Remote Starters | Remote Car Starter | Alarms with Remote Start

Remote Car Starters

American Motors introduced the remote car starter to the marketplace in 1983. The Renault Alliance was the first production car to offer a remote starter for cars. The first wide spread availability of the car remote starter was in the GM Motors W platform in 1989. Models that included a remote starter were the Buick Regal, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and the Pontiac Grand Prix. They have been gaining popularity since then, and now more features are offered than ever before.

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The remote car starter works similar to a radio, it uses a frequency to start or stop the engine. Newer models are encrypted to prevent would-be thieves from stealing and replicating your frequency and stealing your car. Remote starters come in very simple models that have a few features: starting and stopping the engine, locking and unlocking doors and perhaps an automatic trunk opener.

More elaborate models of remote car starters offer advanced features that include alarms, LCD pagers, temperature sensors, knock sensors, driver pager sensors and much more. High performance vehicles can benefit from remote starters that allow the engine to run and cool a few minutes before shutting down. Remote car starters are not recommended for use with manual transmissions. Many models can be used with either gasoline or diesel engines.

Some remote starters will work with two vehicles. This really reduces the bulk in your pocket from carrying multiple sets of keys. Most models allow you the option of unlocking the doors when you start the engine by remote control. Different models of remote car starters vary greatly in the distance at which they can be used. As with all upgraded features, expect to pay more for longer ranges of operation.

Most remote engine start systems will sound or honk the horn when the remote is used to start the engine, lock or unlock the doors. Some models allow for silent start, lock and unlock for security purposes. Vehicles with reverse polarity door locks may require relays to work. Some insurance companies offer discounted rates for vehicle owners that install remote car starters or other safety and security devices.

 If you plan to install the remote starters yourself, make sure it comes with a well-written, easy-to-follow installation manual. If you are having one installed by a professional, make sure they program all remotes that come with the package when they install the system. Warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but standard warranties range from a standard 1-year warranty to a limited lifetime warranty. If you are having it professionally installed, ask the installer about their warranty as well.

Questions and Answers about Remote Car Starters

Q: What does a remote car starter do?

A: A Remote Starter will allow you to start your vehicle from the push of a remote button.

Q: Does a remote starter turn on my climate control?

A: Your climate control will be at the same settings as when you last drove the vehicle.

Q: What is the range of a remote car starter?

A: Remote Car Starters range varies by system. We have system with range from 1000ft. to over 1 mile.

Q: Do I need anything else to install a remote car starter?

A: Some vehicles require interface modules to bypass the factory installed immobilizer / alarm. To check if your vehicle needs an interface module, use our Compatibility Guide.

Q: Are remote car starters safe?

A: Yes. Remote starters feature multiple safety inputs to shut the vehicle down in case of an issue. If someone attempts to steal the vehicle while remote started, the system will shut the vehicle down the moment they touch the brake to shift it into drive.