Why You Should Install A Remote Car Starter
A Look at the Many Benefits of Remote Car Starters for Car Owners
Automatic remote car starters are one of the hottest automotive developments of the 21st century and for good reason. Remote car starters make life as a driver so much easier. These devices conveniently start your vehicle from a distance, which comes in handy for controlling your car’s temperature, especially during Ottawa’s hot summers and frigid winters.
Here’s an in-depth look at what exactly an automatic car starter is, the different kinds of remote starters available, along with the many benefits of installing a remote car starter in Ottawa.
What Is A Remote Car Starter?
A remote car starter is a wireless, radio-frequency-controlled device that can start your vehicle’s engine from a specified distance using a remote control. Some models work at a range between 500 and 1,000 feet, while other models will work at further distances. The specified range of a remote car starter can be found on its packaging.
Car starter systems use devices such as key fobs or small remote controls with buttons for starting the ignition, along with other functions, such as:
- Locking and unlocking the doors
- Turning on the heat or AC
- Warming up the seats
- Popping the trunk
When you press the ignition button on the key fob or remote control, it sends a radio signal to a box that is connected to your vehicle’s ignition switch and starts your engine. The radio signal is unique to each remote starter system, so you won’t have to worry about interference with other remote starter systems.
Types of Remote Starters
There are various types of auto remote starters on the market, including:
- Add-On—a remote starter that is attached to your car keys
- 1-Button—a separate remote that also locks and unlocks the doors
- Keyless Entry Remote—these remote starters often completely replace vehicle keys
- 2-Way Remote—these remote starter systems send data from the vehicle to the owner as well
- Remote with Car Alarm—these remotes control most of the vehicle’s functions including the alarm
- Remote Starter Smartphone App—these remote car starter systems allow you to check on your vehicle’s location via GPS, set its temperature, and control other functions all from the convenience of your smartphone.
Reasons You Should Get One
Here are the top reasons for getting a remote car starter.
Start Your Car Remotely
A keyless car starter allows you to start your car from inside, whether at home or at work. This remote start is especially useful in winter when you need to warm up your vehicle and let the ice and snow melt off before you start driving.
So instead of braving the cold to start your car and chip away at ice, you can save yourself time and prevent yourself from freezing by starting your vehicle remotely.
Good for Your Engine
Remote car starters allow you to start your car remotely before you’re ready to drive, giving your car time to warm up. By giving your engine enough time to warm up before driving, especially in cold weather, you will increase the life and performance of your engine.
Warming up your car for several minutes before driving also thins the oil and improves your gas mileage. Otherwise, if you were to start your car and drive off right away on cold days, your engine will have to work harder and consume more gas.
Security
Many auto remote starters have anti-theft security features built-in. With these security features, the doors will stay locked if you start your car remotely. And the ignition key must be inserted before driving, so if someone manages to break into your running vehicle and tries to drive off, the engine will shut off when the brake is pressed.
Some starters have additional security features that you can activate if your vehicle is stolen, such as setting the alarm off and disconnecting the starter once the vehicle is shut off.
And GPS-enabled smartphone remote starters let you track your vehicle online so you can keep an eye out on the location of your vehicle for safety and security.
Increased Re-Sell Value
Vehicles equipped with remote car starters will have a higher re-sell value than vehicles without them. Especially since cars and trucks with remote car starters are in higher demand, especially in locations with extreme climate conditions, like Ottawa.
Ideal Temperature No Matter the Season
The extreme heat of summer and cold of winter make for uncomfortable temperatures inside vehicles. In summer, you are likely to burn your skin on the hot interior. While in winter, you shiver in the frigid cold as you wait for your car to warm up.
But if you left the heat or air conditioning turned on, with a remote car starter, you can turn on your vehicle and the heat or air conditioning will also start to run. So by the time you step into your car, it’s a comfortable temperature that you won’t dread sitting in.
Simply put, remote car starters make life a whole lot easier. So consider installing one to improve your quality of life while driving in every season.