During the winter season, a familiar commercial often airs on TV. A man and a woman gaze outside at their luxury SUV, as a frigid blizzard rages outside. The woman looks concerned, but the man turns to her and smiles, pulling something out from his pocket. By pressing a small button on his keychain, the engine roars to life, allowing the interior of the car to be heated. The woman smiles back at the man, and the couple walks outside to their SUV, holding hands.
Remote car starting devices have become increasingly popular, especially for people who live in the chilly northern states. In essence, remote car starters are mainly purchased for convenience, since they allow your car to be running (and heated) by the time you need to travel. However, many companies are now combining remote starting devices with other functional tools, such as car alarms.
What Is a Remote Starter?
A remote starting device allows you to start the engine in your car simply by pressing a button that can be attached to your keychain. This device is also sometimes called a “remote keyless ignition”. It operates by transmitting a signal from the button to a small device that is installed near a car’s engine. This device receives the signal from the transmitter, which then turns on the appropriate systems. The receiving device must be connected to these systems:
- The Power Wire
- The Ignition Switch
- The Starter Wire
- The Ignition Wire
- The Ground Wire
- The Brake Wire
- The Tachometer Wire
Remote Starters and Car Alarms
Many car alarm companies are offering remote starting services as an add-on for some car alarm systems. This allows a person to purchase a dual-functionality device, which offers both theft protection and convenience.
Will A Remote Starter Cause My Car to be Stolen?
The concept of turning on a vehicle remotely may also suggest the possibility of the theft of a running vehicle. However, many remote starting systems have functions to prevent this from occurring. After starting the engine, a remote starter will often lock all of the doors, which may only be opened with the owner’s key or remote unlocking device. Also, due to the lack of a key in the ignition, the car is usually unable to be shifted into a driving gear. Another common anti-theft device is a hood tamper switch, which automatically shuts off the engine if someone attempts to open the hood after the remote starter has been enabled. Many remote starters will also shut off the engine as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.
Do You Need a Remote Starter?
As said before, purchasing a remote starter for your vehicle is usually done out of a need for added convenience. Since these devices can be expensive, it’s best to consider your personal situation. If you have young children, it may be beneficial for you to have a device that allows you to warm up the car before driving your children to school. Also, if you or a member of your family has a health condition, any device that limits exposure to cold conditions can be beneficial. Adding a remote starter to your car alarm can be an economical choice if you planned to purchase both devices separately, since their combined price is often less expensive.
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