The Ultimate Breakdown of How Long Do Car Speakers Last!

Who doesn’t love some music on the ride, huh?

But you’re concerned about the age of your car speakers. You might not have any idea about its longevity and maintenance guide.

So, now you are thinking – How long does a car speaker last?

Car speakers generally last for at least 5 years and at most 25 years. Depending on the usage, you can expect a lifespan of 10 to 25 years of your car speakers. That’s because car speakers generally don’t last long due to dust and heat. Furthermore, if you use these speakers more frequently, the speakers will wear out faster. For this, the longevity lessens down to 7 to 20 years. 

The age of a car speaker also depends on speaker type, quality, materials, and maintenance. Give this article a read if you’re interested in the longevity of car speakers based on these factors.  

Typical Lifespan of A Car Speaker 

Generally, car speakers have a lifespan of 5 to 25 years on average. This longevity depends on various factors such as the extensity of the usage, the quality of speakers, and maintenance. 

However, due to some issues, the car speakers can die anytime. Just like this person’s car speaker.

Here’s an overview of the typical lifespan of a car speaker depending on these factors:

Frequency of Usage:

You can extend the lifespan of your car speaker depending on the usage. The more you use these speakers, the faster they wear down.

Unlike Outdoor speakers, Car speakers do not have proper protection from outside contaminants like dust and water.

Chances are you will have to change those speakers within 5 years if you don’t properly take care of the speakers. The time can vary depending on the material and build quality of the speaker. 

Then again, if you rarely use these speakers, they can last up to 15 to 25 years. So, it actually depends on how much pressure the speakers are facing every day.    

Materials and Build Quality:

A car speaker’s durability depends mostly on the material and the build quality of the speaker. In most cases, the built-in car speakers don’t last too long. You can use them without any issues for a maximum of 1 to 2 years.

However, if you upgrade the speaker, you can increase the lifespan by 3x to 4x! For example, rubber surrounds offer more durability than foam or cloth surrounds.

Maintenance:

Moving on to one of the most skipped parts – maintenance. Many people tend to forget about this aspect. But if you keep your car speaker on maintenance, the lifespan of the speaker increases. 
So, the more you can take care of your speaker, the longer it will last. That’s why I suggest inspecting the sound quality of your speaker every 3 to 4 years.

Car Speaker
Source: Forbes

Longevity According to Types of Speaker (Active, Passive) 

You can use passive speakers from 15 to 25 years at a stretch. On the other hand, active speakers last from 10 to 20 years in general. Usually, passive speakers last longer than active speakers.

Car speakers come in basically two types. You’ll see the component speakers and the full-range speakers. In case you’re not familiar with the word full range, some people call them coaxial speakers.

So, depending on the speaker type, the longevity differs a lot. And each type consists of active and passive speakers.

So, in the segments below, I’ll differentiate the lifespan of different speaker brands. You’ll get an idea of how long can each speaker survive depending on the type and usage.    

How long do Component Speakers Last?

Component speakers last from 8 years at heavy usage to 30 years at light usage depending on the kind of component speaker it is. Aftermarket car speakers’ lifespans rely on brands for the most part.

To get a better sound experience, you should upgrade your car stereo system. Upgrading to aftermarket car speakers is a wise decision. You’ll get better sound quality, bass, and many high-end specifications

So, let’s compare the three most popular car component speakers brands’ lifespan. These brands are JBL, Infinity, and Rockford Fosgate. 

Brand/AspectsHeavy UsageModerate Usage
JBL Car Speaker8 – 10 years15 – 20 years
Infinity Car Speaker9 -12 years16 – 20 years 
Rockford Fosgate Car Speaker15 – 20 years20 – 30 years

This is just a gist. I will describe each brand and its lifespan in the sections below.

Rockford Fosgate Car Speaker
Source: The Drive

JBL Speakers:

If you use JBL speakers less frequently, they can last up to 20 years. But this doesn’t mean they won’t last long if used frequently. They last from 8 years to 10 years after heavy usage. 

Speaking of using passive JBL speakers you can use it at best for 20 to 22 years. Bose speakers also last longer than most speakers. 

Some of the best JBL car speakers are mentioned below.

For a soothing surround sound, the JBL Premium 6.5-Inch Co-Axial Speaker is a good choice. You can check the price on Amazon.

If you are a bass lover, then JBL Club Series 2-Way Coaxial Car Speaker will be perfect for you. You can check for availability on Amazon.

A more powerful sound can be provided by JBL GTO Series 3 Way Car Speakers Stereo, You can check the price on Amazon.

Infinity Speakers:

Infinity speakers will wear out within 12 years if you use these speakers roughly every day. However, this number is not yet set in stone.

On the contrary, you can increase the lifespan up to 20 years if you use it less frequently. These speakers have longevity similar to the JBL speakers. 

Infinity also has a series of passive speakers that can last as long as 20 to 22 years. It’s a pretty decent range if you’re an audio enthusiast. 

Here are some of the best Infinity car speakers that you can buy.

With textile tweeter technology, the Infinity 3-Way Car Audio Speaker sure stands out. You can check the price on Amazon.

For heavy bass, the Infinity KAPPA  Component Speakers are really good. You can check for availability on Amazon.

Rockford Fosgate Speakers:

Rockford Fosgate Speakers last up to 30 years. That’s exceptional and unprecedented when it comes to car speakers. However, you’ll have to take proper care for it to get the correct mileage.

The last component speaker brand I have for you is the Rockford Fosgate speakers. I have been a fan of Rockford Fosgate speakers for over 30 years! You won’t believe how awesome the sound quality is of these speakers.

