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You are here: Home / ARTICLES / How to Buy a Remote Start System For Your Vehicle

September 15, 2019 By BestCarAudio.com Leave a Comment

How to Buy a Remote Start System For Your Vehicle

Remote Start SystemMobile 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?

Remote Start SystemYou 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

Remote Start SystemAs 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?

Remote Start SystemAs 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

Remote Start SystemAfter 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?

Remote Start SystemHere 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

Remote Start SystemLet’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.

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Car Audio and so much more! Handcrafted Car Audio is the Valley's premier destination for mobile electronics.  We sell and install everything you … » Read More

Testimonials

Jon is the most stand up car audio guy that I’ve ever met. He is very customer oriented with a high level of integrity. He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of car audio and is willing to work with you to reach your goals. His level of craftsmanship is phenomenal and the work he did for me far exceeded my expectations.I HIGHLY recommend Handcrafted Car Audio. » Read More
Scott S.
QUALITY! I was looking for a shop to install an audison full DA system in my new truck. I wanted to make sure that whoever did the install was familiar with this type of setup. After months of calling around,visiting shops and online research I wasn't having any luck. I happened to be on audison's web site and found an audison preferred dealers list. Unfortunatley there wasn't any here in... » Read More
Esteban Martinez
THIS IS THE PLACE Hey, if you're looking for a "TOP NOTCH" audio adviser/installer in the Phoenix Valley, stop. This is it. Handcrafted Car Audio has the best shop in town and perhaps the South West. You Vegas guys, pay attention too. I have been in this industry.. we call it "12volts" - for most of my life. That's 30+ years, you don't need to know more detail than that.... » Read More
PARVIN
My wife and I had just purchased a brand new Toyota Prius...a big change for us in all aspects...especially now being without her remote start here in the desert. After a lot of research and great discussions with Nik Edmonds...he convinced me to bring the car in and let them add remote start for us. I was thoroughly impressed by the attention to detail and that they went above and... » Read More
JD Downes
Very pleased with the service! I went in to check on a remote started but didn't think I would be able to get it done because I was leaving the state the following week, but Jon got me in the next day and it was done in just a few hours. He made sure I knew how everything worked and told me to call him if I had any problems.... » Read More
Kelli
True Professionals TRUE PROFESSIONALS - need I say more? » Read More
Glen
After having some work done by another installer. I went to see Jon at Handcrafted Car Audio. He did not try to placate me and he was very factual about what he would do. The end result is that I am completely satisfied with the work done. He went the extra mile for me when I thought I had a problem with the system (turned out to be a loose... » Read More
Max O.
Jon has done 2 installs for me in the past. Each time, I have walked away very satisfied. His work exceeded my expectations on both occasions. I recently had a head unit installed, and the kit was designed to eliminate my stock lcd screen which displayed the A/C controlls. Instead of eliminating the lcd screen, he studied the components and figured out a way to keep the screen there. I... » Read More
Josh
These guys rock!! If you want it done right, go here! They take the time to understand your listening desires and customize to exceed expectations!! Well worth your time!!! John knows his stuff…has received several awards as a result! » Read More
Nicko
Jon and his staff are simply the very best… bar none! I have a 2007 S550 Mercedes that I prize very much…as in “I’m a Jewish mother” when it comes to my wonderful automobile. I had Jon install a super set of DVD players for the rear seats and he’s going to be putting in a remote starter, (really necessary for the Arizona 116 degree days). Jon’s prices are very... » Read More
Dave
Jon and staff upgraded my 2998 Infiniti hard top convertible with a new Pioneer head unit, and replaced the existing Bose Amp and some speakers with Audison products. The sound quality/improvement is outstanding. The job was particularly challenging since Infiniti/Bose did a "special" fabrication for some of their vehicles that model year, and wiring diagrams did not match what was supposed to be in the vehicle during fabrication. These folks... » Read More
Christopher Mucha
I'm not a pro. I haven't kept up with car audio in so long I still call it car stereo. So it was my wife's birthday and the head end in her 2004 Avalon ate a CD and wouldn't let go. I understand that happens. So time for a new system. And, I thought, why not beef up the sound a bit while we're at it. Not sure quite how... » Read More
Michael
THE MAN in phoenix I am a custom car audio installer in San Jose, CA 🙂 www.simplicityinsound.com...and I have to say, having met Jon and seen his work, if I lived in the greater PHX area, i would rather pay him to work my own car than do it myself...and i think thats the highest compliment someone in my field can pay to a peer. Don't hesitate to go here,... » Read More
simplicityinsound
2012 IS350C F-Sport Prior to coming to Handcrafted Car Audio, I did my due diligence and researched the company along with many others. Just purchased a new, top of the line, rare car and needed the best care and products installed (I'm kinda anal about my ride). After meeting with Jon, he took the time to explain the best set- up for me and walked me through the entire process... » Read More
Tony
I consider myself a very, very picky consumer, especially when it comes to my vehicle. Out of the many choices in the PHX area, I chose this shop because they carried the brand I needed (number one), but number two his youtube videos online of how professional and organized his shop was is what really sold me. Jon is a pro and knows what he is doing. After meeting him,... » Read More
