Kia Remote Start: The Full Rundown
2019 Kia Sportage by Vauxford — CC BY-SA 4.0
You might have heard about a remote start but, might have thought of it as an aftermarket product that costs a lot and takes away from your manufacturer’s warranty.
However, many carmakers are making remote starts part of their standard car features, adding them right to the key fob and allowing users to connect it right to their cell phones.
Kia is one of many carmakers that’s jumping in on the trend, with many of their 2020 models coming with a remote start. Below, we’ll give you the scoop on the Kia remote start and help you decide whether it’s something that you could benefit from.
What Is Remote Start?
When a vehicle has a remote start, owners can start their car from a distance with just the push of a button. Nowadays, manufacturers like Kia are adding remote start to most of their models, making it something that we can all get used to.
Remote starts are best for anyone living in severe weather conditions but, anyone in normal climates can take advantage of them as well. The doors stay locked and your car is secure, the only thing that’s different is that your car will actually be warmed up before you take off.
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When Did Kia Start Installing Remote Start?
Kia remote start is available on most models however, it didn’t become an industry-standard until just recently. Now, you can find remote start on three of their most popular models including:
- 2020 Kia Telluride
- 2020 Kia Sorento
- 2020 Kia K900
Remote starts are only available for automatic transmissions and cannot be added as an aftermarket product to standard vehicles.
If adding as an aftermarket product, always check with your dealer for specifics on your warranty to make sure it’s not voided in the process.
Different Kia Remote Start Functions
The features that come with your Kia remote start depend on which type you choose. While aftermarket generally only works to start your car, Kia’s standard remote start with UVO technology comes with a few premium features.
Fusing the technologies of Kia’s newest line connects to an app in your phone where you can create the optimal driving atmosphere for your commute with the push of a few buttons. Change the temperature, turn on your favorite songs, and even check out your car’s performance all from your phone while your car warms up.
Kia Remote Start and Smart Key Fusion
When you choose the smart key versions of remote start, you can start your car from 500 feet away. If you’re looking to set a certain temperature before you hop in, you’ll have to set it up before you get out so that your car turns on and heats up or cools down. With this version, you score:
- Stop and start with the push of a button
- Key fob with remote start and lock and unlock
- Safety feature that will not start up the car without the smart key
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UVO Link Option for Remote Start
When you purchase a Kia with remote start, you get one year of UVO Link free! When you use it, you’ll start getting used to the efficiency, probably sticking with the program after your time is up.
When you sign up with the UVO link, you can do everything from your phone, including:
- Automatic start and stop
- Lock and unlock doors
- Control the temperature in your car
- Locate your car when you’re lost in the crowd
- Check out your warranty
- Take a look at your payment plan and the amount owed
Pros and Cons of Remote Start from Kia?
While Kia remote start is pretty cool, not everyone will make use of it at first. It’s something that may take time to get used to but, it comes with a long list of positive perks.
To help you decide if you’re ready to add a remote start or purchase a model with the feature, check out these pros and cons.
The Pros
- Startup your vehicle from afar
- Jump into a cool or warm car that’s ready to roll
- Give your car some time to warm up before taking off
- Keep up with maintenance and other scheduled necessities
The Cons
- Maintenance or replacement of a remote start unit can be expensive
- You have the risk of leaving the car running and burning gas or oil
- Not available on all models
- Aftermarket products could void your warranty
Can You Benefit from Remote Start?
While it mostly comes down to personal preference, there are a few reasons why a remote start might be beneficial for you.
For instance, those who live in extreme weather conditions can benefit from the ease of starting their car from inside their home. This could help to clear ice or fog from the windshield and keep conditions comfortable.
Even if you don’t live where the sun or snow is overbearing, a remote start has its advantages. By starting your car up before you leave, you give the motor and the oil some time to warm up. This is much healthier for your car and will cut down on the stress you’re putting on your engine.
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Kia Remote Start: The Choice is Yours
Unless you go with a model where remote start comes standard, you’ll have to choose whether or not remote start is for you. While there is a long list of benefits, adding it to a model that’s compatible takes some thinking.
Consider your warranty and your insurance, making sure that you can add accessories without voiding the warranty. If that’s your only concern, simply find out and see what steps you can take to add an automatic start.
Once you use a remote start for the first time, you’re not likely to turn back, making it something you enjoy and you get used to. There is a reason why they are becoming standard, and you might just have to start using them to see why.
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