View Full Version : I need remote start...any ideas?!
KReddy05
10-18-2009, 10:58 PM
OK winter is coming up and I hate waiting around for the car to heat up. Need remote start for the S4.
What kind of stuff are you guys using? I hear there's even iPhone specific stuff out there now?
ThatA4T
10-18-2009, 11:10 PM
haha soon the ipone is going to be able to reproduce lol im interested in this as well
HobbesA5
10-19-2009, 08:33 AM
If you plan on keeping your car for a long time I'd advise against a remote starter. Cold starting and idling (warm or cold) are the two worst things for engine wear. Starting in very cold temps and then immediately idling for an extended period is torture for your engine.
The best way to warm an engine is to start it and begin driving (after a few seconds to get the oil pressure up). Then drive easy for the first 10 minutes or so as the engine warms. This is a recipe for long-term engine health. The engine also heats much quicker when driving than when idling.
Of course, if you are leasing and/or don't care about the long-term effects, then go for the remote starter. [:)]
AofC_RR
10-19-2009, 09:41 AM
Good points Hobbes! Also modern Audis are equipped with an immobilizer system. To install one the wiring harness for your ignition has to be spliced. That's going to void that part of your warranty so bare that in mind as well. So if it does create an issue you'll be paying out of pocket for it.
ranch
10-19-2009, 02:25 PM
With a Prestige car, you COULD start the car with the push button. You can then get out and lock the car while it's running. If you want it remote, make the wife do it. j/k!!
I have a feeling these cars will warm up fast with the supercharger stuck in there even if you drive it gently.
KReddy05
10-20-2009, 06:04 PM
Wow, to be honest I had no idea that idling the car to heat the engine up was a bad idea. Is there any literature/reference material on this?
it is bad. At low rpm with cold oil, parts of the engine will be getting less than adequate oil due to lower pressure. An electric oil pump can solve this, but most are mechanically driven. Driving at low load conditions is the best way to get to operating temperatures. Although boosted engines can get up to temperature extremely fast at full throttle, it is bad news for bearings. Idling when warm also has issues with reduced oil flow, but cold is worse.
Block heater warms the oil....better for cold starts, and better for heat sooner to the cab. either heat the coolant types, or heat the oil type. oil is best.
HobbesA5
10-21-2009, 07:49 AM
Wow, to be honest I had no idea that idling the car to heat the engine up was a bad idea. Is there any literature/reference material on this?
I learned this many years ago after reading a book about prolonging the life of your car. A quick search turned up this page which summarizes the main reasons why it is bad for your car.
Warming up your car by letting it idle is bad for the engine (http://www.bukisa.com/articles/111053_warming-up-your-car-by-letting-it-idle-is-bad-for-the-engine)
I (and my wife) have followed this guidance for our past four vehicles (~18 years) and all the engines passed 150K miles and ran as smooth as silk when I sold them.
rayjpep
10-21-2009, 09:34 AM
good infos [up] tnx
That's what heated seats are for.