How long will a car run after remote start?

Most cars with remote start idle for about 10 to 20 minutes after you start them remotely. The exact duration depends on the system, whether it’s factory-installed or aftermarket, and any climate-control settings you enable.

Because there is a wide range of configurations—ranging from OEM remote-start features to standalone kits—the run time is not universal. Understanding the defaults and how to adjust them can help you plan idling, fuel use, and safety.

What governs your remote-start run time

Run time can be a fixed interval or adjustable, and it’s influenced by the vehicle type, the installed system, and safety features. Climate-control preconditioning can also extend the idle period as the system works to reach the target cabin temperature.

Before you review common runtimes, here is how they typically break down by system and setting.

• Factory OEM remote starts: Most vehicles use a default idle window around 10–15 minutes. Some models allow extending that window to about 30 minutes or to select shorter/longer increments via the vehicle’s settings or owner’s manual.


• Aftermarket remote start kits: These systems usually offer adjustable run times, commonly 5–30 minutes, with some higher-end units allowing 60 minutes or more depending on the model and installation quality.


• Climate-controlled preconditioning: If you enable climate preconditioning, the system may idle longer to reach a chosen cabin temperature, potentially adding 5–30 minutes or more under very cold or hot conditions.


• Safety and system limits: Auto shutoffs can trigger if the hood is opened, doors are unlocked, or the transmission is shifted, or if the battery voltage is too low or the engine overheats, in which case idle ends earlier than the maximum run time.


• Electric and hybrid vehicles: EVs and hybrids may hold a shorter default idle due to battery management needs, but climate control can still run for an extended period to reach desired cabin comfort while staying within manufacturer-recommended limits.

Concluding note: Always check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s settings menu to confirm the exact run-time options for your car, and use remote start in well-ventilated spaces away from buildings and engines left unattended to avoid carbon monoxide risks.

Summary

Across most vehicles, a remote-started engine idles for roughly 10–20 minutes by default, with the ability to extend or shorten that window depending on the system, climate-control usage, and safety interlocks. When in doubt, verify your model’s specifications in the manual and adjust settings responsibly.

Is there a limit to how many times you can remote start a car?

Note: Remote start can only be extended once. Note: A maximum of two remote starts, or one remote start with an extension, are allowed.

Will the car shut off after remote start?

To help ensure your safety, and anyone near the vehicle, the remote engine starter is designed to shut the engine off when it detects any attempt to enter or move the vehicle after a remote engine start.

How do I change my remote start to run longer?

To make your remote start run longer, you can either repeat the start-up sequence after a short wait or, on some vehicles, extend the run time through the in-vehicle settings or a mobile app. For a key fob, press the lock button and then press and hold the remote start button again, waiting at least 30 seconds after the initial start. On some modern cars, you can adjust the default run time to a longer duration (like 15 minutes) through the vehicle's "Settings" menu under "Remote Start". 
Methods to extend your remote start
This video demonstrates how to extend the remote start time for a GM vehicle: 49sDean Cooley GMYouTube · Jan 12, 2023
Using your key fob

• Initial Start: Press the lock button and then hold the remote start button until the lights flash.
• Extend the time: Wait at least 30 seconds after the car has started, then repeat the same procedure (press lock, then hold the remote start button).
• Note: This method can typically only be done once, and the car will need to be manually started to reset the timer. 

This video shows how to extend the remote start time for a GM vehicle: 59sDanny Johnson’s GarageYouTube · Feb 17, 2023
Using in-vehicle settings

• Access settings: Once the car is running, use your steering wheel controls to navigate to the "Settings" menu, then "Advanced Settings".
• Find remote start options: Look for "Vehicle" and then "Remote Start," where you will find a "Duration" option.
• Set the duration: Choose a longer time, such as 15 minutes, if your vehicle offers it. 

Using a mobile app 

• Open the app: Open your vehicle's companion app on your phone.
• Start and extend: Start the vehicle, and within the initial run time, tap the start/stop button again followed by an "extend" button. 

This video explains how to extend the remote start time using a mobile app: 1mDryden GMYouTube · Jan 10, 2022
Important considerations

• Always ensure the vehicle is in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. 
• The exact steps and options vary by manufacturer, so consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions. 
• Some systems have a maximum run time, and you will need to manually start the car to reset the timer. 

How long does remote start keep the car running?

The power windows will not work during the remote start and the radio will not turn on automatically. The parking lamps will remain on and the vehicle will run for 5, 10, or 15 minutes, depending on the setting.