Accessories

How to warm up your car interior from a mile away

Drivers can increase their personal safety and put some cool conveniences in the palm of their hand by adding a remote start package to their Toyotas.

Remote start systems can alert you if someone is trying to break into your car. They are particularly helpful in cold or hot climates, where drivers can automatically start the engine and adjust interior temperature before they enter their automobile.

"I pre-warmed my car this morning using remote start," said Ken Gammage, head of communications for Directed Electronics, a leading manufacturer of remote start and vehicle security systems. "Millions of people all over the country are doing the same thing."

Remote start capability was introduced to the masses some 20 years ago. Today, the systems have become much more versatile as automobile electronics have become more sophisticated.

Control over your Toyota starting and other functions rests in the palm of your hand. Remote start systems integrate seamlessly with your Toyota head unit and its electronic systems.

"You can add lots of conveniences such as opening windows for venting or automatically setting the temperature of your Toyota," Gammage said. "This device is becoming a necessity for people who live in snow or hot environments."

The two main items to consider when purchasing a remote start are range and communication capability. For instance, basic units may have a range of 400 feet. High end models may transmit signals as far as one mile.

"You can send commands to adjust the temperature inside your vehicle or get a security alert even if you are walking around inside a mall," Gammage said.

Remote start devices that offer better range also do a better job preventing interference from other wireless devices, Gammage said. As a result, you get better control over sending and receiving commands.

"You don't want a system that only works if you're standing right next to your car," Gammage said.

Thieves cannot steal your vehicle once it has been started—the car still requires a key to get it out of gear. The remote start fob also provides an engine shutoff function.

Gammage had the following suggestions for choosing a remote start system for your Toyota:

Get as much range as possible. The better the range, the less interference remote start systems get from other wireless devices. Good range means you can receive signals even if you are walking around inside a mall.
Look for remote start systems with two-way notification. The system confirms when a function is activated. For instance, two-way notification can tell you that your car engine has started before you leave the safety and comfort of the shopping mall. Or it can tell you that the alarm system is set.
Get a unit designed spefically for your Toyota. Some work only on automatic transmission or fuel-injected engines.
Integrate your remote start system with other features in your vehicle. Some of the common integration systems include security, air conditioning or heating system, temperature system, power windows, automatic alarm disengagement, car finder, engine run time, automatic door locking/unlocking and trunk opening.
Add a relay that prevents your device from trying to start a running engine.
Prevent potential accidents by installing a carbon monoxide detector in your garage if you park your vehicle inside.
Prevent children from accidentally starting your vehicle by programming a specific button or button sequence on the remote start device.
Use a professional installer since remote start products must integrate with your electronics system and required specialized knowledge.

"Ask your service about using auxiliary channels," Gammage said. "You can add all sorts of conveniences."

Valley Toyota 1835 Glendale Ave. Hanford, CA 93230
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