Leave It to the Professionals: Remote Start Installation

Updating your car can feel like an easy task to tackle yourself. With the Chicago Winter months, a remote start seems like the perfect way to take your car to the next comfort level. 

A quick search and you'll find several "How to Install a Remote Start with These Simple Steps." The truth is, installation is complicated and can cause you extra frustration and expense.

Avoid an expensive error by leaving remote start installation to the professionals. Even a mechanic is not the man for the job, you need a specialist.

Below are some common mistakes you can avoid by using a remote car starter installation specialist:

Believing the Steps Are "Simple"

Sure, the How-To guides make installation appear simple, but let's take a look at the basic steps. 

1. Remove the lower dash
2. Connect the starter to multiple wires
3. Test each wire
4. Ground each wire to the vehicle chassis
5. Attach to the starter
6. Connect ignition output
7. Locate and test the starter wire
8. Connect all other components depending on your starter
9. Connect tachometer wire to the sensor
10. Connect any other optional component (keyless entry, anti-theft, etc.)
11. Reconnect the car battery
12. Test the system

The average person likely doesn't know the details to complete each step and will probably get confused by step Two.

Choosing the Wrong Kit

Buying a kit feels like a simple process. You can find one at any auto store and can walk away with what seems like everything you need. 

However, if you try to save money in your wallet by purchasing a cheaper kit, it could cost you down the road. Many people believe they can get away with buying a cheaper kit with a lower range, but then realize later, they want to start their car from somewhere other than home.

With a lower range, the starter has lower power. So you may be able to start it from inside your home, but not from your workplace, the mall, garages, or restaurants.

You also need to be careful to make sure a kit is compatible with your vehicle model. Installation for each model is different. Buying an incompatible kit won't work at all.

Buying a Car Starter Without the Proper Feature Set

There are many options to choose from when buying a remote starter kit. Some are nothing more than the remote car starter. They start and stop a car from a specified distance, nothing more. Others offer more functions such as keyless entry, heated seats, and a defrost option.

Many people make the mistake in believing things will just work when the starter is on. If you left the window defrost on when you last turned off the car, it won't automatically turn back on with the starter. If you want the two to work together, it has to specifically be added to the installation itself.

Most newer cars have a keyless entry but the keyless entry doesn't necessarily work when the car is running. That means, if your remote start doesn't include keyless entry, you may have to turn the car back off before you can unlock the car. 

Loosely Understanding Automotive Electrics and the Tools

The person who installs a remote start will need to use a variety of tools. If you don't have a solid grasp on the electrical system in your car, you will quickly get lost in the wiring and tools.

Do you know how to read an electrical schematic? Do you know how to work a multimeter or test light? Do you know how and where to connect them to your vehicle?

These are tools that come naturally to specialists. Not understanding the use of them can lead to a misreading that will cause damage to your car.

Not Having Extra Tools

Most kits claim to have everything you need to install your remote start. However, they may not have the tools mentioned above (electrical schematic, multimeter, test light). You may also need to have some splicing or crimping tools to correctly finish the project.

Above all, you'll need to have soldering tools and know-how to use them. Soldering skills are key to getting the remote start properly connected.

Damaging Electrical Components

Take one look at a diagram, and you'll see a web of electrical wires. Each one goes to a separate component of the car- lights, signals, horn, alarm, locks, etc.

It's easy to misidentify the correct circuit you need to tap into. If you splice into the wrong one, you can cause major damage to one or more of the electrical components.

Voiding Your Warranty

Your car has a warranty on it and you want to keep it that way. Let's say you decide you want to tackle the installation on your own. As a novice, you could make several electrical mistakes. Since you are not a professional, you will likely void your car's warranty by doing the installation yourself.

Bringing your car to a trained professional will ensure a flawless installation and even though your car dealer may tell you otherwise, a professional installation will not void your warranty. 

Who Should Do Your Remote Start Installation?

Ideally, you'll want to buy a remote starter and have the remote start installation completed at the same, reputable place. Most quality establishments won't agree to install a starter purchased from another business. If the business doesn't offer installation, go somewhere else. 

A specialist will have the skills and knowledge to install a remote start without causing any vehicle damage. They will be able to recommend a starter compatible with the make and model you have. And, they'll be able to guide you to a starter that will include all the features you're looking for. 

Going to a professional will save you a lot of headache and money in the long run. When you decide to update your car with a remote starter, make sure you leave it to the professionals.

If you are in Addison, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Chicago, or any of the western suburban areas and need the best remote starter installation near you, contact us today to get your remote start set up and in place!