So, as you can guess these speakers last for a very long time. If you use them heavily these speakers last from 15 to 20 years

If you’re like me who doesn’t get too much time to use speakers, you’re in luck. You can use them for 20 to 30 years and the speakers will still be fine.  

Just like this, you can identify the lifespan of Sonos speakers. However, some of the best Rockford Fosgate car Speakers are recommended below.

For a dynamic sound range, the Rockford Fosgate 2-Way Coaxial Full Range Speaker is good.

You can get a punchy and sharp bassline with Rockford Fosgate 3-Way Full Range Speaker.

With the new and improved driver, the New Rockford Fosgate Car Speakers are magnificent.

Full Range Speakers
Source: The Autopian

How Long Do Full-Range Speakers Last?

Full-Range speakers last for 5-15 years at heavy usage and 12-20 years at moderate usage depending on the brand they belong to. The level of volume and duration of operation defines what the usage is.

Now, it’s time to see how long the full-range speakers provide good audio service. 

Brand/AspectsHeavy UsageModerate Usage
DS18 Car Speaker5 – 8 years12 – 16 years
Rockford Fosgate Car Speaker7 – 10 years10 – 15 years
H Yanka Car Speaker10 – 15 years15 – 20 years

Can you guess anything from the quick comparison table? Yes, the full-range speakers have a shorter lifespan than the component speakers. 

The reason is that full-range speakers are built with less expensive materials. They’re more of a commoner. 

They also don’t sound as good as the component speakers. It’s more of a good deal for someone who’s on a budget.  

Let’s analyze the lifespan of each speaker brand from the table above.

DS18:

As you can see from the table, it’s possible to use DS18 speakers for at least 5 to 8 years. And that’s heavy usage what I’m talking about. 

If you don’t use it that often you can increase the lifespan up to 16 years. So, for active speakers, DS18 is capable of giving you service for 5 to 16 years.

Now, if you do a passive crossover, you can extend the life expectancy beyond 16 years. It’s possible to use these speakers for 20 years in that case.

Rockford Fosgate:

Rockford Fosgate Full-range models last for 7-15 years. That’s almost half compared to their passive models.

You have already known about the Rockford Fosgate component speakers in the previous sections. And yes now you’ll get to know about their full-range speakers too.

And if you’re an audiophile, you can convert it into passive speakers and extend the lifespan.   

I know a friend who used Rockford Fosgate passive full-range speakers for over 20 years! It’s all possible taking a little extra care of your speakers. 

H Yanka:

Finally, we have the H Yanka full-range speakers that last up to 20 years of moderate usage. 

If you play these speakers 24/7 with less maintenance, they’ll last for a few years. But by paying attention to the speakers, they’ll serve you for more than 10 years at least! 

So, you see each of the speaker brands has a different lifespan. But you can increase the period if you know what’s responsible for wearing off the quality. 

Continue reading the following segment as you’ll get to know about it. 

Factors That Hold Car Speakers From Lasting Long

It’s a wonder that some car speakers last a decade. Then again, others don’t even go by a year. 

Have you ever thought about why this happens? Is it always the fault of the manufacturer? Or, your subconscious actions are behind this?

Well, to answer your questions, I have listed some of the major reasons below. Hopefully, you’ll understand what’s holding your speaker from lasting long.

  • Playing speakers at high volume can burn out the speaker.
  • If your car is too old, the speakers will drop quality quickly. 
  • Lack of quality control can damage your speakers fast.
  • Improper installation is one of the major reasons it will damage faster.
  • Excessive heat or cold can destroy the outer part of your speaker. It will eventually affect the functionality of the speakers. 

So, did you notice any similarities between the above scenarios? Be aware right now or else you might risk lessening the longevity of your car speaker. 

Now, it’s time to increase the lifespan of your car speaker system

Tips to Increase the Longevity of Car Speakers 

Here’s the real deal. Whether your car speaker has a lifespan of 5 years or 15 years, you can increase it. By applying a few tactics, it’s possible to use speakers for a longer period of time.

Here’s what you can do to increase the longevity of car speakers:

  • Always keep your car speakers clean and dust-free.
  • Avoid listening to music at higher volumes.
  • Use car speaker protective covers to protect them from pets.
  • Make sure the speakers are safe in extreme weather conditions.
  • Take special care of your car speaker and take it to maintenance every 3-5 years. 
  • Use cables with high conductivity to increase the lifespan of speakers.
  • Using gold and silver platted XLR connectors will make your speakers durable. 

So, by following these tips, you’ll be able to increase the lifespan of your speaker.

Bass Head Speakers
Source: Bass Head Speakers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do speakers need to warm up? 

Yes, speakers need to warm up. What you have to do is set the speaker system normally. You can run the speaker for 20 to 30 hours. It will run normally and then start to develop its quality. You’ll see a completely improved version of sound quality in the first hundredth hour.   

Is it necessary to burn in speakers?

No, it is not necessary to burn in speakers. You can start the speakers without any burn-in. But if you use a burn-in, it will enhance the performance of the speaker to some extent. The suspension will get stretched. As a result, the speaker will be able to produce a clearer sound.  

How much does it cost to replace the radio system in a car?

It costs around $200 to $500 to replace the radio system in a car. However, if you are up for premium quality, the top-of-the-line system you’ll have to spend $1000 to $3000. But this is only applicable when there isn’t any custom-built infotainment unit in your car. 

Final Thoughts  

I hope now you are clear about how long do car speakers last. The age of your speaker actually depends on how well you’re handling it. Also, buying a branded speaker ensures a good longevity period. 

So, that’s a wrap. Best of luck to your favorite speakers!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *