Many consumers ask if a remote car starter affects the safety and security of their vehicle. A while back, we talked about warm-up thefts and how thieves prey on people who start their vehicles with the key to let them warm up in the morning. Leaving your key in your vehicle is, of course, begging for trouble, and a properly designed and installed remote start system is the perfect solution. Let’s talk about how car starters work in terms of theft prevention and the safety of those working on or around the vehicle.

Remote Started Vehicles Are Safe

Modern car starter systems integrate with the security and anti-theft systems built into modern vehicles. Digital communication on the CAN and LIN bus networks in the vehicle not only handles all the required authentic protocols, but many of the ignition and start commands can be issued by data as opposed to the conventional analog signal method from days gone by. This technology has eliminated the chance of a vehicle being “hot-wired” by crossing a few wires under the dash like in a scene from an ’80s movie or TV show.

Most car starters ensure that the doors are locked after the start process is complete. The systems also require the presence of a factory-issued wireless fob or the use of the key in the ignition. Finally, if the vehicle isn’t “started” with the key (either mechanically or electronically), the starter system will shut down as soon as the brake pedal is depressed. The latter scenario assumes that a thief was able to get into the locked vehicle.

Starter Safety for Mechanics and Technicians

If installed properly, a modern remote starter will include a hood pin or a tilt switch, or it will be integrated with a factory hood pin so the system is disabled when a technician or mechanic is working on the vehicle. Likewise, a properly installed starter system will include a valet switch or a way to put the system into a Valet mode using the remote. Once in Valet, the remote start functionality is disabled, but door lock and unlock functionality continues to work.

Another safety feature is over-rev production. If the engine speed exceeds a preset level before the ignition is turned on with the key or start button, the engine will shut down automatically.

Manual Transmission Starter Safety

Dozens, if not hundreds, of discussions have looked at the safety of remote car starters designed for use in vehicles with manual transmissions. The question of just how safe these systems are depends directly on the solution you purchase. A basic solution requires that you use some type of reservation mode. The process involves stopping the car and setting the parking brake, then sending the start command from the remote control to the vehicle. The owner can turn the engine off and exit the vehicle. The engine will continue to run. Once the lock button is pressed on the remote, the system shuts the engine down. If a door is opened before the car is started, the reservation mode is canceled.

Some companies take manual transmission starter safety even further by including a motion sensor with the system. If the vehicle moves when the engine starts, the ignition is disabled. Compustar systems include a sensor called the DAS2 that monitors motion, shock and glass breakage to ensure that the vehicle is safe and secure.

Choose Your Remote Starter Carefully

As we’ve said several dozen times, the performance and reliably of your car starter system depends on the products you choose and how those solutions are integrated into your vehicle. Lots of inexpensive products are available for every category of the mobile enhancement industry. Your satisfaction depends on your choice. In terms of a car starter, saving a few dollars may not be wise. Drop by a few local specialty mobile enhancement retailers to learn about the solutions that are available for your vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Before we dive into a discussion of the potential benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a dealer-installed remote car starter, let’s make it clear that, as they say, your mileage may vary. What we mean is that no two installers will install a car starter the same way, and your car dealer might offer high-quality products and employ an expertly trained technician with years of experience. The alternative, as we’ll point out in this article, is that someone unqualified might be messing with the wiring in the dash of your brand-new vehicle.

The Dealership Remote Starter Sales Process

More often than not, new cars don’t come with a remote car starter. Cars are often designed as global solutions, so while the folks in Mexico could benefit from letting the air conditioning run for a few minutes on a 120-degree summer day, most people associate starter systems with cold weather. If you ask about a starter during the purchase process and it’s not something on the feature list in the brochure, chances are very good that the dealership will be performing, or at least coordinating, the installation before you pick up the vehicle. This is very common and not in any way abnormal. Hundreds of reputable mobile enhancement shops around the country provide upgrades and enhancements for local car dealers.

Find Out Who’s Working on Your Vehicle

Let’s get to the point, shall we? If you agree to purchase a remote car starter system from the dealership, you need to ask a few very important questions. First, find out who will be installing the system in the vehicle. Ask for proof of their qualifications. Sadly, and though there are exceptions, automotive repair technicians are not always trained to upgrade vehicles reliably. If a local shop is doing the work, visit that shop and ask to see samples of their wiring. Quality retailers will typically be able to show you how they prep the remote starter hardware before working on the vehicle.

