Can Starlink Start Your Car?

Yes, Subaru‘s Starlink technology does provide the ability to remotely start your vehicle through their connected services smartphone app. This gives owners a convenient way to warm up or cool down their car before getting in.

Having remote start access is one of the most popular Starlink features, especially for those living in areas with extreme cold or hot weather. But is paying the $99/year subscription cost after the initial free trial worthwhile just for mobile starting capabilities?

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore how exactly Starlink remote start works, what the pros and cons are, and whether the system provides strong value for Subaru owners.

How Starlink Communicates With Your Subaru

So how does pressing a button on your phone actually start the engine of your car that could be miles away? Here‘s a quick overview of how Starlink‘s technology makes this work:

• Cellular network – Starlink hardware uses 4G LTE connectivity to communicate just like a smartphone. No need for Bluetooth range.

• GPS module – Pinpoints your vehicle‘s exact location for commands.

• Low-latency – Near real-time communication from the app to your car.

• CAN bus interface – Sends commands through the vehicle‘s control network.

• Authentication – Unique vehicle IDs ensure secure authorized commands.

This combination of cellular, GPS, and direct vehicle integration provides the foundation for Starlink‘s long range remote capabilities. Commands initiate instantly versus delayed third-party add-ons.

Adoption Rates Show Popularity of Starlink Features

Industry analysts estimate over 60% of Subaru owners continue paying for Starlink after their free trial expires.

For the 2022 model year, Starlink subscription rates exceeded 90% for Outback and Ascent models – the highest of any Subaru vehicles.

Experts cite the remote start and climate control features as primary drivers of the high adoption rates.

Brian Moody, executive editor at AutoTrader, states:

"Subaru owners love the ability to warm up their cars in winter before heading out onto frigid roads. The climate preconditioning is a true benefit."

As more buyers experience remote start access, they find it difficult to give up.

How Do Starlink‘s Plans and Pricing Compare?

Here‘s a breakdown of what you get with each Starlink package option:

Package	1 Year Price	Remote Start	Other Features
Safety Plus	$99	Yes	Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Monthly Vehicle Health Reports
Security Plus	$149	Yes	Adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Immobilization
Limited Basic	$99	No	Remote Lock/Unlock, Vehicle Finder, Monthly Reports

The key takeaway – you need a Safety Plus package or higher to retain mobile remote start capabilities after the trial period ends. Security Plus builds on it further with added security.

For both packages, you can use remote start as much as you want within that year for a single flat fee. There are no per use charges or overage fees.

2023 Subaru Models Gain Standard Remote Start

Exciting news for new car shoppers – Subaru recently announced remote engine start will now come standard on most 2023 model year vehicles!

No subscription needed, you‘ll be able to use the remote start feature through the Subaru app without paying the previously required $99 Safety Plus fee.

This change makes the remote start functionality more accessible and affirms Subaru‘s commitment to delivering this in-demand convenience feature.

Current Subaru owners will still need an active Starlink subscription to remote start their vehicles. But new buyers will get it included from the factory.

How Subaru‘s Stolen Vehicle Recovery System Works

In addition to remote start, Starlink‘s Safety Plus and Security Plus packages include Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) capabilities.

If your vehicle is stolen, you can contact Subaru‘s SVR agents who will then work with law enforcement to help track and immobilize your car.

Here‘s how they recover stolen Subarus:

• Use GPS to pinpoint exact real-time location
• Remotely slow vehicle speed if police pursuit required
• Employ gradual immobilization to disable vehicle
• Assist police in on-site vehicle recovery

This video shows a real example of Subaru‘s SVR system in action.

The remote tracking and vehicle slow down/disabling allows for safer, less risky recovery. SVR provides serious peace of mind!

My Experience Using Subaru Remote Start

Here‘s my first-hand experience using and benefiting from the Starlink remote start system:

• Toasty warm-ups – Love getting into a toasty cabin at 10°F in winter.

• No scraping ice – Remote start melts frost so I don‘t have to scrape windows.

• Cooldown comfort – Pre-cooling the car makes summer days feel less brutal.

• Total convenience – Being able to start it from my office desk or living room couch is so nice.

• Seamless app – The Starlink app makes starting the car crazy easy no matter where I am.

For my cold Northeast winters, having remote start and climate preconditioning is nearly essential. I use it multiple times per week during winter.

Troubleshooting Starlink Remote Start Connection Issues

Since Starlink relies on cellular service for connectivity, you may occasionally encounter failed remote start attempts due to signal issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check for sufficient cell bars in the Starlink app when trying to start

• Move to a different location or step outside if inside building

• Disable WiFi to force cellular data usage on your phone

• Try manually rebooting Starlink module (press power button 5+ seconds)

• Ensure vehicle battery is fully charged and operating normally

The system is designed to avoid starting the car unless a strong cellular signal is present. But these tips can help if you notice intermittent connection problems.

Long Term Outlook for Subaru Starlink Adoption

Industry analysts predict steady growth in Starlink adoption fueled by:

• Increasing consumer demand for connected features like remote start

• Higher overall rates of new Subaru sales annually

• Rise in hybrid/electric models where pre-conditioning is even more beneficial

• Ongoing enhancements to Starlink‘s capabilities and value

• Bundling with desirable options like built-in navigation systems

Gartner estimates nearly 80% of new Subarus will include Starlink by 2025. As remote start and app control become expected standards, Starlink subscriptions will continue rising.

Maximizing the Value of Your Starlink System

Here are my top tips to make sure you maximize the value and functionality of Starlink if you decide to pay for the service:

• Take full advantage of the free trial period to test all features extensively

• Make sure your dealer sets up Starlink and the app completely at purchase

• Use remote start regularly to get your money‘s worth monthly

• Setup automatic monthly vehicle health reports for proactive maintenance

• Configure your preferred climate control settings for remote start in advance

• Enable geo-fencing in the app for location based alerts/notifications

• Use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands to control your Subaru

• Contact Subaru support if you have any issues getting features setup

Properly leveraging all that Starlink offers ensures you get maximum day-to-day use from the technology.

Is it Safe to Use Remote Start? Considerations

While very convenient, it‘s important to use remote start safely and responsibly. Here are some precautions:

• Never remote start in an enclosed garage or space

• Cancel remote start if you won‘t reach vehicle soon

• Ensure proper winter tires/traction for cold weather

• Watch for pedestrians/pets near the vehicle

• Notify passengers vehicle may be running remotely

The ability to start your car from afar does require diligence. Be sure to follow all manufacturer usage guidelines.

The Bottom Line: Is Paying for Starlink Worth it?

At the end of the day, here is my advice on Starlink‘s value:

Worth Paying For If:

• You drive in temperature extremes
• Want seamless smart app control
• Highly value pre-heating/cooling cabin
• Appreciate added security like SVR

May Not Be Worth It If:

• Live in mild weather city
• Okay manually heating car while driving
• Cost is too high for budget
• Have unreliable cellular service

For me personally, the remote climate preconditioning and overall convenience totally justify the reasonable $99 annual cost after the free trial. But your mileage may vary depending on your use cases and weather.

Overall Starlink remote start capability enhances the ownership experience if you embrace the mobile connectivity and believe the OEM integration warrants the subscription cost.