FAQ
Here’s answers to popular questions.
If you still have a question you can get in touch with us through the contact details at the bottom of this page or through our contact page.
Can I fit the remote start system myself?
Absolutely. All our remote start systems are supplied with a dedicated wiring harness specifically for the vehicle in question. This means installation is simply plug and play and NO splicing is required into the vehicles wiring loom for 99% of installations. We provide you with full installation support. We also provide full telephone and video technical support. Our specialists will support you every step of the way.
Do you offer mail order / ship world wide?
Yes we we ship worldwide using DHL, Fedex and UPS. Delivery to North America for example is usually 2-3 days.
Once I remote start the car can someone just open the door and drive it away?
No! The only way the vehicle can be driven away once it has been remote started is if you have an authorised device (eg the vehicle key) and you follow a secure, timed take over procedure. if you do not follow this procedure the engine will be immobilised. For example if someone smashed the window and jumped in or managed to open a door and jump in the engine would cut out.
If I purchase a remote start can I set the heater, heated seats and heated steering to come on automatically?
It’s 100% vehicle dependant and only possible with either our GSM or bluetooth based phone apps. Most Audi’s from circa 2018 onwards for example allow the heated seats, heated rear window and cooled seats to be controlled by the app but as it is solely vehicle dependant we advise that our remote start system is guaranteed to remote start your car and anything it does after that is a bonus. However, if you leave the settings the last time you use the vehicle as you want them to be when you remote start it, for example the heating, heated seats, heated wheel, heated wing mirrors, heated rear windscreen etc will all come on when remote started – you can test this with your vehicle prior to purchase.
How does the optional bluetooth app and LoRa long range remote work?
The bluetooth / LoRa accessory includes both the phone app and a long range LoRa credit card remote control. Once installed and after downloading the app to your phone, you can connect your phone directly to your vehicle to start, stop, unlock and lock it. For increased range you can connect your phone to the long range credit card remote by bluetooth which will repeat the signal to the vehicle using LoRa technology increasing the range up to one mile . Alternatively, you can use solely the credit card size remote to do all of the above!
Do you offer any kind of free / money back returns guarantee?
Absolutely, we offer a full 30 day full money back guarantee. If you don’t want the system for any reason within the first 30 days please just return it to us for a full refund less any charges incurred through shipping or customs. The customer will have to bear the cost of return postage with adequate insurance and tracking as a refund will only be processed once we receive the equipment back.
How far does the bluetooth app and LoRa long range credit card remote work over?
The bluetooth app is limited by bluetooth connection distances but the long range LoRa credit card remote works from up to a mile away with optimum coverage. Please note the GSM phone application works all over the world.
Do I need to inform my insurance company if I have a remote start fitted?
Yes you have to inform your insurance company if you make modifications to your vehicle.
Can the remote start system be easily removed if I want to?
Absolutely, our remote starts are supplied with a plug and play harness therefore the system can be easily removed. If, for example, you wanted to remove the system when you sold your car and put it in your new one, its easy to do presuming your new vehicle is compatible.
What warranty comes with the remote start system?
We offer a one year, non transferable warranty on all our remote start systems. We also offer an optional non transferable lifetime warranty on our remote start systems (this doesn’t include any accessories.)
Do I need to be careful if using the remote start in a confined area?
Yes, you need to be careful if using the remote start in a confined area due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Death can occur due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Is my spare key required as part of the installation?
It depends on your vehicle. Any remote start system will require a “transponder” to allow the vehicle to start. Some of these transponders can be copied electronically to the remote start brain and those that can’t require a spare key to be used as part of the installation. When a key is used, the battery and metal key blade are removed and the remaining shell is placed in a specially designed box that is hidden within the vehicle. The key is not damaged in any way. With many of our remote start systems no key is required as we can copy your key data direct to the remote start module itself. In general terms, between circa 2009 to 2018 there is a 50/50 chance the 4 or 5 version of Audi require a physical key as part of the installation. The 6, 7 and 8 version of Audi in the same period do not require a physical key at all. Currently all Audis on the MLBevo platform (circa 2018 and newer) need a physical key (less the battery and key blade) used as part of the installation. If a key is required:- https://youtu.be/zTTFudjrwZM
Do I have to pay any import tax
All equipment is currently sent from the UK unless detailed otherwise. If you live in a country that is required to pay import tax on goods sent from the UK then yes you will. If you live in a country that doesn’t require the payment of import tax then no you won’t. If you refuse a shipment destined for yourself due to import tax being charged, when the equipment is returned to ourselves after a customer refuses to sign for the goods, a fee is usually charged from the destination country office which we have to pay and in turn will deduct off the refund.
Is it illegal to remotely start your vehicle in the UK?
No. Used responsibly its fully legal to use a remote start system in the UK. The user must use the feature responsibly and understand what is permissible and reasonable in his/her given situation / country. The functionality has been designed so that it can be used in a reasonable, safe and non-excessive way. In the UK for example, it is legal to use a remote start system so long as your vehicle isn’t on a public highway as defined by the Road traffic Act as all legislation regarding leaving your vehicle running and unnatended are related to being on a public highway. Also known as stationary idling, Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits leaving your engine on when it is not needed. This act enforces Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states “you must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road”. Using the system on your own private driveway or private works car park (where the public don’t have a right of access through payment or otherwise / defined as a public highway as per the Road Traffic Act) is completely legal. If you ever did use it on a public highway by mistake and were prosecuted, it is a non endorsable offence meaning the penalty is a fine and no points on your licence.
What happens if i sell my remote start system to somebody else / if i purchase your remote start system from anywhere other than Remote Starts ltd.
If you sell your remote start system to a new owner they are free to do as they wish with the system, we provide a support and / or re programming service if they wish any assistance. We highly recommend that the new owner has the system re programmed to their vehicle (make/model/year/transmission type/start type) etc but it is 100% their choice. We offer three support packages for new owners:-
- Installation support:- https://remotestarts.co.uk/product/installationsupport/
- Programming support:- https://remotestarts.co.uk/product/programming/
- Installation & programming support:- https://remotestarts.co.uk/product/installationsupport_and_programming/
Please note whether the system has been previously used by the original owner or has never been used by the original owner, if the original owner sells the system on to another person / business any services provided by remote starts Ltd are charged as above.