How to Choose the Right Remote Engine Starter for Your Vehicle

Here at Tasca Parts, we know the reality of cruel northeast winters all too well. No one enjoys the frigid, snowy dash, to their vehicle every morning. Installing the proper remote engine starter can save time and frustration during your morning routine. A starter normally consists of a flywheel, motor, pinion, battery, and a solenoid switch. When you start the vehicle, the electric charge passes through the ignition system to the solenoid, which helps start the motor. There are many different variables to consider when purchasing a remote car starter. Fortunately, this article should help you narrow down your options to pick the right fit for your vehicle. 

Features to Consider when Purchasing a Remote Engine Starter:

 Buying a starter for your vehicle can be an intimidating experience. Especially when you have no idea what you are looking for. In such cases, you can start with checking on a few basic points such as the features you are looking for in your car starter. Some features to consider could be...  

  • The distance you would need to Comfortably start your vehicle from your home or office (not much of differentiation these days). 
  • Climatic conditions of the place you live can also play a major role in selecting the right starter for your vehicle.
  • It is also important to consider an appropriate price point for your starter. Take into consideration the cost it will take to have your starter installed. Having a remote starter installed on your vehicle can typically cost around $150- $225 in labor alone. The remote starter itself can cost between $100 and $350. In total the entire process could cost between $250-$575. Of course, you can always opt to install your starter yourself, however, this can take an expert level of technical experience depending on the make and model of your vehicle. For most vehicle owners, we suggest you take your vehicle to an expert for the best installation results.   

Knowing your requirements

Before you proceed with choosing a starter for your vehicle, it is important to understand your vehicle better. Consider the make and model of your vehicle because different products work better for different vehicles. In addition, find out which starter type suits your vehicle’s engine. Your vehicle’s transmission also plays an important role in selecting a starter. Therefore, by considering all of this, you will be in a better position to select the best starter suited for your vehicle.

It is also crucial that you check the torque output of a starter. One important task of a starter is to roll the engine without the risk of overheating your engine. High or low voltage batteries affect the kilowatt output. Even though this does not have anything to do with torque, there must always be enough torque, to begin with.

Checking warranty information

Read your vehicle’s as well as the remote starter’s warranty information thoroughly. Check for a system that provides the longest warranty period. Even though the system may be under warranty, the remote itself is mostly warranted only for a year or two. Ensure you check the remote replacement cost in case the need arises. 


Checking the operating range

Considering the operating range is another crucial aspect of selecting the proper starter. Remote starters work best for colder regions. Here, you can start the vehicle from a distance and by the time you are in the car, it is heated up and ready to go. Do not buy a starter with a shorter range than you may need. It is also important to consider frequently visited locations and their proximity to your parked car. For instance, your remote starter may work perfectly at the 25-foot range from your house to your driveway. But fails to reach your parked car in the employee parking lot down the street at work. It is always best practice to select the remote starter with the longest range to ensure you are not wasting hard-earned cash on a vehicle feature that is rendered useless in certain situations.    


Monitoring the engine speed mechanism

A starter helps monitor your engine’s revolutions per minute, or RPM to prevent any damage to the vehicle if there are any problems when starting. The RPM sensor also guides the starter when the vehicle does not start on a cold day and needs a restart.

Remote Starter Recommendations 

Below are some of the most popular remote starters for several different makes and models.


H011SAJ401H011SAJ401

Subaru Legacy/ Outback: H011SAJ401

Key Features: 

  • This Genuine Subaru starter offers a manufacturer warranty of 12 months. 
  • Offers preset heating and cooling options so that you can ensure the car is at just the right temperature when you get in. 
  • Range of 400 Feet 



U8560-1U010U8560-1U010

Kia Sorrento (U8560-1U010)

Key Features: 

  • Range of 500 Feet 
  • 12-month manufacturer warranty 
  • Fast installation time (one hour) 
  • Currently On sale at 173.80! By far one of the cheapest options for this particular make and model. 


 (AG1Z-19G364-A) (AG1Z-19G364-A)

Ford 

Key Features: 

  • Remote start Bi-directional 100 series 
  • 12-month Manufacturer warranty 
  • Fits a large amount of Ford Vehicles 
  • Currently 23% off listing price 



H001SAJ800H001SAJ800

Subaru Outback (H001SAJ800)

Key Features

  • Genuine OEM Subaru part
  • Guaranteed by Subaru parts and accessories limited warranty 
  • Blinks to confirm the engine has started 
  • Can reach ranges of 400 feet! 
  • Currently 25.30% off the listing price 

Other Beneficial Remote Start Features to Consider:

Installing keyless entry

You can install a remote starter keyless feature to your car. This gives the starter a wider range that makes it easier to lock or unlock the car’s doors from a distance.

As of late, there are quite a few systems that come with a two-way remote. This has a longer range and confirms that your car started on your remote.

Adding a security system

You can add a security system to the vehicle’s starter. This will give you an alert or warning in case someone tries to tamper with your vehicle as you wait for it to warm up. 

In addition to the above, you can also add a variety of other features to your starter.

  • Heated seats: Heated seats not only keep the vehicle warm on a cold day, but also ensure your seats are comfortable.
  • Rear window defrost: This keeps your rear window thawed without you having to wait for the car’s heat to do it or manually doing them yourself.
  • Anti-grind features: This feature helps save your engine in cases when you turn the key forgetting that the key is already there.
  • Car alarm: You can use this feature to find your car in a large parking lot. Clicking a button will raise a sound helping you locate your vehicle easily.

In addition to this, you can add a lot of other features as per your requirements. By keeping in mind all these points, you can choose the best system for your vehicle.

Shop our selection of Genuine OEM Remote starters for your car truck or SUV!



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The Advice, How-to guides, and maintenance information featured on tascaParts.com is presented as helpful resources for general maintenance and automotive repairs. The presented guides on this site should be used at your own risk. Tascaparts.com assumes no responsibility for any physical injury that may occur to you or your vehicle while working on your vehicle. The information on this site is accurate and true to the best of Tascapart’s Knowledge, however, it is entirely possible that there may be omitted information or errors. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or a licensed professional mechanic for vehicle-specific repair information. You may also refer to your owner’s manual for specific diagnostic, repair, and tool information for your particular vehicle.