Remote Starters: From Convenience to Necessity

Have you ever stepped into a freezing car when winter unleashes its full force? Or maybe you’ve felt the sting of scalding hot seats during a summer heatwave? Thought so.

No need for that torture anymore, we have technology now. The hero who saved us? The remote starter.

Originally, remote starters were seen as a luxury feature for vehicles, an added perk that served no more than a convenience. Rooted in the idea of staying comfortable, they enabled drivers to start their vehicles from a distance, heating or cooling the interior before anyone got in.

Being able to sip your coffee inside your warm house on a frosty morning, while your car defrosts and warms up in the driveway? Yes please!

Leaving your car to cool down while you finish up your work in the office during the summer? Louder for those in the back!

The reality is – remote starters are quickly becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity in our lives.

Evolution of Remote Starters

The remote starter, as we know it, has come a long way since its inception.

They were first introduced in the mid-1980s as aftermarket add-ons. These early models were quite simple and were primarily used to warm up the car on cold winter mornings. The technology was new, the range was limited, and the features were few. Back then, the concept of starting a car from inside a house seemed unnecessary to many, and the price tag made it inaccessible to most.

But as the years rolled on, technology advanced, and so did the capabilities of remote starters.

They became more reliable, the range significantly increased, and new features were added. The prices also became more affordable with mass production.

The real shift happened when people started realizing the true value of these devices. It wasn’t just about being able to start your car from the comfort of indoors; it was also about what that meant for the vehicle and its driver. The remote starter wasn’t just a gadget for comfort anymore, it was proving to be a tool for safety and car maintenance.

So, here we are today, where remote starters have evolved from a ‘nice-to-have’ item into an essential part of our daily commute. With their increased efficiency, enhanced features and newfound necessity, they have become more than just a tool for convenience.

And as we delve more into the benefits and functionalities of remote starters, you’ll see exactly why.

Benefits of Remote Starters

Let’s start with the most apparent advantage – comfort.

With a remote starter, your car is ready and waiting for you at a comfortable temperature, no matter what the weather outside. Long gone are the days of your teeth chattering while you wait for the car heater to kick in on those winter mornings. No more discomfort of searing-hot seats during a summer heatwave – just good old chilling.

But the benefits of a remote starter extend far beyond just comfort.

Consider the convenience factor. With a remote starter, you can get your car running and ready while you finish up your morning coffee, pack your lunch, or gather your things. You’ll not only save valuable minutes in the morning but your car will also be warmed up and ready to go, ensuring a smoother ride.

Now, turning our attention to security.

Some modern remote starters come equipped with keyless entry systems. This feature can significantly increase your vehicle’s security, allowing you to lock or unlock your car from a distance. For example, walking to your car in a dark parking lot. With a remote starter, you can unlock the vehicle as you approach, reducing the risk associated with unlocking your vehicle in potentially unsafe situations.

Remote Starters in Extreme Weather Conditions

So far, we’ve mostly talked about comfort and convenience.

But what takes the remote starter from a comfort device to a necessity is its role in extreme weather conditions. This handy gadget has significant benefits, particularly for those living in places with severe winters or scorching summers.

Engines don’t like to be thrown into action without some time to warm up, especially when it’s cold. That’s because motor oil thickens when it’s cold, making it harder for it to reach all parts of the engine during startup.

By using a remote starter to warm up your car before you drive, you’re giving that oil a chance to thin out and circulate better and lubricate all the necessary parts. This process reduces stress on the engine and allows for better performance, contributing to a longer and healthier vehicle lifespan. 

Then you have the sweltering summers. We all know how unbearable it can be to get into a hot car. It feels like stepping into a furnace, right?

Now, consider this – if it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s also bad for your vehicle. Extreme heat can cause damage to the interior of your car, including your seats and dashboard. Also, high temperatures can affect your vehicle’s battery and tyre pressure. With a remote starter, you can start your car from a distance, kick the air conditioning into gear, and cool your car down before you get in.

A remote starter can go a long way towards preserving your car’s health and safety during extreme weather conditions. Which also means enhancing your vehicle’s lifespan.

Technological Advancements and Features

Now that we’ve established the practical benefits of remote starters, let’s take a moment to appreciate how this technology has evolved and enhanced over time.

Advancements in technology have allowed for impressive new features to be integrated with remote starters, making them increasingly versatile and user-friendly.

Take, for example, smartphone integration. Many modern remote starter systems can now be controlled right from your smartphone. You can start your vehicle, lock and unlock doors, and even track the location of your vehicle all from the convenience of your phone.

Another significant enhancement is the increased range of operation. Where initial models might only have worked within a few feet of the vehicle, some high-end models today can operate over distances of up to a mile. You could be shopping in a mall, working in your office, or even sitting comfortably in your home, and still have control over your vehicle.

Let’s not forget the enhanced security features that come with modern remote starters.

Automotive security has seen considerable improvements, with features such as keyless entry systems, car alarms, and even anti-theft systems becoming a part of certain remote start packages.

In essence, remote starters have really kept pace with the times, integrating modern tech and features to stay relevant and increasingly obligatory, as vehicles become more refined and users demand greater convenience and control.

Factors to Consider When Installing

The first thing you’ll want to look at is the range that you’ll need. Depending on where you usually park your vehicle in relation to where you’ll be starting it from, you’ll want to ensure your system has enough range to work effectively.

The next crucial aspect to consider is the features that you want from your remote starter. As we’ve discussed earlier, modern remote starters come packed with a host of features like keyless entry, security alarms, smartphone integration, and more. What functionalities would be most beneficial to you?

Then comes the decision of choosing between a one-way or a two-way system. While a one-way system is more basic and allows you to send commands to the vehicle, a two-way system, on the other hand, also sends information back to the remote, letting you know that the command was received and executed.

Now for the most crucial part, installation.

Even for the most seasoned DIY enthusiast, installing a remote starter can be a complicated task. It’s a process that involves intricate wiring and messing around with your vehicle’s electrical system.

That’s why it’s always recommended to have your remote starter installed by professionals. Organizations like AudioMotive provide expert installation services, ensuring your remote starter system is set up correctly and operates as intended.

Remote Starters and the environment

You might be thinking: “Sure, remote starters sound super convenient, and turns out – they’re good for my car too. But what about the environment? Isn’t idling bad?” – yes and no.

When considering the environmental impact of remote starters, it’s important to understand the balance between their potential benefits and drawbacks.

While remote starters do involve a period of idling, leading to fuel consumption and emissions, they can also contribute positively to the environment.

By allowing your engine to warm up before driving, a remote starter helps maintain engine efficiency. An efficient engine over the long term can offset some of the environmental impacts by reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions.

Of course, to optimize these environmental benefits, it’s key to use your remote starter responsibly. Try to limit the idling period and consider models with built-in features to minimize idling time.

This way, you can enjoy the convenience of a remote starter while also being mindful of its environmental impact.

The Future is Remote: Embracing the Convenience and Necessity of Remote Starters

It’s clear to see that remote starters are no longer just a cool gadget or accessory for your car. They have crossed over from being a luxury feature to a practical necessity, providing convenience, comfort, safety, and even contributing to the longevity of your vehicle.

Living in a time where technology is continually advancing and striving to make our lives more comfortable, it’s no surprise that we’ve found ways to make our commutes more pleasant and our vehicles safer. Remote starters embody this idea, bringing us a step closer to a seamless, comfortable, and efficient driving experience.

Whether you’re braving the icy winters or surviving the sweltering summer heat, a remote starter can be a game-changer for you and your vehicle. And we’re here to help you get it.