Remote Car Starters
Like it or not, winter is just around the corner. Before the temperature drops and snow flies is a perfect time to consider installing a remote car starter. A remote starter can not only warm up your vehicle and make you more comfortable, it may also help improve your engine’s performance. Warming up your car also helps with snow and ice removal, which increases visibility and improves driver safety. If you own a car, or are planning to in the future, consider installing a remote starter.
Remote Range
If you’ve ever looked at remote car starters, you’ve probably noticed the wide range of options on the market. One of the key criteria is the range specified on the device, which indicates the distance between the remote starter and the vehicle. The range assumes there is no interference between you and your vehicle, which is likely not the case. To some degree, a remote starter’s signal strength is affected by walls, windows and buildings, so be aware of the environment where you’ll be starting your car. Although you might park close to your home or workplace, consider that you might use it when you go to the mall, sporting events, parking garages or other places. If you’re concerned about interference, you might want to get a remote starter with a longer range.
Bells and Whistles
In addition to the range, there are other important features available in a remote car starter. Most remote starters indicate if they have one-way or two-way communication, which means how the handheld remote starter and vehicle unit communicate with each other. A one-way starter means the signal goes from the handheld fob to the vehicle, but there is no way to confirm if the vehicle received the signal. A two-way starter, on the other hand, sends a signal from the vehicle to the fob letting you know it’s on and running. This is important when starting a vehicle that can’t be seen or heard. If you don’t like surprises and want to know your car is running before you get there, consider paying a bit more for a two-way remote starter.
There are other features to consider when buying a remote starter, too. Some options include a smartphone app, an LCD, car alarm integration, rechargeable batteries, and customizable buttons for keyless entry, panic mode, vehicle temperature monitoring and more.
To OEM or Not to OEM
Remote car starters have been an aftermarket option for a long time, but car manufacturers are increasingly adding a remote starter as an OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, option in select new vehicles. When shopping for a new vehicle, consumers interested in a remote starter should understand the benefits of a factory-installed remote starter versus an aftermarket solution. A factory-installed remote starter is often the most convenient solution because it doesn’t require any additional work from the car owner, and it’s often integrated seamlessly into the vehicle’s system.
The benefit of an aftermarket solution is that it provides a vehicle owner with more options and often a longer range and better signal. While this approach requires a bit more time and out-of-pocket costs, the end result can provide a better experience for a driver, especially in Minnesota. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you may want to skip the OEM remote-starter option and opt for an aftermarket remote starter. With either choice, make sure you understand the remote starter warranty.
Jesse Simon is managing editor of Live|Play|AAA.
