Top 4 Benefits of a Remote Starter

One convenient feature on many modern cars is a remote starter. Whether installed as a factory option or purchased as an aftermarket accessory, a remote starter allows a driver to start a car’s engine with a remote control, usually in the form of an electronic key fob or even a smartphone. Besides the obvious advantage of stepping into a warm (or cool) car, there are several benefits of having a remote starter.

Most drivers desire a remote starter for the comfort of having a car that is warm or cool before you get in. By leaving the heater or air conditioning in the “On” position, a driver can activate the remote starter then wait several minutes, during which time the climate control runs. On a hot summer day a cool car is what you need the most and for those bitter cold mornings, imagine sitting in the car waiting for it to warm up.

There is also a safety benefit to having a remote starter that is often understated. By allowing an icy car to warm up before driving, it is easier to scrape or defrost the windows, resulting in greater visibility, greater safety for the driver. Warming the car also melts snow and ice that can obstruct the headlights or brake lights, making your car more visible to other drivers, especially in snowy conditions.

Shame on you if you don’t let  your car warm up before driving it during the cold winter months. Warming the car, before driving, is beneficial for the engine. For the car’s climate control system to start producing warm air, the engine must first warm up as it runs. Because the car idles for several minutes before being driven, the engine oil becomes more viscous and provides better lubrication once the driver is ready to go. This warm up period is especially beneficial for cars or trucks with diesel engines, but gas engines also benefit from this feature.

A remote starter also increases the resale value of your car, especially if you live in an area with extreme climate conditions. While it may not be as important as the car’s overall condition or mileage, it can still be a useful selling point or a reason to demand more value for a trade-in at a dealership.