The Different Types of Aftermarket Remote Car Starters

Comfort and Convenience at the Push of a Button

We all know how convenient remote starters can be - you have the power to start your vehicle and monitor its whereabouts all at your fingertips. But when it comes to choosing the right accessories for your car, it can get overwhelming quickly. With so many types and brands of remote starters out there, how are you supposed to know which one is best for you, your car, and your lifestyle?

Before you make a final choice on which remote start will work for your vehicle, it’s important to understand the basics of each option available to you. Below, our product experts share a quick overview of each type of remote starter.

The Benefits of Remote Starters

If you’re on the fence about remote start for your car, then getting to know the benefits of having a remote starter can be really helpful. The obvious benefit - having the ability to start your car from outside, allowing you to control the interior temperature from a distance - is just one of several benefits.

Other benefits of aftermarket remote car starters can include increased vehicle security, temperature sensors that automatically start your vehicle when the temperature drops to a set level, knowing where your car is with a tracking app, safety alerts, and the ability to start your car from anywhere with an app on your smartphone.

Know Your Options

Remote starters aren’t a one-size-fits-all car accessory - it should fit you and your vehicle’s needs. This is where Mobile One Auto Sound comes in. Our service professionals are there to help guide you through which remote starter will work best for you.

Below are some options and features for you to consider when choosing a remote starter:

• One-way or two-way communication

• Smartphone control and monitoring

• Impact sensor

• Remote lock and unlock of doors and trunk

• Back-up battery

• Siren

• Motion sensors for car doors and windows

• Panic button

• Starter interrupt

• Tilt sensors

• Trunk protection

Of course, features will vary by brand and model, but most of the top remote start brands will have most, if not all, of these features included. Some of the brands we carry include:

• Mesa 4405M One-Way Remote Start

• Compustar CS4102-S Remote Start

• MESA 5703M Two-Way Remote Start

• Compustar PRO T11 Two-Way Remote Start System

One-Way Communication vs. Two-Way Communication Remote Starters

There is no “wrong” communication system you can get with a remote starter. Choosing the one that works best for you is the only “right” way and the team at Mobile One Auto Sound can help you decide what will work best for your vehicle. Knowing what each type of communication method is and how they work and “speak” to your vehicle can help you make the decision on which one will work best for your lifestyle.

One-Way Communication

When you see the term “one-way remote starter,” that simply means the button on your remote control talks to your remote starter - it only goes one way. This is the same technology that works between your keyless entry system (if you have one) and your vehicle.

Two-Way Communication

A two-way communication system is the same as one-way but, as the name implies, with a second line of communication. Your remote starter button talks to your vehicle, and your vehicle will talk right back to your remote starter. This provides added confirmation to you that your vehicle received the command given via your remote starter.

Remote Start Key Fob vs. App

As you’re deciding if a one-way or two-way communication system will work for you and your vehicle, you’ll also want to keep in mind how you want to control your remote starter. There are two ways you can control it: via a fob, or through an app on your smartphone.

Fob Control

Remote fob starters are best for one-way communication systems. You’ll have a remote that talks to your vehicle, but your vehicle will not be able to confirm to your remote that your vehicle has been turned on or off. The number of buttons on your fob directly corresponds to the number of functions your remote starter is capable of. A fob is the simplest way to control your remote starter.

App Control

Using your smartphone as a controller for your remote starter uses the aforementioned two-way communication. An app specifically designed for the brand of your remote starter is downloaded on your smartphone, giving you direct access to control your car’s remote start system and any other features that may come with it. With the app, you can start your vehicle and receive confirmation that your vehicle has indeed started. If you’re looking for a few more bells and whistles, along with some peace of mind, this is the control method for you.

As soon as you’re ready to make your car better than ever with a newly installed remote starter, you can call us or visit one of our locations to get started on your upgrade. Our friendly service professionals are ready to walk you through everything you need to know to make the best remote starter choice for your car, truck, or SUV. Once you’ve decided on your remote start system with one of our team members, our professional installers will get to work. Make the move to upgrade your vehicle today!