How Are Electrical Connections Made?

A car or truck driving down the road is subject to often intense vibrations. All of these little bumps and wiggles can wreak havoc on poorly executed electrical connections. Vehicle manufacturers have invested millions of dollars to ensure that the wiring in your vehicle is secure and connections to components remain reliable. It’s crucial that you know how the shop that is going to work on your car will make mechanically stable connections when installing a car starter. There are many different ways to connect two wires. When executed properly, both soldered and crimped connections can work well. What doesn’t work well is twisting and taping or T-taps.

What Remote Starter System Are You Buying?

Next, and of similar importance to the reliability of your vehicle, is the quality of the remote starter hardware. There are very inexpensive starter systems on the market. These systems often don’t include many extra features or options and definitely don’t provide much range. You may find that old starter technology puts greater strain on a vehicle’s electrical system. If you don’t drive at least once or twice a week, you could wake up to a dead or very weak battery on a cold morning.

Find out what brand of starter is being installed in the vehicle. It’s your money, and you most certainly have the right to know what’s being installed in your car.

Remote Range and Control Options

If you visit a specialty mobile enhancement retailer to purchase a car starter, they should ask you a series of questions that will help them determine which product is best for your situation. This extends beyond knowing the make, model and year of the vehicle. The salesperson should be trying to determine how much remote range you need, if you need a single- or multi-button remote, if you want rear window defroster control, if there are heated seats, a heated steering wheel or perhaps a power sliding door in a minivan that you want to open remotely. If you aren’t being asked these questions, the process is broken.

Another great option is a telematics solution. Products like DroneMobile allow you to use an app on your phone to start your car with a simple tap. You can even upgrade the service to include GPS-based vehicle locating and geofencing features for added safety.

What Should a Car Starter Cost?

The answer to this is tricky. Without knowing exactly what you are getting, it’s hard to determine value. We suggest that you shop around at some local specialty retailers to find out what they charge for a car starter for your vehicle. The owner of the Mazda CX-5 with the single-function, pull-up antenna remote shown above was charged $700 for the car starter system. That’s an unreasonable price for old technology.

Choose Who Works on Your Vehicle

Before you agree to any dealership-installed upgrades on a new vehicle, find out exactly what they intend to do. Get the make and model of the car starter (or window tint or paint protection film) and do some research. Chances are, a local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can offer a similar or better solution, with a better installation for improved reliability, often for a lot less money.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Leaving your vehicle unattended and running is an open invitation for thieves to steal your car or truck. In Northern states and Canada, these crimes are often called warm-up thefts, and their frequency peaks as cold weather arrives. The reality is, whether you’re letting your air conditioning run on a hot summer day in Texas or Arizona or have the heater and rear window defroster going on a cold morning in North Dakota or Alberta, leaving your vehicle running and unattended is a dangerous proposition. Let’s look at how you can prevent someone from stealing your vehicle and still have it comfortable inside when it’s time to go.

What Are Warm-Up Thefts?

Imagine the all-so-common scenario of wanting to start your vehicle’s engine so it can warm up before you leave for work. You throw on a coat and boots, head out, put the key in the ignition and start the vehicle. While you’re back in the house grabbing your coffee and lunch bag, a thief can hop in the car or truck and drive away a matter of seconds.

Not only is your car or truck gone, but you also have the hassle of explaining the whole thing to the police and your insurance company. Many insurers want to see the vehicle keys before paying to replace your car or truck, a policy that comes in the wake of many fraudulent claims.

Can You Keep Your Vehicle Locked?

If you recall back to the ’80s, cars came with two keys. One key was for the ignition and the other was for the door locks. Back then, it was easy to start the vehicle, then lock the doors to keep things secure. As we’ve moved to single-key and keyless solutions, the simple issue of locking the car doors while having the engine running is more complicated. If the key is in the car, how are you going to lock it?

For cars with keyless entry systems, very few will allow you to lock the doors with the remote once the engine has started. Even without the key nearby, these cars can often be driven away. A new key might cost the thief a few hundred dollars and he or she still makes a tidy profit selling the stolen vehicle.

Remote Car Starters Let You Warm the Vehicle Safely

The beauty of a remote car starter is that when it’s integrated into the vehicle properly, your car or truck is just as difficult to steal once started as it is when off. Car starter systems don’t typically bypass security functions like transponder or proximity keys. As such, in order to drive a remote started vehicle, you still need the original key. Likewise, once the engine has started, a process that takes a second or two, the doors usually remain locked. Finally, almost every starter system is tied into the brake or clutch. If either pedal is pressed before the ignition is turned on with one of the original vehicle keys, the starter system shuts the engine down immediately.

