Why Buy A Remote Start?

Looking to upgrade the technology in your car? One of the smartest investments you can make is a remote start. At its most basic level, a remote start is an electronic accessory that allows you to turn your vehicle on and off without having to put the key into the ignition. Depending on the model you get, this task can be completed with an accompanying fob or from your smartphone. As of today, the remote start models at Abt range anywhere from $90 to $450, depending on the features you desire. But you may be thinking, "Why should I spend my money on this? Why would I need this technology when my car works just fine?" While there's nothing wrong with manually stopping and starting your vehicle, remote starts can truly elevate your driving experience. Keep reading to learn more about this technology and start upgrading your car today!

The most obvious reason to invest in a remote start from Abt is to manage the operating temperature of your car as the seasons change. Reaching operating temperature involves multiple systems inside your car. The engine of your vehicle has two fluid systems, cooling and lubrication. Both need to warm up before you can safely drive. When you turn your engine on and let it run, the oil and the coolant will warm up so your car can operate at its very best. When oil is cold, it gets thick and reduces your vehicle's ability to accelerate.

At the proper operating temperature, though, the oil will be able to flow easily through the engine to lubricate everything. This includes the upper valvetrain, the crankshaft, the cylinder walls and the camshaft. The cooling system also needs to warm up so it can warm the heater core located under the dashboard of your car. The heater core is responsible for warming the interior of your vehicle, which can melt the snow and ice on the surface of your car. Ultimately, failing to properly warm your car before driving can be hard on different parts of your vehicle, increasing the need for pricey maintenance down the line.

Just as a remote start can warm your car up in the winter, the same goes for cooling your car down in the summer. For your air conditioning compressor to properly extract heat from the inside of your vehicle, the engine needs to be running. While you may think the high temperatures already thin the oil in your car, even summer requires a few minutes of running your engine so it's protected properly.

You may be asking, "Why spend more money on a remote start when I can just sit and wait?" Some customers may not mind dealing with extreme hot or cold for the sake of getting their vehicle to operating temperature. The truth is, the dramatic temperatures the interior of your car can reach are not necessarily healthy for any human to endure. Sitting in a hot car can cause heatstroke, while sitting in a cold car can suppress your immune system, cause skin damage and cause arthritis to act up. Children are especially sensitive to temperatures too, more so than adults. Avoid accidental seatbelt burns. Stop shivering in your frozen car. No more unsticking your sweaty legs from the driver's seat. Skip scraping ice or brushing snow off of your vehicle. Say goodbye to these possibilities and dangers with a remote start.

Note: According to Illinois law, it is ILLEGAL to have your vehicle running without people inside UNLESS your car has remote start.

You're not always going to be familiar with your driving destinations. And you shouldn't be expected to know the safety of every single neighborhood you park in. Not having this information should never be the reason you decide to not visit a brand-new place. That's why many of the remote start models carried at Abt provide integrated security systems, so you can feel safe and have the peace of mind you need. There are a variety of security features that can be offered to you, depending on the remote start you choose. Here are some possibilities or things to look for as you browse:

Above, we mentioned a security feature that included smartphone alerts. This is because plenty of remote starts give you the ability to synchronize your car with your cell phone. Once the two are integrated, you can unlock even more features or control your car from the comfort of your screen. Rather than using your remote start accessory, you can start/turn off your car and lock/unlock it with your mobile device.

Another perk of having a smartphone-compatible remote start is the range difference. Standard remote start accessories can only work within a specific distance from your vehicle. Smartphone-compatible remote starts, on the other hand, typically offer greater or unlimited distance. Sitting at a coffee shop but parked down the street? Feel free to start warming your car up without leaving your beverage behind. It's important to note, though, that some brands require a paid service plan or subscription for smartphone-compatible remote starts. Once you pick a model, this is something to inquire about.

Another helpful remote start feature that some models may provide is GPS tracking. This allows you to not only monitor your car's movements but to locate your vehicle in seconds, at any time of day. This perk can be relied on most when you're parked amid hundreds of cars in a busy lot or if you're just plain old forgetful (it happens). Loaning your car out to other drivers who may not live in your household? You can also check on the location of your vehicle whenever you'd like to verify its whereabouts.

Now that you know all the advantages remote starts can offer you, you also know exactly what factors to keep in mind as you browse them at Abt. If you still need help choosing, our remote start buying guide is the best resource to use. Between security features, GPS tracking, defrosting and cooling, your driving experience is bound to be better with this simple upgrade. Purchased a remote start but not sure where to begin? Our service team would be happy to get your remote start installed and ready to go for you. But remote starts aren't the only vehicle upgrades we sell at Abt. Feel free to shop our car video, rear view cameras, GPS navigation, radar detectors, dash cams and a wide range of car audio components too. You can learn more about all of these driving enhancements with our selection of car electronics buying guides.