Category Archives: Remote Starts

Aftermarket Remote Starts vs. Factory Remote Starts

All remote starters are not treated equally, especially when comparing the aftermarket ones we install with factory systems. Below we’ve listed the main benefits of an aftermarket remote start system,

Aftermarket Remote Start vs. Factory Remote Start

Aftermarket Remote Start vs. Factory Remote Start

  1. You don’t need a new car to have new car tech! Compustar (the remote start brand we carry!) remote start systems can be installed in over 90% of vehicles on the road. This includes many manual transmission vehicles, diesels, hybrids, and luxury models.
  2. Aftermarket systems are simply more powerful and more reliable than most OEM or Factory remote start systems.
  3. Aftermarket remote starts offer further operating range. With some working up to 3miles away from the vehicle, with upgrades available to remote start from your phone. OEM remote starts typically just have the same range as the factory key fob, which can sometime be less than 100 ft.
  4. 2-way confirmation is not a thing with factory remote starts. There are aftermarket systems with LED and LCD screens that confirm to you that your vehicle has received the remote start command and in fact started. Without 2-way, you could walk outside to find your command failed without you knowing and the vehicle never started.
  5. Aftermarket remotes are fully customizable. We can program your new remote to control other vehicle features too, like rolling down your windows, popping the trunk, opening sliding doors, and even integrating alarm systems too.
  6. Longer run times. With a Compustar remote start system, you can choose from how long you want the run time of your remote start to be, up to a maximum of 45 mins. Most OEM remote starts have a run time of just 10 minutes or less, which sometimes isn’t enough time to get your car warm and de-frosted how you like it.

Read more on Compustar’s website.

Columbus Car Audio

    *Please note leather interiors and moonroofs are only installed at the Morse Road location.

Debunking Remote Start Myths

Are you thinking of getting a remote start but you’ve heard too many negative things about them, or maybe you don’t think it’s for you, or maybe you’re just not sure? We’re here to help! We’ve taken the most common myths people hear about remote start systems and debunked them below:

1. Having a remote start means carrying an extra, bulky key fob.

False.
Many remote start systems we carry come with compact design remotes that are smaller than most factory key fobs.  Also, for many vehicles we can integrate a remote start into your factory key fob, so you won’t have to carry anything extra, you’d just remote start by hitting the lock button 3 times.

Remote Start Myths

2. A factory remote start is better than an aftermarket one.

False.
Factory remote starters are basic and often lack features that are easily added with an aftermarket system. The two biggest differences are aftermarket systems have farther operating range (how far away from the car it will work) and offer 2-way confirming capabilities.

3. A remote starter is only useful in the Winter.

False.
Yes, you typically think of a remote starter to warm up your car but they’re just as handy in the summer too.  Use your remote start in the summer to cool down your car, so you won’t have to get into a stuffy vehicle with a scalding steering wheel or leather seats.

4. My car has a manual transmission so I can’t get a remote start.

False.
Most systems are manual transmission compatible, but sometimes will need extra parts and/or labor. We use a ‘reservation’ mode to ensure that the vehicle is parked out of gear ready to remote start. Reservation mode typically entails setting your emergency brake, releasing, and setting again to ensure the car is ready to be remote started.

Remote Start Myths

5. It seems easy enough, I can install a remote starter by myself.

False.
Today’s vehicles are sophisticated and integrating remote starter technology is a complicated procedure that only trained professionals should attempt. Plus, if we run into an issue, we have access to the top manufacturer’s technical support.

6. Remote starters are just bad for a car.

False.
Simply put, a remote start runs your engine the same way it runs when you start it with the key. When you allow your vehicle to warm up before driving away, the fluids in your engine will lubricate critical components better.

7. An aftermarket remote start system will void a vehicle’s warranty.

False.
This is just not true thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This prevents OEMs from voiding a warranty because of the addition of aftermarket products.

8. Remote start systems waste gas.

False.
They use the same amount of gas as starting your car with your key.

9. Remote starters are illegal in Ohio.

False.
It’s illegal to leave a car running, unattended, with the keys in the ignition. With a remote start the key is not in the ignition. Remote starts even come factory standard on a lot of new cars, and they wouldn’t if they were actually illegal.

10. My car is more likely to get stolen when it’s remote started.

False.
With a remote start all the safety features of your car are still there; your doors will still be locked when it’s running. Also, if someone does manage to get into your vehicle, if they go to put it in gear the remote starter will shut off when the brake pedal is pushed, preventing them from driving off.

11. I don’t need one because I have a garage.

False.
Maybe by parking in a garage your car doesn’t get snow covered, but it still gets cold in there, right? And do you also park in a garage when you go to the grocery store? Or the movie theater? Or when out shopping? Trust us, you’ll use it more than you think you will!

12. I can’t get one for my car because I have a diesel engine.

False.
We can safely install a system giving your vehicle enough time for the glow plugs to warm up.

13. I can’t install a remote start because I lease my car.

False.
We said earlier that it does not void any warranty, plus the system can be removed when it’s time to trade back in.

Now that we’ve de-bunked some common myths or arguments against getting a remote start, what’s stopping you? Contact us today to find out all the options available for your vehicle and we’ll happily answer any questions or address any reservations you have about getting one!

Columbus Car Audio

    *Please note leather interiors and moonroofs are only installed at the Morse Road location.

Why Should I Care About Remote Car Starter Range?

Remote Car Starter Range is an important feature when it comes to choosing the right remote start for your vehicle. If you’re unfamiliar with remote car starters or have never owned one then range may not strike you as very important, but trust us, it is.

Remote Car Starter Range

You may think that you only need a small amount of range since you’re only going to use it while your car is parked 100 feet from you in your ‘close to the house’ driveway.  For some this may be true, but really think…is that the only place you’ll want to use your remote car starter?

Sure it’s a given that a remote car starter is useful on a cold morning before you leave for work, but it’s also true that your car will need warmed up when you go to lunch, or before your commute home every afternoon. We can guarantee that if you get into a warmed up vehicle once, you’ll be hooked and want to use that remote start every chance you get!

How Much Range is Enough?

Start by thinking of all the places you will park your vehicle over the course of an average week.  Think of where your car sits for periods of time; work, church, school, the grocery store, the mall, etc.  You’ll want to use your remote car starter from those places too, so get a system with enough range to be able to.

Remote Car Starter Range

Inexpensive remote start systems usually don’t have great range, and it’ll benefit you in the long run to invest a little more in a better system.  Those high end systems typically have better operating frequencies and channels, giving them the power to work through commercial buildings and fight electrical interference.  You can even get unlimited range by upgrading to a Smartphone remote start system, these will remote start your vehicle as long as your phone and car are in cell service, eliminating the worry of range.

Let Us Help!

Range is a great thing to discuss with your salesperson when choosing a remote start, once we know where you’ll be using your system, we can suggest the best one for your needs and show you how to use it. Visit us to see all the remote start systems we carry and get more information on which ones would work for you.

Columbus Car Audio

    *Please note leather interiors and moonroofs are only installed at the Morse Road location.