8/5/2023 0 Comments Automatic car starter costThe EPA says that idling for long periods in cold weather causes excessive engine wear as well as pollution, although the gasoline usage of an idling car is small.Īccording to Greg Pratt, an air quality research scientist at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, warming up a car is unnecessary and a bad idea because of the resultant air pollution. But how long should you let your car run if you want to be good to the engine and the environment? Most car experts say today's vehicles don't need to be idled to warm up the engine. Most remote start systems will shut off a running engine automatically after 10 minutes without a key in the ignition. If a do-it-yourselfer cuts corners, electrical problems such as "check engine" lights can plague the driver. Most car keys have a transponder in them that makes it a challenge to remotely start the vehicle without the key in the ignition. "I only install brands from manufacturers that will stand behind the product and take care of the customer, whether it's for parts or replacement." There is plenty of opportunity for problems. Rush won't install some brands commonly available at discounters. Some BMW, Saab or Volvo models cost even more because of a complicated installation, if it can be done at all, he said. Higher-end units can also turn on lights and rear-window defrosters, send confirmation that the engine has started and set running times. The most common system Rush sells, which will also lock and unlock doors, is $450 installed. His prices for the remote and installation begin at $210 for most vehicles manufactured before 2000 and $280 and up for most vehicles made after 2000. It's getting difficult to find mechanics willing to install them because they can be so laborious, Peterson said.ĭealer Automotive in Hopkins has been doing 20 remote installs a day, said owner Steve Rush. He charges $200 to $250 for vehicles without an anti-theft system (usually models manufactured before 2000) and almost twice that amount for newer vehicles. Peterson says that he doesn't like to install the starters because it takes a long time to do a decent job and the price gets prohibitive for many consumers. Guys use crimp connectors when they should be soldered." "The biggest problem I see is connection failures. The units are easier to install in older vehicles without anti-theft devices, he said, but weekend warriors who want to give it a shot should have electrical experience. " Remote starts are absolutely not for do-it-yourselfers anymore," said Bob Peterson, owner of New Brighton Service in New Brighton. You'll be doing the gift recipient a favor if you buy the remote start from a place that also installs them, such as Best Buy, Ziebart or Dealer Automotive Services in Hopkins. If you're considering giving a remote car starter for the holidays, you should know that it can be a gift with a gotcha. Minnesotans might love being able to start a cold car with the push of a remote starter from the house or office, but they won't be warmed by the installation fee. If you're thinking about a remote start for your vehicle, this article I wrote last year could help.
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