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5 FAQs We Get About Remote Starters
At Stereo Depot, we’re best known for car stereo installation in San Diego, but we also handle a ton of non-audio related upgrades and accessories. One of the most popular upgrades we make to cars, trucks, and SUVs is the installation of remote start. It’s a great add-on for anyone who ever wished their car had a little time to cool down on a hot day. When heat waves come through, everyone wishes they had a remote starter.
If you’ve been considering a remote start installation but haven’t officially decided yet, that may be because you still have questions. To help address those, we’re breaking down the most common ones we get from customers here at Stereo Depot.
#1 – “How far away can I be from my car to use remote start?”
No matter which remote start kit you’re looking at, there should be a range listed in the product information. That range will tell you the maximum distance you will be able to use remote start to activate your car. Ranges start from as little as 500 ft. all the way up to 5,000 ft. or more. If you’re unsure about what kind of range you need for your car, just think about it practically. How far away is your car usually parked from your house or your place of work? For most people, the 500-foot range is more than enough distance for their needs.
#2 – “Can a thief drive off with my car if I’ve started it remotely?”
The beauty about remote start is that even though your car is running, it’s still very much locked up and secure. Someone can try to open the doors, but you’d have to hit the unlock button to allow them in. Additionally, you’ll still need your car key to begin driving the car. Remote starts have a failsafe programmed into them that will shut the car off the moment the brake pedal is pressed should the car be driven without its key.
#3 – “Will getting remote start installed affect my warranty?”
There’s a misconception that getting aftermarket upgrades such as speakers, stereos, and remote start kits somehow voids the warranty of cars. This is absolutely NOT true. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 protects vehicle owners from a voided warranty based on adding after-market products. Feel free to move ahead with your remote start installation. Your warranty will remain unaffected.
#4 – “Can a remote start kit somehow damage my vehicle?”
Remote start kits are extremely reliable devices. The only way a remote start kit can damage or otherwise negatively impact your vehicle is if it’s installed incorrectly. If you’re worried about doing it wrong, you can reach out to the pros at Stereo Depot for professional remote start installation. We have years of experience working with virtually every type of remote start kit in the industry.
#5 – “How much does remote start cost with installation?”
There are two main charges you’re going to be on the hook for when getting remote start installed in your car. The first charge is the cost of the kit. That usually falls into the $100 to $300 range. The expensive remote start kits will have additional range and extra features not included in the base models.
The second thing you’ll be responsible for is the cost of the installation, which usually falls in the $150 to $500 range. The high-end of the scale is reserved for more complicated kits and/or niche vehicles that are more complex. When it’s all said and done, most people don’t spend more than a few hundred dollars…and the benefits last for the lifespan of the vehicle.
Get Your Remote Starter Installed Today at Stereo Depot
Now that you know everything you need to know about remote start kits, the next step is
to get one installed for yourself. The quickest and easiest way to do that is by bringing your vehicle to Stereo Depot. We’ll help you pick out the best remote start kit for your needs and budget, and then provide you with a detailed estimate on how much the installation will cost for your specific vehicle.
We have two convenient locations – one in San Diego and one in El Cajon. Feel free to stop by either location for a remote start upgrade. If you want to set an appointment or send us an email, use the contact form on our website.