Do car audio capacitors really work? How do I stop my headlights from dimming?
It really depends. A cap is only good so far as the audio system isn’t trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn’t provide more power, it’s designed to ‘stiffen’ the voltage to the amp, nothing esle. If the current isn’t there, a cap won’t help. A second battery is never a good idea as it’s just an added strain on the alternator unless you plan on running the system with the engine off. If your total system power is a 1000 watts RMS or more you will need to: 1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator 2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery 3. Upgrade the “Big 3” – that is to replace the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 1/0 AWG wire. For at least 800 watt RMS system, do at least the first two suggestions above. Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail. Here is a g