Questions about how your specific vehicle works should be directed to the sales team at your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer before you agree to the installation.

Avoid Warm-Up Thefts with an Auto Start System

If you’re hoping to avoid being the victim of a warm-up theft, the options are simple: Stay in the vehicle while it warms up, or have a high-quality remote start system installed by a professional. As we remind all of our readers, wisely choose the technician who’s going to work on your vehicle. The safety and reliability of your car, truck or SUV depends on how each connection is executed, where components are located and the integration and starter hardware you choose. Upgrades and modifications to your vehicle should never be taken lightly.

Drop by a few of the specialty mobile enhancement retailers in your area and ask them about the car starter products they offer and how they perform their installations. Better yet, ask to look at examples of their work. Once you know your options, you can choose the retailer that offers the highest-quality solution.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Mobile electronics require a much different purchasing process than something you are buying for home use. A piece of furniture, a new toaster or a new lawnmower may require similar levels of research before making the purchase, but once you have them, you can take them home, unpack them, and start using them right away. Mobile electronic products like a new radio, an amplifier or a remote start system are more akin to buying a new electrical panel for your home or pump for your pool or hot tub. None of these products will do anything unless they are installed properly. Importantly, if these products are not installed properly, significant and serious problems could arise.

One of the more complex purchases you can make in terms of an automotive accessory is a remote car starter. These fantastic products will let you start your car by pressing a button on a remote. Your car can idle safely and securely in your driveway or parking lot so that it will be more comfortable when you get to it. In the summer, a few minutes running your air conditioning can cool the interior of your vehicle significantly. In the winter, letting the engine build up heat and the rear defroster start melting ice, frost or snow can make heading to work much more pleasant.

What Comes With a Remote Start System?

If you walk into your local mobile electronics retailer and look inside a remote starter box, you will see a black plastic case with as many as 20 different wire connectors and perhaps 100 individual electrical connections. There are usually three to six wire harnesses in the box, as well as a pair of remote controls, an antenna and the antenna data cable. If the system includes security features, then there will be a siren and a shock or motion sensor of some kind.

What’s with all the Wires?

You might wonder why there are so many harnesses and wires on the remote starter. Most remote starter systems are designed as universal platforms. They need inputs and outputs in order to work with thousands of different vehicles. Power, ground, ignition, start, door lock, door unlock, door trigger, key sense, and brake input are some of the simple-to-understand connections. There are dozens more. The system also needs to be able to communicate with vehicle interface modules, telematics devices and system programming devices during the installation process. Safety switches, LED’s, antennae, temperature probes and security sensors often have their own dedicated connectors.

What You Need to Know to Buy a Remote Starter System

As the consumer, you should prepare yourself with some information for the retailer before you go shopping. You don’t need to know what make or model of remote starter you want to purchase, but you do need a clear understanding of how you will use the system. You’ll need to know how much remote range is required based on where you park your car at home or work. Will you want 1-Way or 2-Way remotes? If you opt for a 2-Way remote, are you OK with LED indicators, or do you want an LCD display? Are you interested in adding security (car alarm) functions to the remote starter? If you have a minivan with power sliding doors, do you want the remote starter to be able to open and close them? Many remote starters can automatically activate heated seats, heated steering wheels and the rear window defroster if the temperature inside the vehicle is below a preset level. Are those features you may want?

At the same time, you are describing what you want your new remote starter to do, the salesperson will be honing in on the best system they have to give you those functions while working with your vehicle. He or she will need to know if your vehicle has a manual or automatic transmission. Does your vehicle have keyless entry? Does it have apush-to-start ignition system? You need to know the exact year, make, model and trim level of the vehicle in order to complete the quotation process. Different applications can often require significantly different interface hardware.

What Does a Remote Starter Cost?

As you can see, creating an accurate quote requires significant research on the part of the retailer. Without the proper information, asking “what does a remote starter cost?” is like asking how much a new house or car costs. There are simply too many options and variables to provide an all-encompassing answer.

