What is the range of remote start?

Remote start technology has revolutionized the way we interact with our vehicles, offering a convenient and efficient way to start our cars from a distance. This feature, once considered a luxury, has become increasingly common in modern vehicles, providing a range of benefits to drivers. In this article, we'll explore the various aspects of remote start and its capabilities.

What is Remote Start?

Remote start, also known as keyless ignition, is a feature that allows you to start your vehicle's engine from a distance using a specialized key fob or a mobile app. This technology eliminates the need to physically insert a key into the ignition, providing a seamless and effortless way to prepare your car for your journey.

The Range of Remote Start

The range of remote start can vary depending on the specific system installed in your vehicle. Generally, the range can be categorized as follows:

• Short-Range Remote Start: These systems typically have a range of up to 200 feet, allowing you to start your car from a nearby location, such as your home or office.


• Long-Range Remote Start: Some advanced systems offer a range of up to 1 mile, enabling you to start your car from a greater distance, such as from your workplace or while running errands.


• Smartphone-Enabled Remote Start: With the integration of mobile apps, some vehicles now offer the ability to start your car remotely using your smartphone, regardless of your location, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

The range of your remote start system can be influenced by various factors, including the strength of the radio frequency (RF) signal, any physical obstacles between the key fob and the vehicle, and the specific technology used in the system.

Benefits of Remote Start

Remote start technology offers several benefits to drivers, including:

• Convenience: The ability to start your car from a distance allows you to warm up or cool down the interior before you even get in, making your commute more comfortable.


• Security: Remote start systems can be integrated with your vehicle's security features, providing an added layer of protection against theft.


• Energy Efficiency: By pre-conditioning the cabin temperature, remote start can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, as the engine doesn't have to work as hard to reach the desired temperature.


• Accessibility: For individuals with mobility challenges, remote start can be a valuable feature, allowing them to start their vehicle without having to physically access it.

As technology continues to evolve, the range and capabilities of remote start systems are expected to expand, further enhancing the driving experience for car owners.

How to increase the range of a remote car starter?

To make your remote start last longer, you can either extend the current run time by pressing the remote start button again after it's been running for a bit, or you can change the default duration in your vehicle's settings. For most vehicles, extending the run time involves pressing the lock button and then holding the remote start button again until the lights flash. To change the default duration, navigate through your vehicle's settings menu, often under "Advanced Settings" or "Vehicle," and select a longer duration like 10 or 15 minutes. 
Extend the current run time

• Ensure the vehicle has been running for at least 30-60 seconds before you try to extend it. 
• Press the lock button on your key fob one time. 
• Press and hold the remote start button again for a few seconds until the lights on the vehicle flash to confirm the extension. 
• This will extend the run time, often from 10 minutes to 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle. 
• You can usually only extend the time once before you have to manually start the car. 

This video demonstrates how to extend the remote start run time on a GM vehicle: 59sDanny Johnson’s GarageYouTube · Feb 17, 2023
Change the default duration in settings 

• Start your vehicle, then go to the settings menu on your dashboard.
• Look for options like "Advanced Settings," "Vehicle," or "Remote Start".
• Find the setting for "Duration" and select a longer run time, such as 10 or 15 minutes. 

You can watch this video to learn how to change the default remote start duration in a Ford vehicle: 46sLong McArthurYouTube · Dec 15, 2023
General tips to improve remote start performance

• Keep your key fob battery charged: A strong battery can improve the signal range. 
• Improve the signal: Try holding the key fob up to your chin or over your head to increase its range, and avoid holding it where your fingers might be blocking the antenna. 
• Reduce interference: Put your phone in airplane mode or keep other RF devices away from you when trying to start your car, as they can interfere with the signal. 

How far away can you use remote start?

Typically, a factory remote starter has around 30-feet of range, which requires you to be fairly close to your vehicle to start it.

How far can a key fob be to start a car?

The remote engine starter can be effectively operated up to 80 feet in an open space. The physical makeup of the surrounding environment (hills, trees, buildings, etc.) may affect the remote engine starter's maximum range.

What is the range of a remote starter?

The range of a remote starter varies widely, from approximately 500 feet for basic models to several miles for high-end systems. Many factors, such as the type of communication technology, physical obstructions like buildings and hills, and the presence of electronic interference, can significantly reduce the effective range. For "unlimited" range, cellular-based systems connect through a phone's app, working as long as both the phone and car have a cellular signal.
 
This video explains how to use Toyota's long distance remote starter: 57sWoodbridge ToyotaYouTube · Mar 11, 2019
Range by technology and model 

• Basic systems: Have a typical range of around 500 feet, which is sufficient for use at home but may be too short for large parking lots. 
• Standard aftermarket systems: Offer a greater range, often between 800 feet and 3,000 feet (approximately 914 meters). 
• Long-range systems: Can provide up to 1 or even 3 miles of range under ideal conditions. 
• Cellular systems: Provide unlimited range as long as your phone and vehicle have cellular service, though they are usually subscription-based. 

Factors that affect range

• Obstructions: Walls, trees, hills, and metal surfaces (like in a parking garage) can significantly reduce the signal's strength and range. 
• Electronic interference: Other electronic devices can interfere with the remote starter's signal. 
• Communication technology: The type of technology used (e.g., FM versus spread spectrum, one-way versus two-way communication) affects the distance and reliability of the signal. 
• Vehicle type: Factory-installed remotes typically have a shorter range (around 30-50 feet), while aftermarket systems are designed for longer distances.