Audi Remote Start: Everything You Need To Know

Automotive technology is continually advancing, offering new features and enhancements that augment the driving experience and introduce unprecedented levels of convenience. One such innovation is the remote start system, a feature that is becoming increasingly common in today’s vehicles.

Audi, a renowned automobile manufacturer, embraces this technology, delivering both luxury and convenience to its consumers. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the remote start system and its availability in Audi vehicles.

What Is Remote Start?

Remote start is an advanced technological feature that allows a vehicle owner to start their car remotely, typically using a key fob, a smartphone app, or a manufacturer-specific system. This function is particularly useful in extreme weather conditions, allowing the car to reach a comfortable temperature before you enter.

Not only can you start your car from a distance, but you can also activate your car’s heating or cooling system, ensuring the interior is just the right temperature when you’re ready to drive.

Audi Remote Start Availability

Audi, always at the forefront of automotive innovation, has included remote start systems in various models in their lineup. This feature is usually found in premium trims or as part of an optional package. However, availability may vary depending on the specific model and year.

As of the last update in September 2021, Audi offers remote start as part of their Audi connect services, a suite of apps and services that provide security, assistance, and convenience features for their vehicles. Audi connect can be accessed via a smartphone app, enabling users to start their vehicle remotely, set climate control, lock and unlock doors, and even monitor vehicle status.

The best way to determine if an Audi vehicle is equipped with a remote start is to check the vehicle’s specific feature list or consult with an Audi dealership. If a specific model doesn’t come with a factory-installed remote start, aftermarket options may be available, though it’s crucial to ensure these do not interfere with the vehicle’s warranty or safety features.

Audi Advanced Key Capabilities

Audi’s advanced key system is a convenient feature that provides a hands-free method of accessing and operating your vehicle. The advanced key capabilities include:

1.     Keyless Entry

The advanced key allows you to unlock the doors and start the engine without physically handling the key. As long as the key is within a specific range, you can simply touch the door handle sensor to unlock the car.

2.     Keyless Start/Stop

Once inside the vehicle, you can start or stop the engine by pressing the Start/Stop button, without inserting the key.

3.     Boot Opening

Some Audi models equipped with an advanced key also offer a hands-free boot opening feature. This allows you to open the boot by simply waving your foot under the rear bumper.

4.     Personalization

The advanced key can store personalized settings for things like seat position, climate control preferences, and even radio presets.

Pros & Cons Of Remote Start

Pros

1.     Comfort

One of the biggest advantages of a remote start system is the ability to pre-condition the car’s interior to a comfortable temperature before you enter, especially in extreme weather conditions.

2.     Engine Care

Remote start allows the engine to warm up before driving in cold weather, which can increase the lifespan of the engine.

3.     Safety

In winter, the remote start system can defrost the windshield, enhancing visibility and safety.

Cons

1.     Fuel Consumption

Remote starting your vehicle frequently can lead to increased fuel consumption, particularly if you’re letting the car idle for a long time.

2.     Potential Security Risk

There’s a potential risk if the car is started and left unattended. Some thieves are attracted to cars left running.

3.     Additional Costs

Often, remote start is a premium feature that comes at an extra cost, whether in the initial purchase, subscription fees, or installation for aftermarket systems.

Does Audi Have A Remote Start?

Yes, Audi offers a remote start feature on select models as part of their Audi connect services, which can be accessed via a smartphone app. This service allows users to remotely start their vehicle, set the climate control, lock and unlock the doors, and monitor the vehicle’s status.

The remote start feature’s availability may vary depending on the specific Audi model and year, and it’s typically found on premium trims or as part of an optional package. For the most recent and accurate information, it’s always advisable to consult with an Audi dealership or check the specific vehicle’s feature list.

If a particular Audi model does not come with a factory-installed remote start, aftermarket options may be available. However, it’s crucial to ensure these do not interfere with the vehicle’s warranty or safety features.

How Do You Activate Audi Remote Start?

Audi vehicles equipped with remote start can be activated via the Audi connect services. Please note that the exact process may vary depending on the specific model and the Audi connect system version. Here’s a general guide:

1.     Register for Audi connect services

First, you need to create an account on the Audi connect portal and register your vehicle. This requires the vehicle identification number (VIN) and an activation key, which can be obtained from your Audi dealership.

2.     Activate the Remote Start feature

Once your vehicle is registered, you can log into the Audi connect portal or the Audi connect app. Here, you’ll find a variety of services, including the Remote Start feature.

3.     Start your vehicle

To start your vehicle remotely, simply select the Remote Start option and follow the instructions. You’ll typically need to set a timer for how long you want the engine to run (usually up to 15 minutes), and you may have the option to activate the climate control.