Agent409
This guy is the best car audio installer in the valley. Did a very complex audio/video installation in my BMW 745. Now I have my ipod connected in a jack in my ashtray with video in my navigation unit. If u have audio work that needs to be done this is the guy to have it done. » Read More
sharpiesignature
I first became acquainted with Jon Kowanetz and Handcrafted Car Audio in July 2009. I was in the process of developing a high-end audio system in one of my vehicles and had sought out the services of a quality-oriented professional installer.From our first meeting, I realized Jon was different from most other car audio pros I had previously dealt with. He listened to my desires, asked appropriate questions, and made... » Read More
Todd B.
Jon and his team are consummate professionals. I have had three vehicles worked on at handcrafted (audio, parking sensors, window tint). The completed work at Handcrafted always exceeds my expectations. The Handcrafted folks understand and work to your requirements and provide solutions that meet and exceed those requirements. They are very skilled at installation and provide you with options for you to make informed decisions. They have recently made my... » Read More
Greg
These guys did an excellent job replacing the factory stereo in my BMW. I initially met with Jon to share my concerns and explain what I was looking for. We quickly arrived at a package that addressed my needs. Jon didn't try to push any products that I didn't need. He simply answered my questions and explained my options. The installation was clean, and afterward they showed me how to... » Read More
pete
flawless Handcrafted installed a mobile eye system on our 2014 Mercedes GLK. Perfect job, looks likes it came from the factory that way, thanks again » Read More
alan castello
Cream of the Crop! As a vendor of Handcrafted Car Audio, Jon has, on more than one occasion, repaired/handled an installation for us directly. He is the premier shop in his area, and always has been 100% professional and honest in all aspects. We have asked him on multiple occasions to repair another shop/installers work and every single issue was completed in a timely manner and resulted in very happy... » Read More
Jason Ewing
Top Notch Professional Installation After looking around for a few weeks I came across Handcrafted Car Audio. They installed a Sony in dash gps unit along with their top remote care starter and alarm. The Installation was well done and everything was done quickly and very professional. Jon took the time on a Sat right before Christmas knowing that I was leaving town soon and showed me how to navigate... » Read More
Aaron Bree
Best car audio place in the valley. You will not find better brands any were else. I am currently working 75 hours a week and don’t have time to go in to audio shops and try to find an amp that is worth buying. I was sending text to Jon on breaks or between customers and he ended up finding me amp that I didn’t think I had the money... » Read More
Richard D.
Jon is the effing man! Just finished rebuilding a 65 mustang and my system was the finishing touch, Jon installed custom kick panels, sub box and amp rack in a day at an awesome price. Not to mention great service, later on I screwed up some wiring to my fan, Jon saw me in a parking lot trying to fix it, he took time to pull over and help me... » Read More
JD
First Class I found Handcrafted after being disappointed with another store in the Mesa area. I did some other searches online and found Handcrafted. I set up an appointment to meet with Jon. When I met Jon, I knew that I had found the shop for which I had been looking. He really cares about getting the best sound for you and listens to your opinion on what you want.... » Read More
Jason
Great service and very clean shop. They did a radio installation on my moms accord and she couldn't be happier. She loves the bluetooth capability and the price of it all. No surprises at the register. Definitely will be bringing my Tahoe to then soon. Customers for life. Thank you James for helping her make the right decision and not pressuring her into a more expensive radio. Nick thank you... » Read More
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Excellent customer service! Over the pastt 20 years I've been to several so called car audio and alarm shops in the valley. I have never been as pleased with the installation of my truck alarm and the customer service that I received at Handcrafted. Additionally, none of these other shops gave me a tour or took the time to explain why they recommend the products that they sell. Handcrafted's ownership... » Read More
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Backup Camera Mike did an excellent job of installing the backup camera system in our Tahoe. The installation is spotless and the rear view mirror display is very clear; even at nighttime. Also, the job was completed in a very timely manner. Thank you » Read More
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Flawless Service, Flawless Drone After doing some online research, I called Jon to discuss the remote starter and security system that I wanted to have installed in my brand new 2013 Nissan Titan Pro 4x. I was looking to keep this vehicle for a decade or more, and I wanted to install a top of the line system. During our phone conversation, I decided to make an appointment with Jon... » Read More
Tommy
I have been to many stereo shops over the years, this place is different from the rest. Now if you don’t care who works on your car and do your shopping based on price alone this place is not for you. If you care about your car and want it worked on by a true professional who has real talent and passion about what he does. Check this place out! » Read More
Joe H.
Refreshing change As pretty much everyone before me has said, the unparalleled professionalism of Jon and his shop are above and beyond what can be said in a simple online review. From the moment I first walked into the shop, I knew that this was the only place I would feel completely at ease with leaving my baby (2012 Evo X) in their hands. Jon took the time to listen... » Read More
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