereo output has an optional high-pass filter that can be set to 60, 80 or 100 hertz. The subwoofer outputs have the same low-pass frequencies. There’s also an eight-band graphic equalizer for each of the four zone outputs. Your installer could configure a system for the helm, the main seating area, a front berth and the cabin.

The deck is part of Hertz and Audison’s Full DA HD ecosystem. As such, it features a coaxial S/PDIF output with support for 24-bit, 192 kHz digital audio. If you want to feed a digital signal processor with a clean signal, this connection has you covered.

Hertz Capri H100
The Capri H100 offers four zones of control to ensure everyone on your boat is entertained.

Remote Control Options

The Hertz Capri H100 can be upgraded with your choice of wired remotes to make controlling the radio from around a large boat easier. The optional Capri HD1 mimics the functionality of the main Capri H100 radio and includes the same controls and color display. If you want something more streamlined, the compact HMC U1 remote has source, volume and track selection buttons in a small chassis. The latter would be ideal for a swim platform where its compact size is a big feature.

An NMEA 2000 port on the back of the radio chassis allows you to connect the H100 to a multi-function display.

What you might not have seen coming is the Hertz Marine Control app for your Apple or Android smartphone. You have complete control over all four zones’ source options and volume levels when connected. Your installer can use the app to set crossover points and fine-tune the equalizers as mentioned earlier.

Hertz Capri H100
The Capri H100 includes a NMEA 2000 that lets you connect to a multi-function display at the helm.

The Heart of a Premium Marine Audio System

Whether you have a bowrider, wakeboard boat, or want a multi-zone audio system for your cruiser or yacht, the Hertz Capri H100 marine radio is the perfect solution. Combine it with high-quality speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers, and you have entertainment options that are perfect for an evening of dinner and drinks with friends or blasting around the lake with someone on the tow rope.

Visit the Hertz website and use their dealer locator tool to find an authorized retailer near you. While online, be sure to follow Hertz on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.