Understanding Remote Start and Why it Matters A remote start option on a vehicle provides the ability to start the vehicle from a distance by pressing a button on a fob, or more frequently these days, using a control in an app for your mobile device. There are a couple of advantages that come from this, you can warm the engine before arriving, so the vehicle is ready to set off as soon as you get in. But it also allows you to adjust the interior environment to your liking too. If it is a cold day, you can use the heaters to warm the car interior ready for when you arrive, defrosting windows and so on. Similarly, in warmer weather it can activate air conditioning, so the interior is nice and cool when you get in. This makes for a more convenient and comfortable experience for drivers and passengers alike. How do Remote Start Systems Work? In simple terms, pressing a button on the key fob, or in a vehicle app on your phone, signals the vehicle to start. There are some safety conditions built in, with he system only working if the vehicle is in park with the handbrake on, is fully locked with its security systems active. Most allow you to set various parameters so that in addition to the engine starting, it will activate window defrosting, set the temperature in the vehicle and turn on seat heating or cooling as required too. Using Remote Start Perhaps the highlight of modern remote start systems is not what they do, but that manufacturers have made it such an intuitive, simple system to use. Some systems may be driven by other devices, such as the AutoPi system, which makes it relatively simple to enable this functionality in just a few steps: Vehicle Preparation — Your vehicle should be fitted with an appropriate control device such as the AutoPi TMU CM4 to enable remote functionality. Create a Connection — The device should be connected to a secure platform such as the AutoPi cloud for safe operation and the ability to set up these remote features. Command and Control — Using the AutoPi Cloud interface, you can activate the remote start function, with the command relayed to the vehicle securely and any other settings you want also activated. Vehicle Starts — The command is received by the AutoPi TMU CM4, and then uses the CAN Bus in the vehicle to initiate the various systems needed to start the vehicle and turn on any other devices such as heaters and so on. Using the AutoPi device to remote start a vehicle really is that simple, although it is not a plug and play setup. The system will need to be installed and configured to control these aspects of the vehicle, and the feature activated within the AutoPi Cloud interface. To make the most from remote start in the AutoPi system, professional installation is often the best approach. The Benefits of Remote Start on a Vehicle So, pressing a button and starting your vehicle while you are still a distance from it is just a cool thing to do. But being fun isn’t why you should think about adding remote start to a vehicle. Here are some benefits that do make it worthwhile. Makes your experience more comfortable — Press the button, and as you head to your vehicle, the engine warms up, the interior reaches your chosen temperature, it can even defrost the windows for you. It’s just a nicer way to do things, adding comfort and convenience to your experience. Enhance safety — Being able to defrost windows and get the interior warm in cold weather boost safety. Adds value — People like remote start, and are prepared to pay for it. Having the feature adds to the value of your vehicle when you sell it. Look after your engine — Giving the engine time to warm up and get oil flowing before you drive off is kinder on the mechanical components and add to its longevity. Conclusion Remote start is one of those features that is not only really useful, but is very easy to use for everyone. Once the feature is fitted, just press a button and it works. Leveraging IoT devices and innovative telematics systems, it adds convenience, safety and additional comfort for drivers and passengers. As vehicles continue to evolve, we will see remote start expand its capabilities for ever more useful features that enhance the driving experience.
Cloud Login
