4 Remote Car Starters that Work with Any Vehicle

Warming or cooling your car without even leaving the house is a nice creature comfort. Remote car starters make it possible, and some options come with cutting-edge technology like two-way communication, keyless entry, LCD screens, and security features.

After comparing features and reading customer reviews, our team chose the Crimestopper Rs7-G5 as the best remote car starter overall. It works for a wide range of vehicles, boasts an impressive 3,000-foot range, and can be configured to two vehicles at once. It also communicates back to the LCD pager to show the car's real-time status. 

Below, we'll share other remote car starters that are worth considering, explain what to look for in a remote car starter, and help you take extra precautions to secure your vehicle. 

Here’s the lowdown on what you should think about when you’re in the market for a remote car starter.

1. Sufficient range: While a longer range may seem impressive, consider how often you’ll really need to remote start your car from a mile away and purchase accordingly. 

2. Compatible features: For example, keyless entry doesn’t always work on newer vehicles. Consult with a remote car starter installation professional about the model you plan to purchase for your vehicle to confirm compatibility.

3. Signal confirmation: Also known as two-way communication, this feature lets you know the car has started. Some will also let you know if the car is locked or unlocked and how long it's been running. 

4. Smartphone control: Using an app to start your car is certainly convenient, but this technology doesn't come standard with most remote car starters. You may need to purchase the app separately or even buy a second module. 

5. Security features: Consider whether you want remote start with security features like aftermarket sirens, valet mode, or panic buttons. If you’re planning to install a car alarm at some point, it makes sense to buy a system that gives you the best of both worlds.

While you could opt for a DIY approach to cut costs, it’s not something we recommend for remote car starter installation. In many cases, you may need a bypass module or extensive wiring to make the car remote starter compatible with your vehicle, so it’s best left to the professionals. A licensed technician also has the expertise to make sure improper installation doesn’t compromise the security of your vehicle.

The cost to install remote start systems ranges from $150 to $500, but this price tag is worth it if you want to be sure it’s done correctly and safely. A quick search for “remote start installation near me” should point you in the right direction based on your location.

If you do decide to tackle remote start installation on your own, make sure to disconnect the battery first. If not, you’ll be in for a ‘shockingly’ unpleasant installation experience.

A remote car starter can help prevent theft while bringing your car to a comfortable temperature. Without a remote start system, you'd have to put the key in the ignition or leave the key fob in the car, which would make it very easy for someone to drive off with your car. In contrast, a remote starter starts the car but doesn't make it drivable. ,

Still, it doesn’t make your vehicle impervious to break-ins or attempted theft. Consider decreasing your risk of auto theft with the following tips.

• Customize your settings. Some remote start systems allow you to update proximity settings or specify that a key fob button be pressed prior to starting or unlocking the car. Confused? Ask a remote start installation professional to help adjust your settings.
• Install security measures. Steering wheel locks, aftermarket car alarms, and even home security cameras with a view of the driveway are all additional security measures that can all discourage thieves from targeting your vehicle.
• Practice safety. Follow common sense tips that experts recommend for car safety, including parking your car in well-lit areas and hiding valuables out of sight.

In order to find the best remote car starters, we didn’t just race through the research. Our recommendations are based on careful consideration of the competition which includes compiling product stats. We also looked to experts in the field to learn more about brand reputation and performance during testing.

And last, but not least, we pored over ratings from real customers across multiple platforms to identify potential problems or standout features. Get under the hood and see our full methodology here.

If you’re looking for the best remote car starter to keep your vehicle firing on all engines, Crimestopper has what you need. You’ll enjoy the convenience of the LCD screen pager that counts down your remote start and the option to add a smart control app with keyless entry and GPS tracking.