Depending on where you live, the winter season can bring in a slew of snow, ice, rain, and overall chilliness.
A remote start system for your car can be a blessing for those living in colder climates. Start your car from your window, and in 15 minutes, your car is ready to go.
But finding the right remote start system can make or break your experience. There are several aspects to look for in your new system, and several things to avoid.
Before you set out to find your starter system, read our guide on the dos and don’ts.
What Does a Remote Start System Do?
To put it simply, a remote car starter is a type of electronic control that allows you to start your car from a distance.
The starter works by using radiofrequency. A portion of the components pair with your ignition. These components are activated via a small remote.
Your car then receives a radio signal to start. This allows your engine to warm up, and for warmth to start generating within your car.
Some of the most basic models of car starters will simply start the car. Other, more sophisticated models dive into features like unlocking the trunk, activating the rear defroster or power windows, or even allow you to control things from your phone.
A remote start system, even at its most basic level, is a great feature to have. No longer do you have to bundle up to run outside, start your car, and then give it a few minutes to warm up. You can do so from your home or even the office.
And with a fairly long range – from 500 to 1000 feet for most models – a car starter is able to be used in almost any scenario.
What Should You Look for in a Remote Start System?
There are a few universal aspects that everyone should look for when investigating car starters. There are a multitude of additional features of available features on the market. Take this guide as a comprehensive look at some features that will benefit everyone.
1. Warranty
First and foremost, a remote start system is an important component that will be added to your vehicle. You will want to ensure that your remote start has a good warranty to back it up.
Cheap car starters, although tempting to purchase, will very likely not have a warranty, or will have a very shallow one. If something goes wrong with your new starter system, not having a warranty on the part can mean a lot of hassle on your end.
2. Range
Like the variety of features available on remote starters, different systems have different starting ranges.
If you would like to be able to enjoy the convenience of a remote starter at your office, but you park in a large parking lot, having a range of 2000 or more feet will likely be of the most benefit to you.
However, if you plan to utilize your starter at home in the driveway most often, 500 or so feet will probably be a large enough range.
In this instance, if in doubt, the longer the range the better.
3. Bypass Module
A bypass module is essentially what tricks your car into thinking there’s a key in the ignition when using remote start.
Most modern cars have built-in safety and anti-theft features. One such feature is not starting with no key in the ignition. If there is no key in the ignition, how does remote starting work?
The answer is the bypass module. Your car is “told” that there is a key in the ignition when the radio frequency from your remote start is activated. This allows your car to start without a key.
A bypass module is going to be a key component of your new remote system, so make sure whatever remote models you are considering have this feature.
What Should You Avoid?
It may seem like all car starters are created equal. That is simply not true.
There is a range of quality among remote start systems, and plenty to avoid.
1. Not Getting Enough Range
Very little will make your remote start experience more frustrating than not having enough range.
As mentioned, range is one of the top aspects to look at when buying a remote starter. Range is what allows you to start your car from inside your home or your office or from the front of the grocery store.
If you get a remote starter that does not have a long enough range for your typical starting scenarios, you will find yourself frustrated.
2. Installing Yourself
Unless you are a master of cars, electronics, and wiring, it is generally not recommended to install your remote start yourself.
A remote start system is deceivingly complicated. One component is wired into your car, and the remote must be specially programmed to work properly. This is a job that is best left up to the experts and professionals.
For instance, a Viper car alarm installation must be completed by a professional. This ensures that your car is indeed protected.
3. Not Enough Features
Missing those heated seats? Frustrated that your rear defroster does not come on when you remote start your car?
These and a variety of other features must be specifically programmed into a remote system, or purchased in a remote system. Car starters are able to accomplish a lot with the push of a button, but those accomplishments have to be specified before you decide on a model.
A Remote Car Starter Is a Great Convenience
Finding the right starter model and features may seem like a lot of work, but once your new starter is installed, it will be well worth it.
The convenience of a remote start system saves you the hassle of scraping ice and snow off your car in the winter. It also means your car can be nice and cool in the summer.
Utilize our tips and tricks when shopping for a remote starter system, and you will find the perfect one in no time.