How Does Remote Start Work for a Car? Everything You Need to Know

When Chicago's chilly 17 degree Fahrenheit averages roll around in January, the last thing you want to do is climb into a freezing cold car.

And the average 37 inches of snow every winter makes mornings even more unpleasant.

It's those cold, snowy mornings that make you wonder, "How does remote start work?" and, "Should I install it in my car?"

You likely already know that remote start lets you start your vehicle from the warmth of your home or office. But you may wonder exactly how it happens and whether or not it's safe.

The mechanical parts of remote start are complex. Understanding it on a basic level helps you decide if you're ready to install it in your vehicle.

Because of the complexity, it's best to have your remote start system professionally installed. Knowing how the system works is one thing. Installing it safely and correctly without damaging your vehicle is completely different.

Keep reading to discover how remote start for cars works so you know what to expect when you get it installed.

How Does Remote Start Work?

From your end, once it's installed, remote start is a very simple tool to use.

You push the button. Your car starts. You walk out to a toasty warm car in the winter and refreshing cool car in the summer.

But inside the car, it's a very complicated system.

Lots of wires connect to the parts of your car that are responsible for ignition. 

When you press the button on your remote start key fob, it sends a signal to the components in the car to start the vehicle. It switches on all the necessary systems to start the engine and operate the heating, cooling, and other things you have turned on inside your vehicle. The engine starts without you physically going to the car and inserting the key.

Even though the vehicle is running, it won't actually operate until you get into the car and insert the key.

Parts of a Remote Start System

Remote start systems include two main components.

The remote starter is a small piece of equipment that's installed in your vehicle. It connects to your ignition switch, power wire, ignition wire, starter wire, brake wire, ground wire and tachometer wire. It needs to connect to all of those systems to start the car remotely.

The transmitter is what you keep with you to start the system. It's usually a key fob similar to what vehicles have to activate the alarm and lock or unlock the vehicle.

Basic fobs simply have a button to start the vehicle. More advanced fobs let you control other things.

The range of operation varies by system. You usually have to be within 500 to 1,000 feet of the vehicle, but some models have a much longer range. Consider how far away your office is from your vehicle or your home is from your overnight parking spot. Choose a system that's compatible with that distance.

Some systems may have two-way communication so you can monitor what's happening inside the vehicle. You may be able to control other things inside the car with the remote, such as turning on the heat.

Some remote start systems work via phone apps. This gives you a greater range for starting the vehicle and may give you information about the vehicle.

Installing the System

Installation is a crucial step in adding remote start to a vehicle. The wires are all relatively easy to identify, but the systems are very intricate. 

Vehicle models also have different intricacies that may affect the installation process. If you're unaware of those potential issues, you may miss an important step.

One little mistake in the process can major damage to your vehicle. Saving money by installing the system yourself or letting a friend install it could suddenly cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. It could also void your warranty.

Always take your vehicle to a reputable installer to have the remote system added to your vehicle.

Starting the Car

Once you get into your vehicle, you have to follow a procedure to take over control of the vehicle. This is what lets you drive your vehicle.

That usually involves inserting the key into the ignition and turning it to the on position like you normally do. The vehicle won't let you shift into gear without inserting the key.

Push-to-Start Ignition Considerations

Push-to-start ignitions require a special fob to be inside the vehicle to start. The key doesn't go into the ignition like a traditional key. It simply has to be in the vehicle.

Remote start systems designed to work in push-to-start ignition vehicles send a signal to the engine that mimics the smart key signal. It essentially makes your car think the key is inside and starts the engine.

Like traditional ignition vehicles, your push-to-start car won't drive while the remote start is running. You'll need the physical smart key in the vehicle. You'll also need to perform a takeover procedure that switches the engine from remote start operation to regular operation with the smart key.

Theft Prevention 

The radio frequency used to start your vehicle is unique to your system. It's usually encrypted so a would-be thief can't hack it.

The remote start system locks your vehicle's doors once the vehicle starts so no one can enter. If someone does get into the vehicle and pushes on the brake to put the car in gear, the system shuts down the engine.

Remote systems automatically shut off your vehicle if you don't insert the key within a certain amount of time. That can vary by the system, but it's usually 10 to 20 minutes.

Get Remote Start in Your Vehicle

How does remote start work? It's a complicated mechanical system, but as the user, it's a simple tool that starts your car with the push of a button. You get to enjoy a perfectly comfortable car as soon as you get in the driver's seat.

Are you ready to enjoy remote start in your vehicle? Contact us for a free estimate for Viper remote start installation. Viper is the world's best selling vehicle remote start brand.