How to Connect Your Car’s Steering Wheel Audio Controls to an Aftermarket Radio

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Considering the different types of functions and features that many aftermarket stereo head units on the market currently have, it’s easy to want to upgrade your car’s stock radio. Connecting the aftermarket radio is typically pretty easy, however, the hard part is getting the car’s steering wheel controls to connect to the new head unit. Don’t fret, it is possible, here’s how to do it.

What are steering wheel audio controls?

A woman driving her Suzuki Swift. | (Photo by Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

RELATED: Security Hack: Does Your iPhone Leak Sound To Your AM Radio?

The steering wheel audio controls are just as they sound; they are the buttons on the steering wheel that control the radio volume, tuning, and presets. Many drivers find these controls to be very convenient as they negate the need to look down at the radio or hunt for the correct button to press. After memorizing the car’s steering wheel audio controls, the driver can control most of their basic audio needs with the tip of a finger (or thumb).

Some steering wheel controls also include buttons to connect to the car’s Bluetooth system. In that case, the driver can answer and hang up calls via the steering wheel controls as well.

Upgrading your car’s audio system while keeping the steering wheel controls

Metra Axxess Steering Wheel Control Adapter |
Metra Axxess Steering Wheel Control Adapter | Amazon

While your car’s steering wheel audio controls are a luxury, the real headache can come when you want to connect them to an aftermarket radio. While you can definitely forgo the steering wheel controls altogether, you’ll be glad if you can make them functional instead.

In order to do so, Lifewire recommends purchasing a steering wheel control adapter to make everything work together. However, not all steering wheel control adapters are created equal.

Choosing the right steering wheel audio controls adapter is important

While you might think that every aftermarket radio head unit out there is compatible with every steering wheel control adapter, that’s not the case. Lifewire advises buyers to check whether the head unit that they are planning to install is compatible with a steering wheel adapter. In order to find that out, you will need to look at the list of features that the head unit has and see if SWI – or steering wheel input – is one of them.

Since different cars have different types of steering wheel audio controls, there are also a few different types of inputs that head units can have:

  • SWI-JS: This stands for “Steering wheel input – Jensen and Sony,” which is meant for Jensen and Sony head units.
  • SWI-JACK: This means the steering wheel inputs are compatible with JVC, Alpine, Clarion, and Kenwood head units in addition to a few others.
  • SWI-X: This denotes a universal connection for different head units.

If you’re tech-savvy enough to install an aftermarket radio head unit into your car, then you can most likely figure out how to incorporate the steering wheel audio controls adapter into the system.

However, if you don’t think that you install the radio and adapter correctly, then we recommend having a qualified car stereo shop do it for you. After all, being able to use your car’s steering wheel audio controls is a luxury, but it can be a pain if they don’t work correctly.

The post How to Connect Your Car’s Steering Wheel Audio Controls to an Aftermarket Radio appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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How Much Money Can You Really Make Driving for Uber and Lyft?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For many people, a potential job in this economy is to become a gig worker and drive cars for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. But though those companies may advertise a certain pay range, the reality can be different. So here’s a look at how much money someone can really make driving for Uber and Lyft.

The money you make through Uber and Lyft depends on a few factors

Unlike a regular job, driving for Uber or Lyft won’t necessarily provide a stable source of income. That’s because how much you make ultimately depends upon a wide variety of factors. But according to Money Under 30, what is almost assured is that you’ll probably not make what Uber or Lyft say you’ll make. 

That’s because, unlike a job at, say, McDonald’s, Uber and Lyft drivers are not employees, legally speaking. They’re independent contractors, so there are some pros and some cons to that. For example, rather than working 20 or 40 hours a week, gig workers can work as much or as little as they want. This can mean weeks where you’re essentially on vacation and weeks where you’re working 60 hours. But it all depends on you.

And the more hours you work, the more you’ll get paid. However, it’s more complex than that. Uber and Lyft can’t pay you if nobody wants a ride, so demand for those services can also affect how much you’ll make. In some places, Uber and Lyft are in high demand; thus, drivers can make a decent living. However, in other places, that may not be the case.

Uber and Lyft drivers have costs to cover, too

Though multiple factors affect how much money you can pull in, several factors also affect how much money you’ll need to pay for expenses. For example, most drivers have car payments, which can take a chunk of change from their pay. And, of course, auto insurance is another expense.

Then there’s gas, whose prices vary by location. Plus, there are associated maintenance costs. Because Uber and Lyft workers can drive hundreds of thousands of miles, their cars will see plenty of wear-and-tear.

And for drivers who work at night, there’s also the possibility that partying or drunk passengers might leave a mess in the car. Though Uber and Lyft reimburse drivers for messes in these cases (they charge the rider’s account), cleaning the interior of your car requires time and money. And, of course, drivers must pay taxes. Because gig workers are not employees, Uber and Lyft drivers must pay self-employment taxes, and they can be rather significant. 

How gig workers can earn more

Uber and Lyft drivers can increase their bottom line three ways, Money Under 30 explains. The first is to be aware of tax write-offs for independent contractors. These tax write-offs will lower your tax bill and, thus, increase your profits.

Next, you can maximize your revenues. That means driving more often or driving at peak times. After all, Uber and Lyft charge surge pricing at select times, and accepting those surge fares will mean more money going into your account.

Finally, you can minimize expenses. This can be harder to do, but driving a fuel-efficient car will lower your expenses. You could also reduce your car insurance premiums by taking defensive driving courses.

Overall, if you’re organized and willing to work.

RELATED: Will Ford, GM, and BMW’s Car-Sharing Projects Defeat Uber and Lyft?

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A Brand-New 2020 Chevy C8 Corvette Got Split in Half But It’s Still Good–ish

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The internet is a tough place. When some people see a brand-new supercar destroyed, like this 2020 Chevy C8 Corvette, they relish in the carnage. However, others have a little more empathy and hate to see a beautiful car so brutally destroyed. Luckily, in this case, the change to mid-engine saved a big chunk of the Corvette Stingray from being a hunk of junk. 

2020 Chevy C8 Corvette | AC Cycle parts

How can half of a 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray be worth anything? 

The 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray was the first of its name to make the bold swap from front-engine to mid-engine. This was a massive shift for the American sports car. As a result of this shift in engine placement, this utterly destroyed C8 Corvette isn’t actually as hopeless as it may seem. 

According to CarScoops, AZ Cycle Parts LLC posted to Facebook this split in half 2020 C8 Corvette for parts. Luckily the front end is what got taken off in the crash. They don’t give any details about the crash, but it must have been pretty rough by the looks of things. 

The results of this demolished C8 are dozens of parts now on eBay. Of course, one of the most significant parts for sale on eBay is the Corvette’s rear ¾ of a shell and the frame, also missing its front section. 

There is more to this destroyed supercar than meets the eye

disembodied C8 Corvette engine
C8 Corvette’s 6.2-liter V8 | AC Cycle Parts

RELATED: Totaled 2020 Corvette: Why Is It $48,000 More Than A New One?

The most exciting part of the C8 on the chopping block is the 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated LT2 V8 engine. This new corvette motor represents one of the most powerful factory engines ever put in a Corvette. AZ Cycle Parts is listing the engine for $19,999. 

Photos of the Corvette’s powerplant show what looks to be a clean engine; the listing doesn’t specify if the engine is running or not. Seeing as how the section of the car that the engine typically lives in seems fairly unharmed, it wouldn’t be too surprising if the engine was still in running order. Not to mention, the listing does say that the engine only has 4,809 miles. That’s barely more than break-in miles.  

Hopefully, a brave, creative soul will buy the crashed supercar engine and pull off a killer engine swap project in something fun. To further help that potential buyer, the dual-clutch eight-speed transmission is also for sale for $7,499. 

This wrecked C8 Corvette isn’t a total loss

According to CarScoops, there are still dozens of other useful parts also listed for sale. Some of the other parts include the doors, badges, wheels, rear subframe assembly, brake calipers, exhaust, steering wheel, rear shock absorbers, interior door panels, and mirrors. 

