What Remote Start Does and How It Works
Remote start lets you start your engine from outside the vehicle using a key fob, smartphone app, or web portal — usually from up to a quarter-mile away. The system sends a wireless signal to a receiver installed in your car, which triggers the starter motor. Your engine runs for a preset time (often 10 to 15 minutes) before shutting off automatically, giving you a warm cabin in winter or cool air in summer before you get in.
Remote start is not the same as keyless entry. You still need your physical key or fob to shift out of Park and drive — the remote start only wakes the engine. This safety feature prevents someone from remotely driving away in your car.
The system works only if your car is in Park, the doors are locked, and the parking brake is set. If any of those conditions change, the engine stops when ready. Some systems also require you to press the brake pedal within a few seconds of getting in, as a final confirmation that you are the driver.
Key Takeaways
- Remote start is built into some newer vehicles as a factory feature, while older cars need an aftermarket system installed by a professional.
- Factory systems usually cost nothing extra if your trim level includes them; aftermarket installation typically runs $300 to $1,500 depending on your car's wiring.
- You control remote start through your vehicle's key fob, a smartphone app (if your car supports it), or a web portal tied to your manufacturer's account.
- Remote start will not work if your doors are unlocked, your parking brake is off, or your fuel tank is too low — the system has built-in safety cutoffs.
- Some insurance companies offer small discounts for remote start because it reduces the time your car sits unattended with the engine running.
Check Whether Your Vehicle Has Factory Remote Start
Many cars built after 2010 come with remote start as a standard or optional feature. The fastest way to find out is to look at your key fob: if you see a button with an arrow or engine symbol (often with a curved line), you likely have it. Press and hold that button for three seconds — if your car's lights flash and the engine turns over, you have factory remote start.
If your fob does not have that button, check your owner's manual under "Remote Start" or "Remote Engine Start." The manual will tell you whether your trim level includes it and which button activates it. You can also call your car's dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) — they can confirm in seconds whether the feature was installed at the factory.
If your car does not have factory remote start, you have two paths: buy a new fob that supports it (if your manufacturer offers one), or install an aftermarket system. A new fob from the manufacturer usually costs $200 to $400 and must be programmed at a dealership. An aftermarket system costs more upfront but works on almost any vehicle.
Using Your Manufacturer's Remote Start App
Many newer vehicles let you start the engine through a smartphone app instead of just a key fob. This works through your car manufacturer's connected services platform — examples include GM's OnStar, Ford's FordPass, BMW's ConnectedDrive, and Tesla's mobile app. You create an account, link your vehicle to it, and then open the app to send a start command.
To set this up, open your car manufacturer's app on your phone and sign in with your account. Look for a "Remote Start" or "Start Engine" button in the vehicle controls section. The first time you use it, the app may ask you to confirm your identity with a PIN or biometric scan. Once confirmed, you can start your engine from anywhere with a cellular signal.
App-based remote start usually requires a paid subscription after a trial period — often $5 to $15 per month. Some manufacturers bundle it with a premium package you may already be paying for. Check your account settings to see whether remote start is included in your current plan or whether you need to add it.
Installing an Aftermarket Remote Start System
If your car does not have factory remote start and you want to add it, an aftermarket system is the most common solution. These systems consist of a receiver module (wired into your car's ignition and starter), a relay box, and a wireless remote fob. Popular brands include Viper, Compustar, and Avital. Installation requires running wires through your dashboard and engine bay, which is why most people have a professional do it rather than attempting it themselves.
The first step is to get a quote from a car alarm or electronics shop. Bring your car's year, make, and model. The installer will tell you the cost of the system itself (usually $150 to $400) plus labor (typically $200 to $1,000 depending on how complex your car's wiring is). Luxury cars and those with push-button start often cost more because the wiring is more intricate. Ask whether the quote includes programming and a warranty on both parts and labor.
Once installed, you control the system with the remote fob that comes with it. Some aftermarket systems also offer smartphone app control, but that usually requires a separate subscription module and monthly fee. Test the system before you leave the shop — start the engine from the parking lot, confirm it shuts off after the preset time, and make sure the fob works from the distance the installer promised.
