The primary distinction between basic and enhanced remote start systems lies in the communication method. A fundamental system transmits a signal to the vehicle, initiating the starting sequence. The operator receives no confirmation that the command was successfully executed. Conversely, an advanced system offers bidirectional communication. This allows the user to not only send a start command but also receive verification that the vehicle has indeed started, along with other vehicle status updates.
The significance of the enhanced communication feature centers on user confidence and convenience. Knowing with certainty that the vehicle has started, especially in inclement weather, eliminates guesswork and unnecessary trips to visually confirm operation. Historically, the absence of feedback in rudimentary systems often led to uncertainty and repeated attempts to start the vehicle, potentially draining the battery or flooding the engine. The evolution to systems with feedback capabilities represents a substantial improvement in the user experience.