4 Tips to Ensure You Buy the Remote Starter That’s Right for You
We show you how to choose automatic car starters
When you’re buying a starter for your car, there are a number of considerations to make. Before you head out the door or shop online, you’ll want to answer the following questions and know what you’re looking for, what your budget is, and where to find the most accurate reviews and information. An automatic car starter should last the life of your car, so it makes good sense to put some time and thought into your purchase. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top tips and considerations to ensure you buy the starter that’s right for you and your needs.
Range
Car starters come with a range. Think about your current lifestyle and living situation. When and where will you use your starter? Are you using it from your garage door or are you standing in your home or office and starting your car in the parking lot 1,000 feet away? Range can be up to 5,000 feet. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is “perfect world” range. It assumes there are no buildings, trees, wires, or other interruptions between you and your car.
Car Starter Features and Functions
Some automatic car starters are just that; they enable you to start your car from a distance with a remote. Other remote car starters come with a handy bundle of features. For example, they might provide keyless entry, trunk release, heated seats and even the ability to turn on your window defrosting system. If these features are important to you, then add them to your list.
Warranty Information
It’s important to know if an automatic car starter will impact your car’s warranty. Generally speaking, the car dealer can only void your car’s warranty when the installation of new equipment causes any damage to your car. This is one of the reasons why a professional installation is important. It not only ensures your remote is installed correctly, it helps protect the warranty on your vehicle.
Safety Systems
There are many safety considerations with remote car starters. Look for an automatic car starter that offers a security system along with the installation process. A cutoff safety under the hood will help protect you and others when the hood is open. And make sure your starter has an engine speed sensing mechanism that monitors your car’s RPMs to avoid damaging your car’s engine and to identify whether your car has actually started.
Of course you also want to keep your budget in mind, remembering that you do get what you pay for and automatic car starters are no different. Buy the best that you can afford and have it professionally installed to protect your car.