Remote Start: Pros and Cons

Gone are the days of needing to be in your car to turn on the ignition. Nowadays everything is designed to make life easier.

Smart devices allow people to do things like lock their doors when they are away from home or turn on the lights. Well, the same thing goes for vehicles. Remote start kits take things to another level.

If you're thinking about installing this device in your car, take a look at the information below to learn the pros and cons.

The Pros of a Remote Car Starter

A remote start has lots of benefits. Seriously, who can go wrong with starting their ignition wirelessly? Here are the most common advantages:

Convenience 

The ability to start your car before getting inside is a huge perk. Hopping into your vehicle and driving off without starting the ignition makes things much more convenient. You don’t have to worry about fumbling for your keys before hitting the road.

Plus, if you have bags in your hands or kids to buckle in, the car is ready to go when you are. 

Comfort

One of the primary advantages of a remote start is comfort. It allows you to start the engine and have a nice temperature once you get inside. Set the air conditioner or heater to the temp that you prefer before getting out of the car.

That way, once you start your vehicle it'll come on. That's a huge benefit for cold winters and extremely hot summers. You no longer have to sit and wait for the temperature to acclimate to your liking.

Everyone knows the agony of sitting in a blistering cold car waiting for the windows to defrost. Let's not forget the pain of burning yourself on the seat buckle during scorching summers.

With a remote start, you can kiss that inconvenience goodbye. 

Better Engine Care

Speaking of the temperature, warming the engine before driving helps to keep the engine intact. When the weather gets cold, the engine must heat up before it runs.

By doing so, it allows the oil to liquefy for better lubrication before speeding off. The warm-up period is especially helpful for cars or trucks with diesel engines.

However, when you're in a hurry, it's easy to forget about the importance of this process. How many times have you cranked the car and hit the highway before your car was properly warmed?

Most people are guilty of it, but repeating this multiple times can severely ruin your engine. Luckily, a remote start fixes this issue. It's a win-win!

Greater Resale Value

Having a remote car starter increases its resale value, especially if you reside in an area with a cold climate. It doesn't have any bearing on the car's condition or how well it runs.

However, it can provide a higher demand for trade-in value at the dealership. Vehicles that have additional features are usually more alluring. 

Extra Security 

The doors automatically lock when the remote start feature is turned on. It ensures that no one can get inside unless they are holding the key. This extra level of security provides a large advantage and allows you to start the car without worrying about theft.

Smartphone Control

Some remote start installation kits also come with smart features. Upgraded remote starts let you lock and unlock your doors by using your phone. It also sends alerts if the car alarm is triggered.

Furthermore, smart features enable you to track your vehicle in large parking lots. Not to mention, you can set the temperature of your vehicle using your phone.

Remote Start Cons

Now that you know all the wonderful features of a remote start, it's time for the downside. As with anything, there are cons involved. However, accessing your car's ignition from several feet away is pretty awesome.

Honestly, that luxury exceeds any drawbacks of a remote start. Nonetheless, here are the cons:

Additional Weight

One disadvantage of the remote start is the size of the key fob. It's relatively thick and adds extra weight to the key ring. Some people like for their keyring to be lightweight and easy to put into their pockets.

But with the key fob, it makes it more difficult.

More Fuel

Another downside to using a remote car starter is the additional gas. When you start your car early more fuel gets wasted. Although only a little gas burns at a time, small amounts accumulate over time.

Wear and Tear on the Engine

Running your engine longer leads to more wear and tear. That means you have to pay more attention to your engine's fuel level.

Also, fuel doesn't drain unless you're driving your car. If it sits and runs without moving, that causes extra problems for your engine as well.

Remote Start Cost

Believe it or not, remote car starters are relatively inexpensive. You’ll spend less than $200 for an installation kit, even for a smart starter. 

That price range is pretty good considering the convenience that it provides. Honestly, it’s well worth the price.

Get Your Engine Going With a Remote Start

Now that you understand the pros and cons of having a remote start,  are you ready to get it installed? If so, we've got you covered.

Big Jeff Audio has a large inventory viper remote start kits and more. We offer financing and will ship your order within 24 hours. If you have any questions feel free to contact us on our website and our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.