The quickest way to know if your car has remote start is to look for a button on your key fob with a circular arrow symbol. If that's not there, check your vehicle's infotainment screen for a remote start menu or consult your owner's manual. For many modern cars, you can also use the manufacturer's smartphone app to check for remote start capability.
If your key fob has a button you've never used, look closely. The remote start symbol is typically a curved arrow forming a partial circle. Press the lock button first, then hold the remote start button for a few seconds. If your car's parking lights flash and the engine turns on, you're all set. Many newer vehicles integrate this function into the infotainment system. Navigate through your touchscreen menus, often under "Vehicle" or "Settings," to see if there's a remote start option you can activate.
Don't have the key fob or manual? You can identify your car's features by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Free online VIN decoders can provide a list of factory-installed equipment. Alternatively, calling a dealership's parts or service department with your VIN is a reliable method. Remote start is more common on vehicles from the last decade, especially higher trim levels. The table below shows its prevalence across different model years based on industry data.
| Car Model Year | Approximate Percentage of Models with Factory Remote Start (Standard or Optional) | Common Trim Level Inclusion |
|---|
| 2020 - Present | 75% | Common on mid (LT, SEL) and high (Premier, Limited) trims |
| 2015 - 2019 | 60% | Often optional package on mid-trims, standard on high trims |
| 2010 - 2014 | 35% | Primarily standard on luxury brands and high-trim models |
| 2005 - 2009 | 15% | Mostly limited to luxury vehicles and top-tier trim packages |
If your car didn't come with it, an aftermarket system installed by a professional is a very effective solution.
