[Philkotse guide] Unveil how a remote car starter works?

Today, a modern car offers various technologies and features that make driving more relaxed and more comfortable. Some of them are the adaptive cruise control, anti-lock braking system, and many more.

But today, we will focus on a car feature that is very helpful for car drivers, especially during the colder season. We are talking about the remote car starter. In this article, Philkotse.com will explain what a remote car starter is and how it works.

What is a remote car starter?

As the name suggests, a remote car starter is basically a wireless, radio-controlled device that starts the vehicle’s engine from a certain distance away.

It has a radio receiver and a component (which we will discuss later) connected to the ignition system. Usually, this device comes in the form of little remote controls or key fobs with a button for engine ignition, and sometimes it has other functions.

It has a radio receiver and a component (which we will discuss later) connected to the ignition system

A remote car starter is designed to start a car without the driver having to go in the car and turn on the engine physically.

More often, the distance from which a remote car starter will work is indicated on the packaging of the model. Some units work within 500 to 1,000 feet. A more robust model comes with ranges stretching as far as a mile.

Aside from starting your vehicle, some remote car starters also enable you to unlock and lock the car doors, pop the trunk, turn on the heat, and even control things from your mobile phone.

A remote car starter is designed to start a car without the driver having to go in the car and turn on the engine physically

But remember that not all model will. Different remote car starter models provide various features. Some include additional keyless entry functions.

To be sure, read the specification of your device to know what functions and other features are included In your remote car starter.

>>> Also read: [Philkotse guide] Do you really need a remote starter in your car?

How remote car starter work?

You can easily control a remote car starter because, as stated above, it is a tiny device. It is different from the remotes that drivers use to activate and deactivate their vehicle alarms.

Frequencies

Remote car starter works via radiofrequency. The remote sends a specific signal to installed pieces of equipment in the car.

Generally, the frequency is encrypted, preventing someone from figuring it out and sending identical frequency, which will enable him to start your vehicle remotely without your authorization.

Remote car starter works via radiofrequency

Engine ignition

The actual remote starter is a tiny piece of equipment installed inside the vehicle. It is the box that receives the signal from the user’s remote car starter device.

When it received the signal from the user's device, it will switch on the appropriate systems. This equipment must be connected to the ignition wire, ignition switch, starter wire, power wire, car’s ground wire, brake wire, and tachometer wire.

It may sound complicated, but all the wires mentioned can be easily identifiable and can be found in the exact same location in the car. Once the box receives the signal from the remote, it switches on all these systems.

Some units can shut down the ignition system, which prevents the car from being hotwired

As aforementioned, it can start your engine, allowing it to a preset setting like heat to come on and start working. In addition, it can also lock the doors and blink the lights as a visual confirmation that it's working.

Some units can shut down the ignition system, which prevents the car from being hotwired. Other models have more advanced features that can be activated if a car is carjacked and stolen.

For instance, some remote car starter can set off an alarm and disconnect the starter once the car is turned off. Other models have auxiliary outputs, so alarms and other devices can be hooked up later.

>>> For your information: Advantages and Disadvantages of Push Start Ignitions

Important note

Some remote car starters don’t work well with vehicles that have a carburetor. There are special kits available for cars with a carburetor. However, it may not work if it's necessary to fiddle with the gas or choke or tap the gas to drop off high idle.

Some remote car starters don’t work well with vehicles that have a carburetor

Advantages of remote car starter

Remote car starters are one of the hottest automotive development of the 21st century. It's no surprise that these devices are becoming ubiquitous like car alarms – taking into consideration how easy it can be installed and how affordable they are.

Aside from that, this tiny device can provide various benefits like the following:

You can start your vehicle on a cold morning without the need to leave the warmth of your house. You don’t have to shiver in the cold seat, waiting for the heater to kick in.

You can start your vehicle on a cold morning without the need to leave the warmth of your house

>>> Grab your attention: 3 useful tips on how to choose a remote car starter for your vehicle

You can crank the air conditioning of the car, so it is already nice and cool before climbing inside during the hot summer season. With the help of a car stereo, you will no longer pat the steering wheel to check if it is still too hot.

It keeps the kids happy. Take note that small children are more sensitive to extreme temperatures compared to adults. When they are uncomfortable, they have a way of letting you know. Remote car starters can eliminate that problem quickly.

You can easily locate your vehicle in a crowded or large lot. With a remote car starter, you don’t need to wander the entire parking lot of the mall to search for your vehicle.

Car remote starter adds and improves the security of your car

It adds and improves the security of your car. Sadly, car alarm systems are necessary these days. So, when you decide to buy a remote car starter system, you need to look for a system that comes with integrated security that will provide better safety and peace of mind.

>>> Relevant article: Car alarm in the Philippines: Installation guide, How it works, How to stop it & What to buy

It synchronizes your vehicle with your smartphone. If you install a remote starter with smartphone integration, it’s possible to unlock additional helpful features. You can now control your car with your mobile phone.

It helps you monitor the movements of your car. Remote car starter that comes with a GPS tracking system allows you to know the location of your vehicle all the time.

Remote car starter synchronizes your vehicle with your smartphone

>>> Read more: DIY car remote starter installation: 8 steps to follow

This is especially helpful if you let anyone borrow your four wheels. This simple device can give you peace of mind because you know the whereabouts of your car.

It improves your quality of life, in general. The way we start our morning has a significant impact on our day. Simply getting into a cool car on a hot summer morning – or a warm car in a really cool one – will already set positive energy for the day.