Auto Image in Brick and East Brunswick want to talk about cheap remote start systems. As with any industry, there are premium products, good-value products and cheap solutions that don’t always do what they are supposed to. We have partnered with the best brands in the industry to ensure that our client’s vehicles operate reliably, and their starters work exactly as expected.
What Could Go Wrong with a Cheap Remote Start System?
There are two “worst case scenarios” that we hear about all the time. The first is your vehicle shutting off for no reason while you are driving. Imagine trying to merge onto the Turnpike during rush hour with a half-dozen cars right on your bumper, only for your vehicle to stop accelerating and power steering to disappear. The results are at the very least startling and frustrating, and could very easily result in an accident.
The second scenario is not being able to start your car. Neither the remote starter nor the key does anything. Maybe the engine cranks but the factory security system prevents the car from running. We all rely on our vehicles to get us where we need to go, safely and on time! If you are going to add accessories to your vehicle, they simply can’t affect its reliability.
How Can They Make Remote Starters Cheaper?
As with most things, the cost of a product is comprised of the cost to design and test the product. If you reduce the cost to test the product thoroughly, your overhead costs decline dramatically. If you use less expensive parts with narrower temperature tolerances, the cost declines even more.
For example, take the relays used inside most remote starters. Premium quality relays with reliable contacts and strong electromagnets may cost the manufacturer 3-4 dollars each when ordered in bulk. A quality automotive-grade relay may be designed for 300,000 cycles. These automotive relays are typically sealed to prevent moisture ingress to further enhance reliability. Conversely, a no-name relay with the same voltage and current rating may cost less than a dollar. Inexpensive relays won’t be sealed and typically do not have a reliability specification. Which relay do you want controlling the ignition circuit of your vehicle?
High-Quality Installations Matter
Not only are cheap remote starters dangerous, but low-quality installations are even more dangerous. High-current connections need to be secure in order to pass current efficiently. If these connections are not executed properly, they could heat up and cause damage to the wiring harness or vehicle. Connections to sensitive data wires also need to be reliable and secure. A loose or sloppy connection may cause intermittent performance, and could also damage your vehicle computer.
Our team ensures that we mount every component safely and securely. We route wiring away from sharp edges and moving parts, then secure it so it doesn’t buzz or rattle. Every electrical connection we make is mechanically secure and provides excellent electrical conductivity. Our process takes a little longer, but we feel that time is a good investment in your safety and the long-term reliability of the equipment we install.
Contact the Remote Starter Experts at Auto Image Today!
If you are in the market for a remote starter for your car, truck or SUV, drop by Auto Image in East Brunswick or Brick. Our team will work with you to determine your needs. We will help you select a remote starter that provides enough range to ensure your vehicle has adequate time to warm up. Finally, we will schedule an installation appointment with our team of expert technicians to integrate that starter into your vehicle safely and reliably. If you have any questions about our remote car starters, send us an e-mail using our contact page.