All About Remote Engine Start System
The remote engine start (RES) system in a car is a dream feature for every UAE resident. Because who wouldn’t want to cool down their car’s interior before approaching it in the hot temperatures of the UAE.
This guide will help you understand how to use a remote engine start system, its added security features, and its usage limitations.
What is Remote Engine Start System?

The remote engine start feature has made it possible to slide into a chilled car in hot summers. This keyless engine starter makes it convenient for you to have your car automatically started with one click.
The remote engine starter switch also ensures the safety and convenience of quickly locking and unlocking your car. Although UAE does not experience harsh winters, a remote engine start system can also start the engine and warm up your car before driving.
Mechanism of Remote Engine Start Kit

A remote engine starter is a user-friendly technology that requires either a click or two on a key fob. Also, you can remote start your car from a phone app.
The remote engine start kit comprises two components:
- Radio receiver or control module
- Remote transmitter
The control module is installed in the car and connected to the car’s engine parts required to start it. The remote transmitter, usually the key fob, allows you to push the button on it to relay signals to the control module to start the car’s engine.
The car must be within a specific distance for the remote engine start system to operate. Usually, an operational range of 400 – 700 feet from the vehicle allows the remote starter to work best. This distance can easily encompass a curb or a driveway in front of a house. A wider distance of up to one mile or even further is covered through a smartphone app.
When the driver presses the button on the remote engine start key fob, a signal is transmitted to the car’s components to start it. The car switches on all the required systems to start an engine, and operate the air conditioning. All of these tasks are being done with one click, without you being in the car.
Although the engine is started, the vehicle won’t drive off until you put the car keys in the ignition switch of a car ignition system.
Installation of Remote Engine Start System
A remote engine start system is available in many car models. Usually, cars with high-tech features and advanced connectivity have a remote engine starter as a smartphone app-based feature.
If your car does not come with a remote engine start kit, you can get it installed afterwards. A car owner can buy the starter kit and get it installed through a professional to get it right the first time. A basic remote engine start system offers a key fob, while more advanced systems incorporate smartphone functionality.
Theft Prevention

Theft prevention is a value-added security feature offered by the remote engine start system. The radiofrequency transmitted to start a car is unique for that car. The signal is encrypted to prevent hackers from decrypting it.
Moreover, when you start the car with a remote, the car’s doors get locked up to prevent anyone from entering it. Even if someone enters it and tries to put the car in gear, the remote engine start system will shut down the engine. This way, a car only drives when the right owner enters it with the car keys. A bad engine immobiliser might pose issues in locking the car.
The engine shuts off within 10-15 minutes if the driver does not arrive after starting the car remotely. Most key fobs and smartphone apps also have a ‘kill switch’ to turn the car off.
Precautions and Limitations of Using Remote Engine Start System
The remote engine start system has certain limitations and precautions that a car owner must be aware of:
Limitations:
- The remote engine start system may not work when the temperature drops significantly.
- Physical obstructions between the car and its owner might have the owner move to another location to operate the remote engine starter.
Precautions:
- Avoid starting the car remotely in a closed space, such as a garage, since a poisonous gas – carbon monoxide is released when a car is idled.
- Avoid warming up your car for a longer period. Excessive warm-up of a car’s engine damages its components.
Although the remote engine start system is a complicated mechanical system, from a user’s perspective, it is quite simple. The innovative functionality of a remote engine starter lets you cherish the comfort of a chilled car in the hot climate of the UAE.
Nonetheless, if you are searching for a modern car with advanced features, then you can consider buying any of these used cars for sale in the UAE. Whereas, the below-mentioned used cars are equipped with remote engine start (RES) feature:
- Used Honda Accord for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Hyundai Sonata for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Nissan Altima for sale in the UAE
- Used Chevrolet Camaro for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Ford Mustang for sale in the UAE
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more information on advanced car features.