Has your car been baking in the sun for hours, and you're breaking a sweat just thinking about getting in? Or temperatures are below freezing, and you dread driving in a cold vehicle.
In either situation, the push of a button can help start your vehicle's engine and bring the interior to the right temperature before you put it in gear. And while some newer vehicles come with a remote start feature, not every car has this. Its best to weigh the pros and cons if you are considering getting remote start function on your vehicle.
Convenience
The biggest advantage of a remote start is convenience. All you have to do is push a button to start your vehicle and bring it to the desired temperature. Whether it's a cold day and you want your car warmed up before you get in, or a hot day and you want it cooled down, hit a button, and your car is ideal temperature after a while. The convenience is worth it if you plan to use this function frequently.
Value-Added Features
Many remote starters do more than start your vehicle from a distance. Today's remote starters are packed with value-added features that can also unlock your vehicle. You can also see if your vehicle is running, pop the trunk, and more. Some remote starters can even be controlled via your smartphone, while others are designed to work from long distances - sometimes as far as 1 mile away. Whether you're looking for a basic remote starter or one with all the bells and whistles, there are plenty of options to choose from today.
Upfront Cost
The biggest drawback to a remote starter is its price. While basic models are typically priced under $100, the more advanced models can cost several hundreds of dollars. In addition to the unit's price, there's also the cost of professional installation, which may amount to an additional $200 or so. By the time it's all said and done, paying upwards of $500 for the remote starter and installation is not uncommon.
Engine Wear and Tear
When most people activate their remote starter, it's usually during temperature extremes with the intent of getting their vehicle warmed up or cooled down before they enter. However, frequent rapid heating and cooling can take its toll on your vehicle's engine and result in greater maintenance costs throughout ownership.
Remote Starters Aren't For Every Vehicle
While a remote starter can be installed on almost every vehicle, some exceptions exist. Manual transmission vehicles - still a labor of love for many drivers - are one of these exceptions. Though possible to install a remote starter on a manual transmission, complications can raise the installation cost even more.