What App Do I Need To Remote Start My Audi?

To remote start your Audi, you need the “myAudi” app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices. This app is your interface for accessing Audi connect services, including the remote start feature.

Once you’ve downloaded the app and logged in using your Audi connect account, you can remotely start your vehicle (if it has this feature), among other functions like locking/unlocking doors, checking vehicle status, and setting up service appointments.

Can I Start My Audi Remotely With My Phone?

Yes, you can start your Audi remotely with your phone, provided your vehicle has the remote start feature and you have the myAudi app installed. The app interfaces with Audi connect services to allow you to control various aspects of your vehicle remotely, including starting the engine.

Remember, before you can use these features, you need to register your vehicle with Audi connect using the VIN and activation key from your Audi dealership. Once you’ve completed registration and logged into the myAudi app, you can use your phone to start your vehicle remotely.

Remember that the availability and functionality of these features can depend on the specific model of your Audi and may be subject to change. For the most accurate information, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact an Audi dealership.

Why Does Audis Not Have Remote Start?

While it may seem that some Audi vehicles don’t come with a remote start feature, the primary reason often has to do with specific regulations or the vehicle model. As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, some countries, particularly in Europe, have strict regulations about unattended vehicles being allowed to idle, which a remote start feature would inherently allow.

This has led some manufacturers, including Audi, to not include remote start as a standard feature in certain markets.

Moreover, while the remote start function may not be standard on all Audi models, it is included in some. It’s usually available on upper trims or as part of an optional package. Additionally, Audi offers a remote start feature through the myAudi app as part of the Audi connect services for select models.

How Do I Know If My Audi Has Remote Start?

There are a few ways you can determine if your Audi has a remote start feature:

1.     Check Your Owner’s Manual

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will list all of the features that your specific model comes with. If your Audi has a remote start system, it will be detailed in this manual.

2.     Use the MyAudi App

If your vehicle is registered on the myAudi app as part of the Audi connect services, you should be able to see the remote start feature listed among the services if it’s available for your model.

3.     Ask an Audi Dealer

You can directly contact or visit an Audi dealership. They will be able to provide you with a definitive answer by checking your vehicle’s VIN against their system.

Remember, the availability of remote start and other advanced features can depend on the specific model and trim of your Audi and even the year it was manufactured. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact an Audi dealership for the most accurate information.

What Is The Main Purpose Of The Remote Start Feature In Audi Vehicles?

The primary purpose of the remote start feature in Audi vehicles is to enhance convenience and comfort for the driver. It allows the vehicle to be started remotely, usually from a smartphone app, key fob, or manufacturer-specific system. This feature is particularly useful in extreme weather conditions, allowing the interior of the car to reach a comfortable temperature before the driver enters.

How Does The Audi Advanced Key System Enhance The Convenience Of Using Audi Vehicles?

The Audi advanced key system offers a hands-free method of accessing and operating the vehicle. It allows keyless entry (unlocking the doors by simply touching the door handle sensor), keyless start/stop (starting or stopping the engine by pressing the Start/Stop button), hands-free boot opening in some models, and personalization (storing settings like seat position, climate control preferences, and radio presets).

What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of Using A Remote Start System?

While the remote start system offers several benefits, it also has potential drawbacks. Increased fuel consumption can occur due to frequent starting of the vehicle and extended idling periods. It can also pose a potential security risk if the car is started and left unattended.

Lastly, remote start is often a premium feature that comes with additional costs, whether in the initial purchase, subscription fees, or installation for aftermarket systems.

Does Audi Offer The Remote Start Feature On All Its Models?

No, Audi doesn’t offer the remote start feature on all its models. It is typically included in premium trims or as part of an optional package. However, it’s worth noting that Audi provides this feature via their Audi connect services on select models, which can be accessed using the myAudi app.

For the most accurate information, it’s recommended to consult the specific vehicle’s feature list or contact an Audi dealership.

Conclusion

Remote start systems in Audi vehicles, part of Audi connect services, offer a blend of convenience and technological advancement that significantly enhances the user experience. The ability to start your vehicle remotely, adjust the climate control, and have the vehicle ready and waiting before you even open the door is a testament to the level of luxury and user-focused design in Audi vehicles.

Although the remote start feature may not be standard across all models, its availability as a feature or an optional extra highlights Audi’s commitment to offering sophisticated, high-quality vehicles equipped with the latest technology. As always, for the most accurate information about your specific vehicle, refer to your owner’s manual or contact your local Audi dealer.