How to Connect My iPod to My Car Stereo

There are numerous options for integrating your iPod with your car.

According to Apple, over 90 percent of new cars retailed in the United States are equipped with iPod connectivity. The iPod has become such a popular device, that many car stereos are now furnished with a 30-pin dock connector cable in order to link to the portable media player. But this built-in compatibility is not essential for connecting your iPod to your car stereo. In fact, there are numerous options for integrating your iPod with your car. Recently manufactured vehicles can support an iPod connection through an auxiliary input. And FM transmitters can be used to stream your iPod's audio files through an FM frequency. iPods can even be connected to much older car stereos with the use of a tape adapter.

Things You'll Need

• iPod
• car stereo
• Extension cable with 3.5 mm stereo connectors on each end
• FM transmitter
• Cassette Adapter

Instructions

Connect an iPod to a Car Stereo Through the Auxiliary Input

1. Insert an extension cable with 3.5 mm stereo connectors on each end into the headphone output of your iPod.

2. Insert the other end of the 3.5 mm stereo connector cable into your car stereo system's auxiliary input.

3. Press the "Aux" button on your car stereo.

4. Turn on your iPod and select media to play. The stereo will now stream audio from your iPod.

Connect an iPod to a Car Stereo With an FM Transmitter

1. Insert the FM transmitter into the 30-pin dock connector of your iPod.

2. Turn on your iPod to activate the FM transmitter. Select the FM frequency you want your device to stream audio to on your car stereo.

3. Turn on the car stereo and tune it to the same FM frequency as the FM transmitter attached to your iPod. The stereo will now stream audio from your iPod.

Connect an iPod to a Car Stereo With a Cassette Adapter

1. Plug the jack connector of the cassette adapter into the headphone output of your iPod.

2. Insert the cassette into the car stereo.

3. Turn on your iPod and select media to play. The stereo will now stream audio from your iPod.

Tips & Warnings

• Before connecting your iPod to your car stereo, set the volume of the device to the minimum level. Turn on your car stereo, tune to a radio station that sounds clear and set the stereo volume to a normal listening level. Connect the iPod to the car stereo and adjust the device's volume to the same level as the stereo. This volume calibration will reduce clipping and distortion while the iPod is in use.

• If you will be connecting your iPod to your car stereo on a regular basis, consider installing an iPod bracket in your car. iPods can be mounted on these brackets while they're playing through a car stereo. In addition to providing a dedicated spot for your iPod in your car, brackets can secure the device in place.

References

• Apple - iPod - Your new car and your iPod get along so well.
• PCMag.com: 6 Ways to Link iPods and Car Radios