September 11, 2023

Top 5 Myths About Remote Start

By:

Dan Shim

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Deciding to install a remote start system in your personal vehicle can come with a lot of hesitancies. Will it affect my car negatively in the long run? Is remote start even worth the investment? In this blog, we will be covering common remote start myths and why remote start systems like Compustar can add more value to your daily driving experience than you might realize.

Myth #1: Remote Start Ruins My Engine / Wastes Gas

A common misconception about remote starters is that they unnecessarily strain your car’s engine due to the increased frequency of engine use. However, this is a fallacy. Whether you’re idling in your car or using a remote start from the comfort of your home, the impact on your engine remains the same.

In fact, using a remote starter can be beneficial for your engine. It provides an opportunity for lubricants and fluids to circulate effectively before you begin your journey. This means you can start driving with an engine that’s already warmed up and primed for use, arguably leading to better engine health.

Concerns about escalating fuel costs may make some people hesitant to use remote starters, under the false impression that they will consume more gas. However, the truth is that letting your car idle to warm up uses only a tiny fraction of the fuel required for driving. Compustar remotes even come with a feature that automatically switches off the engine after a predetermined period, further conserving fuel. The benefits of time saved and enhanced comfort during your daily commutes are invaluable, outweighing any minimal fuel consumption by the remote start system.

Myth #2: A Remote Starter Is Only Useful in the Winter

While remote starters are often associated with warming up your car during chilly winter months, they actually offer various benefits throughout the year.

One key advantage of having a vehicle with remote start comes into play during hot weather conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the inside of a car can reach a sweltering 109 degrees Fahrenheit after just 20 minutes on an 80-degree day. After an hour, this temperature can soar up to 123 degrees. Remote starters allow you to cool down your car before you even step inside, sparing you from the discomfort of a sudden blast of hot air. Additionally, by turning on your engine remotely, you can decrease the air pressure inside the car, promoting better air circulation.

Beyond climate control, remote starters also enhance the overall security and protection of your vehicle. Compustar remote starters, for instance, come equipped with numerous security features that safeguard your vehicle from theft all year round. These include a state-of-the-art 4-in-1 security sensor and 2-Way confirmation alarm alerts for optimal safety.

Myth #3: My Car Has A Manual Transmission, So I Can’t Get A Remote Starter

You may be wondering: is it possible to start a manual car without using your foot on the clutch? What happens if I leave my car in gear? Or what if the parking brake is disengaged? These are valid concerns, but with Compustar remote starters, you can add an extra layer of safety to almost any manual-transmission vehicle!

When installing a Compustar remote starter in a manual-transmission vehicle, a clutch bypass connection is added. This connection mimics the electric signal that is typically generated by the clutch pedal. This signal, usually a ground signal sent to the ignition system, allows the car to be started even without pressing the clutch.

Compustar remote starters also feature Reservation Mode, which ensures that the vehicle is safe to be remotely started. To activate Reservation Mode, follow these steps:

1. 1. Fully secure the emergency brake.
  2. Remove the key from the ignition. (the engine should continue to run)
  3. Exit the vehicle and lock the door.

If any of the doors are reopened or the car is left in gear, Reservation Mode will be cancelled to prevent the vehicle from remote starting. This precaution is taken because there is a slight chance that the parking brake may be disengaged. With Compustar, your vehicle will only remote start when it’s absolutely safe.

Myth #4: Getting a Remote Starter Voids My Car’s Warranty

Another common myth is that installing a remote starter on your vehicle will invalidate your car’s warranty. This misconception has been circulating as long as remote car starters have existed. However, the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law passed by Congress in 1975, directly contradicts this notion.

The Act asserts: “Warranties, written or implied, cannot be conditioned on the consumer’s use of any article or service identified by brand, trade, or corporate name.”

In layman’s terms, this rule indicates that a vehicle manufacturer cannot nullify your warranty simply because you’ve installed aftermarket products or had your vehicle serviced by someone other than an official dealer. Hence, fear of voiding warranties should not dissuade car owners from enhancing their vehicles with aftermarket products like remote starters.

Myth #5: Factory Remote Starters Are Enough

Given the prevalence of factory-installed remote starters in modern vehicles, one might wonder about the necessity or utility of aftermarket alternatives. However, it’s crucial to understand that factory remote starters are typically basic and lack the advanced features readily available with aftermarket systems.

The two most significant advantages offered by aftermarket remote starters are their superior range capabilities and the inclusion of 2-way confirmation. For instance, Compustar remote starters can extend up to a maximum range of three miles and provide LCD or LED confirmation alerts depending on the chosen model.

In addition to these, Compustar also incorporates numerous security enhancements over factory security systems, providing additional layers of protection. These include tilt and impact/shock sensors that instantly notify the vehicle owner if their car is being tampered with.

Therefore, while factory remote starters may suffice for basic functions, aftermarket remote starters offer extended range, two-way confirmation, and additional security features, making them a valuable upgrade for many vehicle owners.

Conclusion

There is a plethora of misconceptions surrounding the use of remote starters, many of which are unfounded. Compustar offers you and your vehicle top-industry convenience and protection wherever and whenever. We have carefully designed our products to handle both the comfort and safety aspects of your vehicle, freeing you from these concerns.

To enhance your daily driving experience with a Compustar remote starter, connect with an authorized local dealer or check out these recommendations to find what suits your needs best.