The Pros and Cons of Remote Starters

Dreading leaving the cozy comfort of your home due to frigid temperatures? What about sweltering-hot summer days? You race to your car, crank the heat, and begin shivering to death, as if you’ve unwillingly entered a refrigerator. When these scenarios occur, you begin wondering if a remote car starter would be an effective solution for you. 

The 411 on Remote Starters

Stated by 12 Volt Solutions, a remote car starter is a wireless, radio-controlled device that allows you to start your car from inside your home or workplace. Starters are generally offered in the form of remote controls or key fobs and in today’s digitally advanced society, there are even smartphone apps to help you rev up that engine. 

In order to effectively use your remote starter, you need to be within the distance outlined in the product’s instructions. While some models limit the distance to 500 or 1,000 feet, other gadgets are compatible as far as a mile away. There are also some remote start models that offer more comprehensive features, such as locking or unlocking your vehicle, warming your seats, and popping the trunk. 

These remote car starters use radio frequency to work. To operate, a device will be installed in your vehicle, connecting to the car’s ignition, as well as other mechanisms that can be switched on and off. When pressing the ignition button on the remote starter, it will issue a signal to the device installed in your vehicle to turn on the engine. The good part is, the radio signal associated with your car is unique to you – meaning there’s no need to worry about accidentally starting another individual’s vehicle. 

Costs of a Remote Starter

Remote car starters typically range from $50 to $200 without installation. When it comes to the installation process, charges can run about a few hundred bucks. Always remember to conduct a bit of research before making your purchase, so you can factor in the installation cost when calculating your budget. If you’re seeking a brand-name starter or one that encompasses fancier features, it’ll certainly bump up your cost. 

The Pros and Cons of Remote Starters

PRO #1. Enjoy Ideal Temperatures

The most advantageous, and alluring, aspect of treating yourself to a remote starter is the ability to control your vehicle’s temperature. Just picture those frigid winter months where your hands are freezing cold, the steering wheel feels like a block of ice, and your vehicle barely even warms up by the time you reach your intended destination. Or, similarly, on those hot summer days when you swear you just might melt into a puddle in the driver’s seat. With a simple touch of a button, a remote car starter can either heat or cool off your vehicle, all while you’re enjoying a tasty breakfast before hitting the office for the day. 

PRO #2. An Added Layer of Security

Whether we like it or not, safety is essential these days. When you activate your engine using a remote starter, the doors of your vehicle will automatically lock, ensuring no unwanted guests can access your car without a key. In addition, a bulk of remote starter models allow you to set a specific time frame to ensure the engine turns off if the vehicle isn’t accessed after the allotted time period. Many models are also designed to cut off the engine should the break or gas pedal be pressed without a key in the vehicle. This adds an attractive layer of security should someone manage to break into your vehicle after the remote start has been activated.

CON #1: Consuming Fuel

In order for your engine to properly heat or cool off, depending on the season, it requires your vehicle to spend enough time burning fuel. While this isn’t a major detractor, having your car run for a couple of extra minutes in the morning might have you visiting the gas station a bit more frequently than you’re accustomed to. Similarly, burning more fuel equates to larger amounts of CO2 emissions. If you own an electric vehicle, however, increased pollution output is not a factor. 

CON #2: Added Engine Use

If you preheat or cool your vehicle each time you plan to hit the road, you’ll be using your engine more often, leading to quicker wear and tear over time. Because the fuel inside your car isn’t completely consumed until you’re physically driving, you may face unexpected engine trouble down the line. 

CON #3. Risky Vehicle Types

If you’re going to invest in a remote car starter, it’s imperative that you brush up on everything you need to know about the mechanical components, functionality, and how the gadget impacts your car to avoid any accidents. For example, if you drive a car with a manual transmission, your vehicle needs to remain in neutral in order to ensure your car doesn’t drive away unexpectedly when you hit your remote starter (which could happen if your car is kept in 1st gear). While accidents of this nature are rare, you never want to put yourself in a compromising position where the safety of others is at risk. 

Different Types of Remote Car Starters

Depending on what you’re looking for, the following is a list of the more common types of starters for your vehicle:

• Add-On Feature: This is a button that can be incorporated into your car’s current key fob, so no extra remotes needed. 
• Separate Remote: As the name implies, this is a separate key fob that can easily attach to your keyring and comes with added features, like locking and unlocking doors. 
• Car Alarm Remote: This starter allows you to control a bulk of your car’s functionality through a single key, including activating your car alarm (if needed).
• 2-Way Remote: This option allows a mutual exchange of data between the car and the owner. 
• Keyless Entry Remote: This is a popular choice for many as it can completely replace your vehicle’s key.
• Smartphone App: Relevant to our digital times, the smartphone starter allows you to set and check the temperature of your vehicle right from your phone. 

Remote car starters are an incredibly mainstream, popular feature used by many across the country. As with any investment or new purchase, there are always pros and cons to consider before making a final decision. This list should help you choose whether or not a remote starter is right for your vehicle!