Can Remote Start Be Added to Any Car? Your Guide to Getting Ready for Winter
Cold mornings, icy windshields, snow covered vehicles, and freezing seats are all part of winter driving in Southeast Idaho. Fall is the perfect time to start getting your vehicle ready before those first really cold mornings arrive.
One upgrade that can make a big difference in everyday winter comfort is remote start.
If your vehicle didn't come with remote start from the factory, you may be wondering: Can remote start be added to my car?
For many vehicles, the answer is yes.
Modern aftermarket remote start systems can be integrated into a wide variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs, including many newer vehicles with push button ignition and advanced factory electronics.
At Sound Source, we help customers determine which remote start systems are compatible with their vehicle and which features actually make sense for how they use it.
But remote start is only one part of getting ready for winter. Let's look at what colder temperatures can mean for your vehicle and how a little preparation now can make winter driving much easier.
What Does Cold Weather Do to Your Vehicle?
Your vehicle experiences winter right along with you.
As temperatures fall, several components and systems can behave differently than they did throughout the summer.
Your Battery Has to Work Harder
Cold temperatures can reduce a battery's ability to deliver power while the engine requires more energy to start.
That means a battery that seemed perfectly fine during warmer weather may begin showing signs of weakness once temperatures drop.
Slow cranking, difficulty starting, or noticeably weaker electrical performance during startup can all be reasons to have your battery checked.
Remote start is convenient, but it cannot compensate for a weak or failing battery. Your vehicle still needs a healthy electrical system to start reliably.
Tire Pressure Can Drop
Cold weather can also cause tire pressure to decrease.
As temperatures begin changing throughout fall, checking your tire pressure more frequently is a simple habit that can help ensure your vehicle is ready for winter driving.
While you're there, fall is also a good time to look at overall tire condition and tread.
Visibility Becomes Even More Important
Snow, frost, road spray, and shorter daylight hours can make visibility much more challenging during winter.
Before winter arrives, check your:
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield washer fluid
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
Make sure you're using windshield washer fluid appropriate for freezing temperatures and keep a snow brush and ice scraper in your vehicle.
Where Remote Start Can Help
Remote start doesn't replace winter vehicle maintenance, but it can make cold weather driving much more comfortable and convenient.
Instead of climbing into a freezing vehicle and waiting for the cabin to begin warming, remote start allows you to start the vehicle before you head outside.
Depending on your vehicle and climate control settings, this can give the heater and defroster time to begin working before you get in.
On frosty mornings, that extra time can help begin loosening frost and warming the windshield while the cabin starts becoming more comfortable.
You still need to properly clear snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and vehicle before driving, but starting the warming and defrosting process ahead of time can make winter mornings much easier.
Can Remote Start Be Added to Most Vehicles?
Remote start can be added to many vehicles that weren't originally equipped with it.
Compatibility depends on several factors, including:
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Factory ignition system
- Push button or traditional key start
- Factory security and immobilizer systems
- Existing vehicle electronics
- Transmission type
Today's vehicles contain complex electronic systems, so choosing the right equipment is important.
At Sound Source, we start with the vehicle itself and determine which remote start solutions are designed to integrate properly with it.
What About Push Button Start?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Many vehicles with push button ignition can still be equipped with an aftermarket remote start system.
Modern systems can use vehicle specific integration hardware to communicate with compatible factory electronics rather than treating every vehicle like an older traditional key ignition system.
Because every vehicle is different, compatibility should always be checked before selecting equipment.
How Far Away Can You Start Your Vehicle?
This is where choosing the right remote start system really matters.
Some drivers only need enough range to start their vehicle while it's sitting in the driveway.
Others want to start their vehicle from:
- Inside a workplace
- Across a large parking lot
- Inside a restaurant or store
- An apartment or office building
Different remote start systems offer different range capabilities.
Some vehicles may also be able to use the factory key fob to activate an aftermarket remote start, but the available range may still be limited by the factory remote.
That's why we recommend choosing a system based on how you'll actually use it rather than simply choosing the first compatible option.
1 Way vs 2 Way Remote Start
Another option to consider is whether you want a 1 way or 2 way remote.
A 1 way remote sends a command to the vehicle.
A 2 way remote can send the command and receive confirmation that the vehicle responded.
That confirmation is especially useful when your vehicle is somewhere you can't see it.
We've put together a complete guide explaining the differences between 1 way and 2 way remote start systems if you'd like to learn more before choosing your setup.
What About Heated Seats?
Remote start isn't the only way to make your vehicle more comfortable during winter.
Heated seats provide direct warmth once you're inside the vehicle and can be added to many vehicles that weren't originally equipped with them.
Combined with remote start, they can make a major difference during an Idaho winter.
If you're already considering remote start, fall is a great time to ask whether heated seats can also be added to your vehicle.
A Quick Fall Vehicle Checklist
Before winter settles into Southeast Idaho, take a few minutes to check:
- Battery condition
- Tire pressure and tread
- Windshield wipers
- Winter appropriate washer fluid
- Heater and defroster operation
- Exterior lights
- Remote start operation if already equipped
- Heated seat operation if equipped
- Snow brush and ice scraper
A little preparation now can save a lot of frustration once temperatures fall.
Why Professional Remote Start Installation Matters
Modern remote start installation involves much more than connecting a few wires.
Today's vehicles may include factory immobilizers, security systems, push button ignition, data networks, alarms, and other sophisticated electronics.
The system needs to be properly selected, integrated, programmed, and tested for the specific vehicle.
At Sound Source, we take the time to identify the right equipment for your vehicle and install it properly so the finished system works the way it should.
Don't Wait for the First Freezing Morning
Remote start is one of those upgrades that's easy to forget about while the weather is comfortable.
Then you walk outside on that first freezing morning.
October is a great time to get ahead of winter rather than waiting until the cold weather is already here.
If you've been thinking about adding remote start or heated seats, getting your vehicle ready now means those features are already there when you really want them.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter With Sound Source
Preparing your vehicle for winter isn't just about comfort. It's about making sure your vehicle and the features you rely on are ready for colder temperatures.
Take care of the basic winter checks, make sure your battery and tires are ready, and if you want to make those cold mornings considerably more comfortable, let Sound Source help with the rest.
At Sound Source in Pocatello, we can evaluate your year, make, and model, determine which remote start options are compatible, and help you choose a system based on the range and features you actually need.
We can also discuss heated seat options for compatible vehicles.
Stop by Sound Source or contact our team before winter arrives and let's get your vehicle ready for the cold months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can remote start be installed on a vehicle that didn't come with it?
Remote start can be added to many vehicles that weren't originally equipped with it. Compatibility depends on the vehicle's year, make, model, ignition system, factory electronics, and other factors.
Can remote start be added to a push button start vehicle?
Many push button start vehicles are compatible with aftermarket remote start systems. The equipment and integration method depend on the specific vehicle.
Does remote start warm up my vehicle?
Remote start allows the engine to run before you enter the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle and its climate control settings, the heater and defroster may begin warming the cabin and windshield during that time.
Does remote start help a weak battery in cold weather?
No. A remote start system still relies on the vehicle's battery and electrical system to start the engine. A weak or failing battery should be addressed before winter.
Is a 2 way remote start worth it?
A 2 way system can be particularly useful if you frequently start your vehicle from somewhere you can't see it because the remote can provide confirmation that the vehicle responded to the command.
Can heated seats be added at the same time as remote start?
Heated seats can be added to many vehicles depending on the seat design and factory equipment. Sound Source can evaluate your vehicle and discuss whether remote start, heated seats, or both make sense for your setup.