{{Short description|Radio controlled device to start a vehicle engine}} {{More citations needed|date=July 2009}}
A '''remote starter''' is a radio controlled device, which is installed in a vehicle by the factory or an aftermarket installer to preheat or cool the vehicle before the owner gets into it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valdes |first=Renee |date=26 July 2023 |title=Cars With Remote Start: A Must-Have Feature for Extreme Temperatures |url=https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/remote-start-extreme-temperatures/ |access-date=29 October 2023 |website=Kelly Blue Book}}</ref> Once activated, by pushing a button on a special key chain remote, it starts the vehicle automatically for a predetermined time. Different models have keyless entry as well. Most newer vehicles need some kind of bypass module to bypass the factory anti-theft system, so the vehicle can be started without the ignition key in the ignition, this is bypassed only to start the vehicle, which after it is running returns to its original state. For cars with manual transmission additional safety features may need to be added to prevent the car from starting while it is parked in gear. Having a remote starter installed in a vehicle will usually not void the factory warranty when installed properly.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Will Installing a Remote Starter Void My Warranty?|url = https://www.boston.com/cars/untagged/2015/01/07/will-installing-a-remote-starter-void-my-warranty/|website = Boston.com|access-date = 2015-12-23}}</ref>
The first U.S. patent (#3248555) for a remote car starter was issued to Samuel Fried of Omaha, Nebraska in 1963.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Patent Public Search {{!}} USPTO |url=https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(3248555).pn.&db=USPAT |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=ppubs.uspto.gov}}</ref> Galvani and Barratelli of Illinois were awarded a patent in 1971.<ref>{{Cite web |last=todd |date=2024-01-03 |title=Remote Starter Benefits {{!}} Remote Starter History |url=https://soundelectronics.ca/remote-starter-history-benefits/ |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=Sound Electronics |language=en-US}}</ref>
The first manufacturer to introduce remote start bypass modules to bypass vehicle anti-theft systems was Fortin auto radio based in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). By 1985 multiple manufacturers began producing the devices and automobile manufacturers began offering the remote start devices as an option.
Newer cars with pushbutton starts can also be interfaced, but some do not have a "take over" procedure.
== Technology == A remote starter is radio controlled and connected to the car's computer. The aim of this feature is to have the engine running for a given time for cooling or preheating the car before using it, to save time during winter times which requires defrosting the windshield.<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca">Is a Remote Car Starter Safe? Easyway Insurance, 22 December 2022 https://www.easywayinsurance.ca/insights/is-a-remote-car-starter-safe/</ref>
== Benefits and issues == === Benefits ===
The installation of a remote starter device in a vehicle may come with the following benefits:<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" />
* Ideal temperature before reaching the car<ref name="itstillworks">How Does a Remote Start System Work? Stephen Lilley https://itstillworks.com/remote-start-system-work-4608160.html</ref> * Security: remote activation of the engine locks the doors of the vehicle automatically<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" /><ref name="itstillworks" />
=== Issues === However, use of a remote starter may also pose the following issues:<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" />
* Wasted fuel<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" /> * Large carbon dioxide emissions<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" />
==== Safety issues ====
Additional safety issues may include:
* starting the engine with a manual transmission left in gear<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" /> * unattended vehicle is not recommended<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" /> * warranty may be broken in some conditions<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" />
Installation of a remote starter may compromise a vehicle's warranty, unless done by a professional.
== Local regulations ==
Some cities like Toronto forbid idling of vehicles for more than one minute<ref name="easywayinsurance.ca" /> per the Toronto municipal code, chapter 517, related to idling of vehicles and boats.<ref>Toronto municipal code, chapter 517, idling of vehicles and boats, 517-1 July 8, 2010https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_517.pdf</ref>
In Australia, the remote start engine feature may be available, but its use might be subject to local legality of leaving a vehicle's engine running while not in use:<ref name="drive.com.au">BMW to debut remote engine start function, but is it legal to use? William Davis, 31 July 2020 https://www.drive.com.au/news/bmw-to-debut-remote-engine-start-function-but-is-it-legal-to-use/</ref>
{{quote|If the driver will be over 3 metres from the closest part of the vehicle, the driver must switch off the engine.|Regulation 213 of the NSW Road Rules (2014),<ref name="drive.com.au" />}}
In Australia, activation of the RES may require agreement of a stringent set of terms and conditions:<ref name="drive.com.au" /> {{quote|the use of Remote Engine Start is governed by various laws. The use of this function might be unlawful.<ref name="drive.com.au" />}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Remote Starter}} Category:Auto parts