Benefits of a Remote Start for Your Vehicle

Picture this: you’re getting ready for work and making sure to bundle up for the below-freezing levels outside. You’re dreading the thought of scraping ice off your windshield and getting into an ice-cold car. Then you realize—you have a remote start on your vehicle. You can warm up your vehicle before you even step outside!

And voila—life is good.

This is one of the many benefits a remote starter provides. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of these modern devices.

What is a remote car starter?

The term “remote car starter” can also refer to an auto starter, car starter, or remote start system.

A remote auto starter is essentially a radio-controlled, wireless device that starts the engine of the car from a specific distance. It often comes in the shape of tiny remote controllers or key fobs with buttons for engine ignition, however occasionally it also has additional features.

In most cases, the item’s packaging will state how far away the gadget will function. Other variants will function up to 500 or 1000 feet away. Some starters with greater durability have a longer range and can operate up to a mile away.

There are auto starter models that can do more than just start your car; they can lock and unlock the door, warm the seats, open the trunk, and even control things with your phone.

The majority of models also provide keyless entry. To be certain, carefully examine the device’s specs to understand what it can and cannot accomplish.

person unlocking the car in the garage image

The operation of a remote start system

Radiofrequency energy is used by this gadget. The vehicle’s ignition switch and other major start-up components are linked to a box. The signal informing the system to start the engine is sent to the box when the ignition button on the remote or key fob is pressed.

Frequencies

A remote start system, also known as a remote keyless ignition system, is a device made to start an automobile without having to physically climb in and start the engine. This gadget has several advantages. One benefit is that you can start the car and let it warm up without having to leave the home.

Every model has a different radio signal, so you can be sure the gadget will only function with your car. Additionally, other remote starters won’t be able to open or start your car without your permission.

Engine Ignition

A remote starter is a little gadget that is mounted inside the car. As previously mentioned, it is a box that receives the signal from the user’s remote control. With simply a push of a button, it allows the user to transition between systems.

The power wire, ignition switch, ignition wire, starter wire, brake wire, vehicle ground wire, and tachometer should all be connected to the aforementioned box. Although it may seem difficult to distinguish each wire, it is not.

The cables may be discovered in the same location inside the car. The remote’s signal is received by the starter, which then turns on the aforementioned systems. The engine will start, enabling pre-set features like the heat to turn on and operate. Additionally, it will lock the doors and make the lights flicker, both of which are signs that it is working.

Various Remote Starter Types

The market is filled with several kinds of auto remote starts, such as:

  1. Add-On, a keychain remote starter for your vehicle
  2. A separate remote control called 1-Button locks and unlocks the doors.
  3. Keyless Entry Remote: These remote starters frequently take the place of traditional car keys.
  4. These remote starting systems with two-way communication communicate information from the car to the owner.
  5. Remote with Car Alarm—most car functions, including the alarm, are controlled by this remote.
  6. Remote Starter Smartphone App: With these remote auto starter systems, you may use your phone to start your car, check its location using GPS, manage the temperature, and operate other features.

Is Remote Start Safe?  

Almost every digitally linked gadget may be compromised, which is a terrible reality. To prevent hacking, each RES system employs a distinct radio frequency that is independent of others. The RES system, in turn, has a unique security protocol. Preventing a third party from accessing the car without the proper key fob, often entails locking the doors when the RES is activated. Furthermore, if a stranger enters the vehicle and tries to drive, the RES system will turn off automatically.

Most RES systems are set up to turn off the engine if the driver with a working key fob does not enter the vehicle after a certain period. This feature is useful if you start the car remotely but get sidetracked and forget it is parked someplace with the motor running.

Of course, drivers ought to adhere to some recommended practices for safety. For instance, avoid using the RES while the car is in a cramped area like an attached garage.

aston martin remote control in hand image

Does Remote Start Make Sense?

Your willingness to pay for anything is what establishes its value. What worth does it have to you, in other words? You probably will not find many benefits in RES if you live in San Diego, California, where it feels like 70 degrees Fahrenheit every day of the year.

However, due to the regular high temperatures, Mesa, Arizona residents will value turning on the air conditioner before getting into the vehicle. In Minot, North Dakota, where it is severely cold during the winter, it is advisable to run the heater and defroster for a few minutes before getting behind the wheel.

Most likely, none of these extremes applies to you. However, the more value you will get from a remote engine start system the hotter and colder it is where you reside.

