How To Connect IPod To Car Stereo

Whether you're on a daily commute or a long road trip, knowing how to connect iPod to car stereo systems is a skill you'll find highly useful when you're away from home. While the Apple iPod is the latest evolution in portable music, not all cars on the road are necessarily fitted yet to connect with the iPod without some extra equipment. However, the versatility of the Apple iPod allows you to overcome these problems fairly easily.

To connect your IPod to a car stereo you will need:

• Cassette adapter
• FM Transmitter, preferably with car charger
• extension cord with 3.5mm jacks

1. Connect your iPod directly to your car's stereo. If you have a recent model vehicle or an after market car stereo installed, chances are that it will have an auxiliary input, usually marked “Aux”. This is usually a 3.5mm socket which would fit most headphone jacks. A simple 3.5mm extension cord with male headphone jacks on both sides, will successfully connect this type of car stereo with any iPod. Set your car stereo to Aux input and your iPod to play, and you're ready to go.
2. Use an FM transmitter. Buy an iPod-compatible FM transmitter at your favorite consumer electronics store. Connect it to the iPod via its USB port and follow the FM transmitter's instructions to transmit to your car's FM radio receiver. Preferably, you'll want to obtain an FM transmitter that comes with a car charger, to keep your iPod from running out of juice.
3. Connect your iPod using a cassette adapter. For older cars that still have tape decks integrated into their stereo system, you can buy a cassette adapter to connect with your iPod. Connect the 3.5mm jack to your iPod and insert the tape mechanism into the deck. Set your car stereo to play in audio tape mode and start your iPod, and you should be able to hear music immediately.