The 2020 C8 Corvette was a real game-changer when it dropped. It was not only the first mid-engined Corvette, but one of the most powerful ever made. The base model came with the same 490-hp 6.2-liter LT2 V8 that we see for sale here. Also, the entry model with the Z51 package can do 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds. Considering all of these wild power stats, the 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette starts at just under $60,000. 

The post A Brand-New 2020 Chevy C8 Corvette Got Split in Half But It’s Still Good–ish appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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These Used Camper Vans for Less Than $10,000 Are Ready for Your Next Adventure

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The camper van market is booming. After over a year of off and on travel restrictions and other interesting changes to the freedom of wanderlust, more households want a home on wheels for their next road trip. Camper van pricing can get steep. However, these used camper vans for less than $10,000 are ready for your next adventure. 

Nissan Quest Minivan Camper | Van Camper

I’ve had a little fun scouring both Vanlife Trader and Van Camper. As of this writing, sellers list the following camper vans on these van sales sites, but let’s just use them to represent the realm of possibility. These vans show what you can expect in a used camper van under $10,000. 

This used Ford E350 for $8,900

rear view of the ladder and bike rack of a tan ford e350 camper van
Ford E350 Camper Van | Vanlife Trader

Listed on Vanlife Trader, this 2003 Ford E350 is a great example of a used camper van under $10,000. It’s been painted a nice neutral tan, has a DIY insulation job (which is a total game changer), and nice built-in storage. OK, so the bed situation is a little unclear from the photos.

However, the description states that the van is ready for updates and a bed install. That said, a solo camper could easily put a bedroll between the cabinets. This Ford E350 has a ton of potential, but (assuming it’s mechanically sound) it could also leave on an adventure today. 

This used van for going off the grid is already equipped with updates like a backup camera, roof fan, solar panels, and an inverter. It’s a 2003 vintage, but a USB port for charging was added, in addition to a refrigerator. There’s also a bike rack. 

interior of the Ford E350 camper van finished out with wood cabinets and tongue in groove ceiling
Ford E350 Camper Van | Vanlife Trader

This used camper van for under $10,000 has nearly 260,000 miles on it. However, a well-treated Ford E350 can last up to 500,000 miles according to Motor and Wheels. Motor and Wheels also writes that, if poorly maintained, these vans rarely make it to 200,000 miles. That leads us to believe that this particular model was taken care of as it has already made it this far. 

This used Nissan Quest stealth minivan camper for $9,500

Nissan Quest camper interior with the bed made and a scenic view
Nissan Quest Camper | Van Camper

This ad on Van Camper is actually for a van that’s already been sold. However, I still put it on the list because it’s a great example of what shoppers can get for less than $10 grand. This is a Nissan Quest minivan camper build that is nice and inconspicuous. 

Although this one is sold, the seller actually writes in the description that they may take on some build requests. Plus, this is just a good way to show that there are talented conversion builders out there selling camper vans that are ready for your next adventure. In addition to that, finding a good used camper van under $10,000 is possible.

Look for sellers that show the mechanical repairs and upgrades in addition to the built-out interior and tech updates. This Nissan Quest post shows a 100,000-mile odometer. According to Vehicle History, these Nissan minivans “easily” last to 200,000 miles or more.

A good used camper van for less than $10,000

mechanical upgrades show beneath the Nissan Quest camper
Under the Nissan Quest Camper | Van Camper

For those looking for a used camper van under $10,000, these are great examples of what buyers can expect to find. They won’t be perfect. In fact, most of them will need an additional upgrade. However, with a smaller initial investment, there might be a little more financial wiggle room for improvements before hitting the road. 

Picture like this one above, though not exactly the best quality photo are great for seeing repairs and upgrades. Also, this photo calls attention to the importance of checking underneath any vehicle (especially used) you are considering for purchase.

RELATED: The World’s Best-Selling Tractor Brand Isn’t John Deere  

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