Safety Features and Limitations to Know
Remote start has built-in safety cutoffs that prevent misuse. The engine will not start if your doors are unlocked, your parking brake is disengaged, or your transmission is not in Park. If you remote-start your car and then unlock a door, the engine stops when ready. This means someone cannot remotely start your car and drive it away — they would have to be inside with the key or fob to shift gears.
Some vehicles also have a low-fuel cutoff: if your tank is below a certain level (often one-quarter full), remote start will not work. This prevents you from accidentally running out of gas while the engine idles. Similarly, if your battery voltage drops too low, the system may disable itself to preserve enough charge to start the car normally.
Remote start will not work if your car is in a state of alarm — for example, if a door is ajar or a window is broken. The system prioritizes security over convenience, so if anything seems wrong, it locks you out of remote start until you address the issue in person.
Fuel and Emissions Considerations
Remote start uses fuel while your engine idles. A typical idle burns about one-tenth of a gallon per hour, so a 10-minute remote start session uses roughly one-sixth of a gallon. Over a winter season, this adds up — budget an extra $50 to $150 in fuel if you use remote start daily. If fuel cost is a concern, set your remote start timer to the shortest duration your car offers (often 5 to 10 minutes) and get in as soon as the cabin is warm.
In some states and cities, there are anti-idling laws that limit how long a parked car can run its engine. These laws vary widely — some allow 5 minutes, others allow 15, and some exempt remote start entirely. Check your local regulations before making remote start a daily habit. If you live in a strict anti-idling area, use remote start sparingly or only in emergencies.
Remote start produces the same emissions as normal driving, so it does not create extra pollution beyond the fuel it burns. However, if you are concerned about environmental impact, the most efficient approach is to use remote start only in extreme weather — very cold mornings or very hot afternoons — rather than as a daily convenience.
Troubleshooting Common Remote Start Problems
If your remote start stops working, start with the simplest fixes. Replace the batteries in your key fob — a dead battery is the most common cause. If the fob still does not work, try starting the car normally with your key to confirm the engine itself is fine. If the engine starts normally but remote start does not, the issue is with the remote start system, not the car.
For factory systems, restart your smartphone app by closing it completely and reopening it. If you are using an app-based system, confirm that your phone has a cellular signal and that your subscription is active. Log into your manufacturer's account on a web browser to check your subscription status. If it has lapsed, renew it and wait a few minutes for the change to sync to your phone.
For aftermarket systems, check that the remote fob is within range — move closer to the car and try again. If it still does not work, the receiver module may have lost power or become unprogrammed. Take your car back to the shop that installed it; they can reprogram the fob or diagnose a wiring issue at no cost if the system is still under warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remote start my car if it is parked in a garage?
Yes, remote start works in a garage, but you should not leave the car running unattended in an enclosed space. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly in a garage, even with the door open. Remote start is designed for you to start the car, let it warm up for a few minutes, and then get in and drive — not to run it for extended periods while you are inside the house.
Will remote start drain my battery if I use it every day?
No. Remote start draws power only when you press the button, and modern car batteries are designed to handle frequent starting. The bigger drain is the fuel you burn while idling. If you are concerned about battery health, have it tested annually, but remote start itself will not wear it out faster than normal driving.
What happens if I remote start my car and then the battery dies?
The engine stops, and you are left with a dead battery. This is rare because remote start systems have a low-voltage cutoff — they will not start the engine if the battery is already too weak. If your battery is marginal, remote start may refuse to work as a safety measure. Have your battery tested if remote start suddenly stops working on a cold morning.
Can I use remote start if my car has a manual transmission?
Most aftermarket remote start systems do not work with manual transmissions because there is no way to confirm the car is in Neutral without a driver inside. Some newer factory systems on manual cars do support remote start, but they require the parking brake to be set and the clutch pedal to be in a specific position. Check your owner's manual or ask your dealership whether your manual car supports it.
Does remote start void my car's warranty?
Factory remote start does not void your warranty. Aftermarket systems installed by a professional shop typically do not either, as long as the installer does not damage other components. However, if a problem arises that is related to the remote start wiring, the manufacturer may not cover it under warranty. Ask the installer about their warranty on labor and parts, and keep your receipt.