Benefits Of A Remote Start For Your Vehicle

Improved Comfort

There are two main benefits of starting your engine before you start driving. The first is comfort. Whether you’re sweating the heat in the dead of summer, or icicles are dripping from your side mirror, a remote start can warm up or cool down your car before you get in it. You will no longer have to be a sweat ball waiting for the AC to kick in by the time you get to work.

You also won’t have to spend your time in the freezing cold, scraping ice off your windshield. With a remote starter, your car will be adequately defrosted before you even head outside.

Helping Engine Health

In addition to starting your day in the comfort of a perfect-temperature vehicle, remote starts will also keep your motor lubricated. In fact, starting your car and immediately driving it can harm your engine—especially in the winter months.

When you start your car in colder temps, you can probably hear the sound it makes when it’s trying to warm up. While your engine warms up, it heats the oil, which gives better lubrication throughout the motor. Your engine works a little like your body—it needs a little warmup before going in for a full workout.

Enhanced Security

Security features are enhanced with a remote start. You’re able to warm up your car without the keys in it, alleviating the chance of theft. It also comes in handy when you have a pet in the car and need to run into the store for a quick second on a warm day—keep the car running so Fido can be comfortable, too.

With a remote start, you’re also able to locate your car in a packed lot, which helps with security measures and has the additional benefit of making your life easier. This adds to your protection and security because you won’t have to wander around a dark parking lot by yourself and take the time to fumble through your pockets or purse to find your keys. This is prime time for attackers to make their move, so if you’re able to get in your car easily and quickly, it alleviates the chance of burglary.

Increase Resale Value

If your vehicle didn’t come with a remote start, adding one can boost the resale value if you decide to trade it in or sell it. This is especially true if you live in a climate that has extreme summers and winters.

Whether your vehicle came with a remote start, or you’re looking to add an aftermarket device to your car, there are many benefits of having one. Not only will it increase your comfort, but it will also keep you safer and help your engine!

Interior pre-heating or pre-cooling

The ability to enter a cold or warm car interior is another advantage of having a remote-control automobile starter. Simply pressing the start button will start your automobile and activate the air conditioning during the hot weather. You do not have to wait for the air conditioning to kick in inside a hot automobile. Utilizing your remote auto starter, you may pre-cool it.

A similar idea may be applied in the winter. Before getting in the car, you may use the remote starter to turn on the heating. You can avoid having to wait for the heater to work by doing this. You will enter your car to a heated interior right away.

Warm Engine & Motor Oil

The engine and motor oil in your automobile is affected by cold weather. It is more difficult for oil to circulate through the engine’s components when it is cold because cold oil is thicker than warm oil. Running cold is tougher on an engine than running warm. By warming the engine and making the oil less viscous, a remote start offers your car more time to get up to operating temperature. This allows the oil to flow more easily through the engine.

A remote start will undoubtedly make your trip warm and pleasant, but not everyone will enjoy the device. Negative consequences might also result from leaving your car running.

Unneeded Waste

It is necessary to keep idle periods in your automobile to a minimum. More than 30 minutes of idling a car result in increased air pollution, fuel and money loss, and potential engine degradation.

Type of Motor Oil

You may swap out the oil in your automobile with one that can tolerate cold weather rather than heating it by idling. To choose the right viscosity oil for winter temperatures, see your owner’s handbook.

Convenience

Convenience is one of the best benefits of having a remote starting in your car. With a single button press from a remote, you can start your automobile without getting out of it. So, as soon as you are ready to go, your automobile will be too!

a faceless person using transponder while opening car image

The car is locked while it is running

Knowing that your car is locked while it is in motion and that the keys do not need to be inside will give you peace of mind. It is comforting to know that even though the car is running when you are not inside it, no one can get inside whether you’re in your driveway or a parking lot someplace. The wonderful thing about remote starts is that the car has to be locked to use them, so even if you neglected to lock it before, you still need to lock it now.

Kinder to Your Car

Unbelievably, warm oil is kinder to your car’s components than cold oil is. Remotely starting your automobile will allow the oil more time to warm up to its ideal temperature. This will make it easier for it to go through your engine.

Locating Your Vehicle

Finding your car in a congested lot can be challenging, especially over the holidays. Using a remote starting device, you can quickly find your car. Additionally, it will guarantee your comfort once you are there.

Smartphone Capabilities

Many remote starter devices available now allow smartphone starts. Additionally, it comes with additional features.

You can find and start your automobile with a smartphone from any location. Many have added security measures as well.