Remote Car Starters: What You Need to Know

If you live anywhere but Los Angeles or Miami, you understand the struggle of sitting in a frozen car on a cold, winter morning. That is, unless you’ve remote started your car.

A remote starter, otherwise known as a “car starter”, “auto starter”, or “remote start system”, is an electronic device that allows you to start your vehicle’s engine from outside of your vehicle. Using this device, you can warm up your car on those cold winter mornings, or even cool down your seats during the summer.

How Does It Work?
Remote starters are fairly complex products that require professional installation. In simple terms, a standard remote start system includes two primary components:

1. A controller, or module that is installed inside of your vehicle.

2. A remote that you attach to your keychain and use to start your car.

These two items: the controller and the remote work together to start your car so that your car’s heating or A/C system can “warm up” before you start driving.

Is it Safe for My Car?
Compustar remote car starters are compatible with over 90% of vehicles on the road, including manual-transmissions, diesels, select hybrids, and luxury makes. And more importantly, installing our systems will not affect your vehicle’s manufacturers warranty (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 1975).

On top of being safe for your car, Compustar remote starters also have built-in safety features that prevent 100% of car theft. When you remote start your car, your engine is on, but the car cannot be driven unless you have the key physically inside of the vehicle. Otherwise, the moment someone touches the brakes, the vehicle will shut down.

Can I, or my Friend, Install it Ourselves?
If either you or your friend are MECP-certified, professionally-trained 12-volt electricians, then absolutely! Otherwise, leave it to the pros. Compustar has over 2,000 authorized retailers in North America, most of which have received hands-on training from our staff. As you’re browsing through our website, make sure to use our Dealer Locator Tool to find a dealer near you.