K40 Installation: Choosing the right installer for you and your vehicle

In a previous blog, we discussed the benefits of professional installation for our custom-installed radar detectors and laser jamming systems.

This blog will discuss some questions you might ask a K40 dealer before choosing who will perform your installation and why they are important.

First, find an installer in your area via our database of authorized K40 dealers.

When you meet with your chosen dealer for a consultation, here are a few questions you can ask your installer:

What brands and models of radar detectors and laser jammers do you recommend and why?

Why Ask?- Your installer may carry several brands and models of radar detectors. He should understand and be able to explain each brand/model’s varying features, performance, and reliability so that your individual needs are met for your vehicle, driving style, and driving area. Ask him what he drives with and why.

K40 Plug: If stealth installation, super quiet filtering, intuitive default settings, and having direct “high-touch” support from the manufacturer are essential to you, then you should consider K40.

How many custom-installed radar detectors and laser jamming systems have you installed, and on what kinds of vehicles?

Why Ask? – Experience and training matter when installing electronic equipment on today’s sophisticated vehicles. An experienced installer is more likely to be familiar with various high-end and performance vehicles. They will know the car’s electrical systems, product compatibility, and component placement. Ask for references or examples of previous installations, particularly if they’ve done an install on a vehicle similar to yours.

K40 Plug: K40 has exclusively supported independent retailers and installation specialists since 1981. Our long-term direct relationships with our dealer partners, matched with 24/7 technical support, provide K40 and its customers with the highest confidence in our network of installers and their ability to perform quality K40 installations on any vehicle.

What’s involved in hiding the components in my vehicle, and where will they be hidden?

Why Ask? – The placement of the system components (such as the radar receivers, alert LEDs, GPS module, host module, and Laser Defusers) can affect the performance of your system and the aesthetics of your vehicle. Let your installer know at this point that you would like the installation to be discreet and optimized for both performance and maintaining your OEM appearance. You could request a “walk-around” of your vehicle and be advised where each component will be installed and why that location is preferred or necessary.

K40 Plug: If you are looking for the MOST discreet installation and want to keep your car looking factory-like, K40 systems are designed to be invisible in your vehicle’s interior. Radar and laser alert LEDs and speakers are hidden in your vehicle’s cockpit, so you only know it’s there when you need them!

What can I expect from my installer and the manufacturer after the installation?

Why Ask? – Post-installation support is vital for maintenance and troubleshooting. Confirm what support your installer offers, including installation warranty, repair rates, and firmware updates. Your installer should also take the time after the installation to explain the system features and customizable options to familiarize you with how it all works.

K40 Plug: K40 calls every registered system owner a few weeks after installation and registration to see if you have any questions or need to tweak any settings. We call it The K40 Consult. If, for some reason, your installing dealer doesn’t give you the walkthrough at the time of vehicle delivery, call K40 at 800-323-5608, ad we will register the system for you, activating your warranty and Ticket-Free guarantee and go through all of the settings to make sure it is customized to your specifications.

Can I see a demonstration of the radar and laser system in another vehicle?

Why Ask? – Many K40 dealers have “demo” vehicles that feature the products they sell and install in their store, such as radar detectors, head units, speakers, backup cameras, etc. A demonstration helps you understand and visualize how the system operates and how it will help you to avoid speeding tickets. Some installers have invested in retired police equipment such as radar and laser guns to effectively demonstrate how the system would alert during an actual police encounter.

K40 Plug: K40.com has a vast collection demo and “how to” videos to help you understand how your system works and to optimize settings to your preferences. To see how the alert LEDs might look in your vehicle, you can check out the K40 gallery of dealer installations.

How much will it cost?

Why Ask? – Some manufacturers offer a “one-size-fits-all” system that an installer might sell at a set price, and then they calculate labor time for the installation. Costs will vary for every installation due to many factors. How difficult and time-consuming will it be to take the car apart to hide the components? How many components are there? How many total hours will the installation take? What is their labor rate? Each installation is unique, and the cost of a custom-installed radar and laser system could differ from that of a Lamborghini to that of a pickup truck. For these reasons, all pricing comes directly from the installing dealer.

K40 Plug: K40 offers an a-la-carte approach to radar and laser speeding ticket protection. You could opt for a Platinum100 portable radar detector and add two laser Defusers. Or a Platinum200 front radar system with front or front and rear laser Defusers, or the best of the best, Platinum360 front and rear radar detection system with as many front and rear laser Defusers as you need or want. Check out our most popular configurations.

Installing a custom radar detector in your vehicle is an investment that you should be able to count on for years to come. Selecting a qualified installer and understanding the installation process is essential to ensuring that your products are installed correctly and perform to meet or exceed your expectations. K40 stands behind our dealer network of specialist installers. If you need assistance finding a dealer in your area or want to talk to a K40 radar/laser expert about your vehicle and get product recommendations. Call us at 800-323-5608.