Remote car starters let you pre-heat your car's AC or defrost the windows, all from the comfort of your home. But the benefits go beyond cozy commutes. Remote starters offer increased security, smartphone app control, and more. However, the real question is: How much does a car starter cost in India?
Understanding the price of a car starter can be tricky, as it depends on both the hardware and installation. But worry not, we're here to clear the fog, as we’ll tell the average cost of remote starters, and some factors affecting the total remote car starter price. This will help you make informed decisions to find a system that suits your budget and needs.
What is a Car Starter?
A car starter, often called a remote starter, is a radio-controlled device that is installed in a vehicle by the factory or an aftermarket installer to preheat or cool the car before the owner gets in. Once activated by pushing a button on a particular remote key fob, the vehicle starts automatically for a predetermined time. There are different models of car starters and have keyless entry as well.
Most newer vehicles need some bypass module to bypass the factory anti-theft system so the car can be started without the ignition key; this is bypassed only to start the vehicle, which, after it is running, returns to its original state. For cars with manual transmission, additional safety features may need to be added to prevent them from starting while they are parked in gear. Having a remote starter installed in a vehicle will usually not void the factory warranty when installed correctly.
The first manufacturer to introduce remote start bypass modules to bypass vehicle anti-theft systems was Fortin Auto Radio, based in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). By 1985, multiple manufacturers began producing the devices, and automobile manufacturers began offering remote start devices to their customers as an option.
Read More: What is a Remote Starter? A Comprehensive Guide
Benefits of Having a Car Starter
A car starter is basically an installed wireless, radio frequency-controlled device that starts your car’s engine using a remote control or mobile app. The distance the remote can operate the engine depends on the model of the starter installed.
But, before we dive into the car starter price, let’s take a look at what benefits a car starter offers aside from making your drive more comfortable:
A More Comfortable Drive
If you’re living in a cold area, then it's obvious you find your car as a cold icebox in the morning for your drive to work. It’s just as cold again after sitting in the parking lot at work all day.
Using a car starter allows you to start your car from the inside and let it heat up before you have to get in and drive it. This way, you will enjoy a much more comfortable ride even during cold months.
You’ll Have a Safer Commute
Many of us do it. Get in a frosty car and are too impatient to wait for it to heat up, so we drive off, barely able to see out the windows. When you warm up your car ahead of your drive, the ice and frost have a chance to melt on the windshield and windows. It is much easier to scrape away or use the wipers to remove the remnants. A warm car makes for a much safer commute because you can see all around you clearly! A warm vehicle also melts snow and ice on headlights and brake lights so you can be seen better by other drivers.
Better Security
When you install a remote car starter in your car, the doors lock automatically once you activate the engine via the remote. No one can get inside the car unless they have a key. Many remote starters also have a set time for the motor to run before shutting off if a key hasn’t been inserted. Many are also designed to stop the engine immediately if a pedal is pushed without a key being inserted (which is what a thief would try to do). GPS-enabled car starters with a smartphone app let you track your vehicle on your phone so you know the location of your car for safety and security purposes at all times.
It’s Better for Your Vehicle
Cold weather can hurt your car’s engine and motor oil. Running a cold vehicle is more demanding on the engine. The oil is also thicker and more frigid, making it harder for it to flow correctly through the engine’s parts. When you drive a car on chilly days, your engine has to work harder and, therefore, consumes more gas. Using a car starter gives your vehicle extra time to reach the average operating temperature. Warming the engine up before driving a car makes the oil less dense, which allows it to flow freely through the engine. With a warm engine, there is also less wear and tear on the internals of the transmission. Allow your vehicle time to warm up before driving increases the life and performance of the engine and other mechanical parts.
Car Starter Price in India
Although the exact price of a car starter in India can vary depending on some factors, based on a brief survey of remote start dealers, a basic, short-range remote starter installed on a non-luxury vehicle will range from ₹4,000 to over ₹12,000. The automatic car starter price will largely depend on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
This variation depends on features, brand, and whether installation is included. To know the exact price, it's best to research online retailers. Look for remote car starter systems on websites like Amazon. to get a good idea of current prices and features. You can also contact car accessory shops; they can provide quotes based on specific models and features you’re interested in.
Factors that Affect the Car Starter Price in India
Let’s understand what factors affect the car starter price in more detail:
Car Starter Features
One of the most significant factors that can affect remote starter cost is what type of starter you’re choosing for your vehicle and what features it offers. For example, remote starters with more features, like keyless entry or smartphone app control, will be more expensive.
Car Make and Model
Another factor that affects the cost of a car self-starter price in India is the make and model of the car for which you’re considering installing a starter. You need to understand that not all car starters are mounted in the same place. Some car models require more time for a technician to install the starter. In that case, you’ll likely pay more labor costs if the mechanic needs to work more to install the system. The brand and model of car starter you install will depend on your car's engine design if you drive a luxury or oversized vehicle. In such a scenario, your options are likely to be more expensive than those for cheaper or smaller cars.
Installation Costs
Aside from the starter features and make and model of your car, the installation also influences the pricing of the car starter. If you decide to have a professional install the starter. In that case, you’ll need to set a budget for the cost of the technician, which is often an hourly rate. Depending on where the starter is located in your engine and how difficult it can be to access, it can take an hour or a few hours to complete the installation. This is going to affect your total cost.
Also Read: How Much Does a Car Alarm System Cost
Summing Up
The car starter price in India depends on several factors such as features, make and model of your car, and installation. It’s best to get professional help before you make the final decision to buy certain remote starters.
In case you already have purchased a car starter and are looking for a technician to install it, contact Keyenzy. We can help you find an auto locksmith specialized in remote starter installation services within minutes. Fill out our quick form to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions on Car Starter Price
Q. What is the cost of a car starter?
Ans. The total cost of a car starter depends on factors like the features of the starter, the make and model of your car, and the required installation services. However, the average cost of a car starter in India is around ₹4,000.
Q. What is the life of a remote car starter?
Ans. On average with proper use, you can expect a remote car starter to work for 5 to 10 years. However, like any other part of your car, lifespan depends on factors like installation quality, frequency of use, and climate.
Q. Can I drive my car if the starter is bad?
Ans. No, it’s not recommended to drive the car if the car starter is bad. A failing car starter can leave you stranded and cause further damage if you are forced to work. If you notice any starter issues such as grinding noises, or slow starts, it’s best to get it checked by a mechanic to avoid getting stuck somewhere inconvenient.