The answer to the question of what a remote starter costs is based on the features and performance you want from the system. If you have a common vehicle and don’t need much range, you can get a quality remote starter for $300 or $400. If you want as much range as possible, want the heated seats and rear defroster to activate automatically, have a manual transmission, choose an LCD remote and want security features like a siren and shock sensor, the bill could be well over $1000.

Remote Starter System Quality

As with any product, there are good quality products and inexpensive products. We can’t tell you which to buy and which to avoid, but a general rule of thumb is to stick to the brands you have heard of. Premium products often provide better vehicle compatibility and more reliability in terms of their remotes. Some brands include remotes that are water resistant or even waterproof. Better quality systems often carry longer warranties.

How consumers perceive the performance of a remote starter is not in whether or not the vehicle starts, but often how quickly the system responds to commands from the remote and how easy it is to use. Premium products offer a better overall user experience.

Questions for the Retailer

After you and the salesperson are homing in on the perfect remote starter solution for your vehicle and your requirements, it is time to turn the interview process around and ask a few questions. Ask about the warranty on the remote starter. Most carry a long warranty on the control module and between one and three years on the remotes and accessories. Ask if you need to register with the manufacturer in order for the warranty to be valid. Some brands require this step. Ask about their warranty on the installation. Many premiere shops back their labor with a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own your vehicle.

Are they Worthy?

Here is where your gut instinct kicks in. Ask them about how they install the remote starter into your vehicle. There is no right answer here, but there are certainly wrong answers. A few key words to listen for are “soldering” or specific connection types such as a “Western Union”. If they mention “3M” or “tesa tape”, those are very good signs. We can’t really say that one method or term is better than another, but you will get a sense of their attention to detail in how they integrate the starter with your vehicle.

Many shops start every installation with a vehicle pre-inspection, just like when you rent a car. This process will identify any abnormalities in the physical condition of the vehicle or issues with the electrical system. For example, if the vehicle Check Engine light is on, that should be addressed before the remote starter installation begins. Some shops will use heavy-duty seat covers, floor mats and even steering wheel covers to protect the interior while they are working on it.

Have a look at the shop itself. Does it seem organized? Is the store relatively tidy? Ultimately, If you aren’t getting a warm and fuzzy feeling, ask more questions. If you aren’t comfortable, keep shopping.

Why Installation Matters

Let’s go back to our analogy of buying a new electrical panel for your home. Perhaps you want to add a few circuits to your workshop or the garage and the original panel has run out of room. Maybe you have a home with screw-in fuses and you want to upgrade to circuit breakers with an integrated GFCI for the kitchen and bathrooms? You should seek out a licensed electrician to perform the retrofit. He will know the local building code guidelines and understand how to route and secure the wiring safely to ensure maximum performance and reliability.

A single loose electrical connection, be it in the home or in your vehicle can be very dangerous. Poor connections can heat up or act intermittently. When working on the electrical system of your vehicle, every connection is equally important and should be treated as such. A quality electrical connection must be electrically conductive, mechanically secure and properly protected.

If you decided to look in a remote starter box, you will find instructions for the starter. This guide explains the function of each wire and connector on the starter brain. It does not explain which wires need to be used in your specific vehicle. Installing a remote car starter requires the technician to understand which wires need to be used to communicate with your vehicle in order to make it start. It takes years of experience and constant education to be a good remote start installer.

Who you choose to integrate the remote starter system you want into your vehicle is more important than any of the features on the remote starter itself. A mediocre quality remote starter that is installed properly can outperform a premium starter that has a questionable installation. We recommend looking for the best possible starter and installation for long-term enjoyment of the system.

Add Comfort and Convenience Today

Purchasing a remote starter for yourself, for a friend or a family member is a great idea for birthdays and holidays. When it is the middle of the summer, coming out of work after a long day to a car that is already cooling off can be refreshing. Likewise, heading out the door on a cold winter morning to toasty warm seats and windows that are easy to brush off can not only save you time but significantly reduce your stress level. Visit your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about the remote start options available for your car, truck or SUV. You’ll be glad you did.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

With the colder weather upon us, the mobile electronics industry is shifting its focus from audio systems to remote car starters. When it comes to buying a remote car starter, the biggest decision consumers have to make is how much range they need. If you are looking for the ultimate in convenience, a telematics system that uses your smartphone to communicate with the remote starter system is the epitome of control solutions. Let’s look at how smartphone control systems work and some of the options they provide.

