Topic: Remote Starters - Any recommended Models And Installers?

[wing]

I had a problem this morning with frosty windows on the inside, but it was raining yesterday so there was a lot of moisture in the air.  I let the car sit running for about 5 min and it wasn't helping much.  So I started driving with the tiny little patch I could see through, I stayed in my neighbourhood until it cleared up which was only a minute or so.  Driving definetely is the fast way, but it was a little hard to see around corners.

[mrthompson]

You should have tried Bubbles' technique, the one used while driving the car in The Hip's "The Darkest One" video.   

[Hank:^)]

Word of advice...don't go cheap and make sure the installer has a "310K" minimum certificate or is a licensed mechanic. see it in writing to cover your asset.
Remote starters are a security risk.
Car theives love them. Maybe look into a "Powerlock" system too. May get a discount on your insurance as well.  Or maybe a Ravelco Anti Theft Device..not sure if they work with remote starters or not but worth looking into.

[johngenx]

Remote starters are a security risk.
Car theives love them.

They are, and they do.

We dont have one on either of our current cars.  I used to own a car electronics store and we sold tons of remote start units.  The brand we had the best results with was Astro-Start, and by a mile.

I had one on our older Subaru so that I could use the cold temp start feature as I often left the car at a trailhead in the winter where there was no available plug in and it would be -30C for the days I was gone.  But, that car had no factory anti-theft.  Today, I would NOT install one in a car where it required tampering with the factory anti-theft.

People assume that it's an easy install, and it can be, be keep in mind that it requires tapping into a hot full 12V start circuit and if your installer is a goof, you run a real risk of burning your car up.  The install is MORE important than the brand and anyone using non-soldered joints, no loom, etc. should not be allowed near your car.

[Zoo]

Great feedback gang. Thanks What are these interior heaters though? Do you plus them into the outlet? Does CT sell them?

[siwash]

I have to agree with a lot of the other posts... why are remote starters allowed on the market? Canada is trying (albeit half-assed) to meet the Kyoto reductions in Co2. It pollutes, wastes fuel and probably does more harm than good to your enngines..

Sorry, I don't mean to sound so self-righteous..

[sterling]

I love having a remote starter for winter. The whining Kyoto babies can complain all they want. Many of them are heating 800 sq ft garages to achieve the same purpose anyway.

Installation quality is far more important than brand choice. When we take a car in trade that has a remote start we immediately take it out. Even if it works, the odds are high that we will get a call soon after the car is sold from an angry customer with a remote start related complaint.

[Hank:^)]

try an inline heaters on a timer. Alot of peolpe have forgotten about these little gems. They actually warm the same antifreeze that creates your heat. Start your car and it is already warm.

[ShadowDog]

Sorry for the delay in responding.  My online time was cut by the much dreaded WORK.

I use a small space heater unit, much like the ones found to warm a bedroom overnight.  It has its own thermostat to control overheating; however, I don't think it can even get warm enough inside the car because I can still see my breath inside after it's been unplugged.  The unit itself is about 1500 watts.  It's shaped like a cube, standing about eight inches tall, and six-by-six deep and wide.

I set it on the back seat on top of a piece of plywood, simply for peace of mind.  I don't want any fabric suddenly getting so hot I could start my car on fire.     Not that it could happen; however, if the unit somehow tipped over and was facing down, that seat could go ablaze in no time.

You can find heating units specifically for cars.  I looked a couple of them up.  I avoided the ones that plug into the lighter outlet as they would only draw against your battery, and you wouldn't be able to set a readily available timer to them.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441889011&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517494&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669671&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669671&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1133586616815

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441888991&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517494&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669671&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669671&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1133586616860

This particular model is almost exactly like the one I use in the car:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669892&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441894111&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1133586827289&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

Again, a timer with the heater works nicely.  You can vary the temp settings with the household space heater I posted last, and vary the times at which the unit turns on.  It'll depend upon the humidity, and what ever moisture sources your car might have inside.

Good luck.  If you have any other questions, let me know.

[SeasideLass]

Great feedback gang. Thanks What are these interior heaters though? Do you plus them into the outlet? Does CT sell them?

I'd like to know that also--there is a car on the street where I live that's always totally "steamed" up.  My old VW never had a problem like that--though it had many others over time 

[mdxtasy]

I'd like to know that also--there is a car on the street where I live that's always totally "steamed" up.  My old VW never had a problem like that--though it had many others over time 

Who's inside this vehicle?   What are they doing? 

[safristi]

..yeah ...WE ARE ALL STEAMED ya didn't invite any OF US OVER...!!!!!!!