With fall in our lap and winter right around the corner, this is when most of us begin to think about icy roads, shoveling snow and cold winter mornings spent scraping off our windshields. Having a remote start offers the comfort of warming up your vehicle on cold winter days without ever having to step foot outside. It can also be used turn on the air conditioner during sweltering days or in warmer climates. 

Choosing an electric start system is fairly easy; however you’ll probably want to have it professionally installed to take advantage of any installation warranties.

Choosing a Remote Start System

Research online and compare prices and features.  You’ll probably want a system that offers key-less entry and an alarm. Some also come with a vehicle locator and panic alarm. 

Note what the range is, since this will prove important if you live in an apartment building where you’re not always guaranteed a parking spot directly in front of or near your building, or if you must park varying distances from your office or employment building. 

If you’ll be parking where you can see your vehicle from another location, purchasing a system that also allows visual verification of start-up by flashing headlights is a plus this way you can see the remote start is working.

A great idea is to also purchase a system that comes equipped with a brake switch, which will shut the vehicle off thereby making the vehicle inoperable when the brake is engaged.

Some manufacturers to consider:

• Bulldog Security
• Viper
• Hornet
• Audiovox
• Valiant
• Crime Stopper
• Directed Electronics

Installation

Once you determine what features you’d like to have and have chosen a remote start system in your price range, it’s time for installation.

In my case, I purchased my remote start system from the same folks who installed it, so I was able to get a discount on the purchase price.  Many companies will offer to install the system at a discount if you purchase it from them or may offer the system itself at a discount if you have it installed at the same place you’ve purchased it from, so watch for local deals in your area - especially this time of year.

Installation usually takes a few hours, but may take a day depending on how busy the service shop is. 

After the system has been installed, the technician will usually walk you through the operation process.  If not, ask someone at the shop to show you how your new remote system works. Before you leave, ask any questions you may have including questions about warranties.

Be sure to read your owner’s manual for further information.

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