This car starter from Viper is slim with a capital S. It weighs just 7 ounces, which makes it easy on your pocket. On the functionality side, it offers two-way functionality over a range of one mile. Its high-brightness LED screen displays all the most important data, like car locking status, inside temperature, time, and battery life.
You can also use this remote car starter to toggle your car’s doors and trunk. The Viper 5706V also offers car security via an alarm system that bursts into a loud siren when someone breaks into your car. The Viper Remote Car Starter System aces in the domains of both functionality and portability, which makes it well-deserving of the top spot on this list.
This intuitive remote car starter requires you to press your key button for only 2.5 seconds to start your car. Some other useful features of this two-way remote starter include locking and unlocking the car, popping the trunk, and a keyless entry system. You get all this for a relatively small price tag! Amazing, no?
Compustar’s versatile remote car starter works for all models of all car manufacturers and covers a massive distance of about 3,000 feet. It integrates a 105Db+ siren that produces a loud and effective sound for anti-theft purposes. There are security sensors to monitor and warn you if there is an intrusion.
MPC’s remote car starter kit is an all-in-one package for 2007 through 2018 Jeep Wranglers. With this kit, you don’t need any extra key fobs for starting your vehicle. The distance that this remote car starter covers ranges from 60 feet to 1,500 feet, depending on which one of the four variants you choose. Customers particularly love its easy installation.
Click the lock button three times to turn on your car and enable your AC to increase or decrease the temperature before you drive. This remote is also super responsive and far superior to those present in other competing starter kits.
This smart start-compatible remote car starter by Avital has you all the basics covered. It integrates a hot-wiring system that allows you to park your car safely anywhere you want by providing protection against theft. The best part is the amazing tech support of Avital that backs this one-way remote car starter.
This remote car starter works for an incredible range of up to 1,500 feet away, but it is not suitable if your car is parked indoors in a far location. You will also have control of how long your car runs on remote start, which is a treat for fuel-conscious buyers.
Having your car’s temperature custom set is the fun part. The not-so-fun part is buying a car starter that will help you get the job done right. To help you navigate this market, here is our team’s comprehensive buyer’s guide section.
First off, you must decide on the type of remote car starter that you need. These bad boys come in three configurations:
There is a slight difference in how each one operates. So, let’s take you through these differences and help you understand which one’s right for you.
A one-way remote car starter allows you to send a command to your car’s receiver. This command can be in the form of “ignition on,” “AC/heater on,” “trunk open,” and so on. However, that’s all that this device will allow you to do. The communication, or conveying, of the order, will only go one way.
With a two-way remote car starter, the car talks back to you. Once you have sent the command, the starter’s receiver will send back a message showing your command has been fulfilled. This perk often comes with sophisticated hardware, so you’ll often pay a higher price for two-way remotes.
Remote starters for cars that can be controlled by a smartphone offer app integration. All the antics of the remote can be done on your phone. If you opt for this type of device, make sure the app is easy to operate and regularly updated by the manufacturer.
Before you dive into the market for a new remote car starter, make sure you consider these three factors:
First, you must decide on a range for your remote starter. This will determine how far you can be from the car and still be able to operate it. A small range of 130-160 feet will be sufficient if you need to cool up your car that’s standing in the driveway.
However, a larger range will be needed if you are getting back from your office desk and need to warm the seats of your car parked in the opposite lot. Always remember you’ll need more range if there are a lot of obstacles between you and the car.
Next up is compatibility. Make sure the starter kit you’re looking to buy works with the vehicle you own. You can even consult your mechanic or read through some customer reviews to get a better idea of how it will work and if it will work.
Here comes the tricky part. You must decide whether you want to do the installation yourself or hire a specialist to do it for you. While you can always consult the instructional manual or take help from YouTube if you’re in the mood for some DIY, we highly recommend hiring an automotive electrical expert to do it for you.
Most car dealerships will offer this service where the starter kit will be installed in 2-3 hours by a trained professional. They will ensure the installation is done in a way that doesn’t void your car’s warranty or damage anything. Trust us, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
If, however, you are adamant about doing it yourself, make sure your kit comes with all the essentials. Also, quickly browse through some customer reviews that talk about the ease of installation and how helpful the included manual is.
A remote car starter can cost you anywhere from $50 to upwards of $200. The ones with superior functionality and two-way communication technology will cost you more. Also, if you decide to hire a professional to install it, their services will cost you $150-$500, depending on your car’s model and starter type.
So, is this price tag worth shelling out your hard-earned money on? Well, it depends. A car starter, while not a necessity, is pretty close to one, especially if you live in a place with extreme temperatures. Also, cars equipped with starter kits sell for more. So, you could say that this remote starter is an investment to inflate your car’s resale value.
Let’s roll the curtains on this section by taking you through these two killer tips regarding remote car starters:
We highly recommend keeping an eye out for car starters that come with additional features. These can be anti-theft alarms or the ability to lock and unlock your car’s doors and trunk.
Remember, this remote isn’t a substitute for your car keys. It’s an additional device you’ll need to bear. So, make sure it is slim and lightweight enough for you to carry around in your pocket with ease.
A remote starter will allow you to warm up your engine before you take it for a spin. It could also increase your car's resale value and make it all toasty or cool by the time you drive it.
No! If installed correctly, your remote starter will not void your car's warranty or damage any parts.
Fees for installation of car starters charged by professionals vary from car to car and product to product. However, you can expect to pay in the ballpark of $150-$500.
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