Remote start has become a sought-after feature for vehicle owners, offering convenience and comfort, especially in extreme weather conditions. But before you can enjoy the luxury of pre-heating or cooling your car from a distance, you need to identify if your vehicle is equipped with this feature. The key to this lies right in your hand – your key fob. The Remote Start Symbol On Key Fob is your visual guide to this functionality. Let’s delve into understanding this symbol and how to utilize it.
Spotting the Remote Start Symbol on Your Key Fob
The most straightforward way to determine if your car has remote start is by examining your key fob for the dedicated remote start button. This button is universally recognized by a specific symbol: a curved arrow, often forming a partial or complete circle. It’s designed to be easily identifiable amongst other buttons like lock, unlock, and panic.
This curved arrow symbol is the key indicator that your vehicle is equipped with a remote start system. While the exact design might slightly vary across different car manufacturers, the curved arrow remains the consistent and primary visual representation for remote start functionality on key fobs.
Activating Remote Start Using Your Key Fob
Once you’ve located the remote start symbol on your key fob, using the feature is typically a simple process. While specific steps can slightly vary by manufacturer and model, the general activation sequence for Chevy remote start, and many other brands, is as follows:
- Press the Lock Button: First, press the lock button on your key fob. This action typically arms the security system and prepares the vehicle for remote start.
- Press and Hold the Remote Start Button: Immediately after pressing the lock button, press and hold the remote start button (the one with the curved arrow symbol). Hold it down for approximately four seconds.
Upon successful activation, your vehicle’s engine will start. You’ll usually notice visual confirmations like the parking lights turning on. Furthermore, the climate control system will also activate, beginning to warm or cool the cabin based on your last settings, making your vehicle comfortable before you even step inside. It’s important to note that remote start typically does not engage the ignition fully for driving; you’ll still need to manually start the car with the push-button start or key in the ignition once you’re inside and ready to drive.
Benefits of Utilizing Remote Start
The advantages of remote start extend beyond mere convenience. In cold climates, remote start allows you to warm up your engine, defrost windows, and heat the interior before entering, eliminating the need to sit in a freezing car. Conversely, in hot weather, you can pre-cool the cabin, making it bearable to get into a car that’s been sitting in the sun. Beyond comfort, pre-warming your engine can also be beneficial for engine longevity, especially in colder temperatures.
What If You Don’t Find the Symbol?
If your key fob lacks the curved arrow remote start symbol, it’s likely that your vehicle is not equipped with factory-installed remote start. However, this isn’t always definitive. It’s advisable to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact a certified dealership to confirm your vehicle’s features. Aftermarket remote start systems can also be installed, offering similar functionality, even if your key fob doesn’t initially have the symbol.
In conclusion, understanding the remote start symbol on your key fob empowers you to utilize a feature designed for enhanced comfort and convenience. By recognizing this symbol and knowing how to activate it, you can transform your driving experience, making it more pleasant regardless of the weather outside.