How Smartphone Remote Starters Work

A remote car starter is, in concept, a very simple premise. Pressing a button on a radio-frequency remote control tells a control module (or two) in your car, truck or SUV to start. A limitation of this technology is range – that’s the distance between you and your vehicle where commands from the remote work reliably. If you are farther away than your remote control allows, your vehicle won’t start.

A few years ago, someone came up with the idea to use a cellular radio to transmit information to and from your remote car starter system. This cellular radio uses the same technology as your cell phone but foregoes the ability to transmit audio. Pressing a button on your phone’s screen transmits a command to the system’s network server using your cellular data connection. The server authenticates your user account, then forwards that command to the cellular radio in the car through a cell phone carrier. Once the module in the car receives the signal, it tells the remote car starter to begin the starting sequence. While this sounds complicated, the entire process typically takes less than 20 seconds.

Two-Way Communication

Once the car starts successfully, the control module in the car sends a confirmation back to the server, which relays that message to the app on your phone. The application will display an icon or message that shows the vehicle has started. This bidirectional confirmation lets you know when your vehicle has completed any requested task. Door locking, unlocking, power trunk release and system auxiliary outputs are controllable from within most applications.

Added Features and Functions

Once you have the control module in your vehicle, many additional functions can be performed. While some remote starter systems require additional hardware, you can usually check the temperature of the vehicle interior or request the vehicle’s battery voltage from the app.

Some premium control modules include a compact GPS receiver. Pressing a button on the smartphone app will send a request for the GPS receiver to provide the vehicle location. The app will display the location on a map and will typically include the vehicle’s speed and heading. The location is typically accurate to within a few meters and can be as detailed as letting you know which side of your driveway the car is parked on.

Security Features

Most applications include the ability to configure alerts that use location information. Geofencing will send you an alert if your vehicle enters or exits a preset area. Perhaps one of your kids is supposed to stay within the city limits when he or she borrows a vehicle. Some systems provide automatic alerts if the vehicle changes location without having been unlocked first. This warning is often a sign that someone is trying to tow your vehicle.

Most cellular control modules will work with security systems as well. You can arm or disarm the system using the app. If the alarm is triggered, a warning will be displayed on your phone in seconds. Some systems can be configured to send a text message and an e-mail as well.

Do I Have To Worry About Range?

The beauty of using the cellular communication network is that there is no real limit to how far away you can be from your vehicle. As long as your phone and the vehicle are in an area covered by cell towers, you can be across the street or across the country and still be able to communicate with your remote starter. In fact, your vehicle could be parked at the local airport and you could be sitting poolside in the tropics. As long as you have cell phone access, you are connected.

Is There a Cost Involved?

Manufacturers of these smartphone control modules use third-party cellular networks. As such, they have to pay for that usage. This cost is passed on to the consumer. Most service plans start around $6 a month for basic remote control function coverage. These basic plans include locking, unlocking, remote starting and control of auxiliary outputs. There are typically discounts for yearly or multi-year subscriptions.

For systems with GPS functions, plan pricing starts at about $8 a month. These premium services add vehicle location and speed requests, over-speed alerts and the aforementioned geofencing features.

Are These Tracking Systems?

While any of the GPS systems can certainly provide the vehicle location at a moment’s notice, these systems operate differently than a classic tracking system. Modern tracking systems automatically transmit their location to the host server every few minutes. Depending on how the information will be used, the frequency of these transmissions varies between 1 and 20 minutes while the vehicle is in operation. Tracking solutions designed for corporate applications can track mileage and idle time and can help manage maintenance schedules. A few systems include logic to identify aggressive driving behaviors to assist in driver coaching.

Remote Starter Smartphone Control Is Here Now

Many manufacturers offer integration with smartwatches like the Apple Watch. The app on the watch relays information to the phone, and subsequently, on to your vehicle. Alerts from the vehicle are, of course, displayed on your watch.

Several companies are working to integrate Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa and Echo voice control into their telematics systems. Currently, there are safety issues around appropriate security and authentication processes, but being able to lock and unlock your vehicle is as simple as saying, “OK, Google, unlock my car.”

Visit Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialty Retailer Today

If you are interested in a telematics system for your car, truck or SUV, drop into your local mobile electronics specialty retailer. Ask them about adding a remote car starter or security system with smartphone control to your vehicle. They will be able to explain all the options and let you know what the cost will be. With your smartphone able to control your vehicle, locking keys in the car or not having enough range on your remote starter will never be a concern again.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.