In the harshest climates, remote start proves more necessity than luxury. The technology has been around for more than 20 years, helping motorists in frigid regions reduce their exposure to dangerously low temperatures. But the newest remote-start devices display previously unknown finesse.

For example, new remotes act as two-way receivers. The remote tells drivers when their car has started, when its alarm is on and when it's warming up. Viper's 2-way remote start and security system boasts a featured called "Active Temp Check," which displays a vehicle's inside temperature on the remote's LCD screen. Drivers can make sure that their car has reached a comfortable temperature before they venture outside.

Remote-start systems now work within longer ranges, too. If a driver finds a space at the far end of a busy mall parking lot, they can still use remote start from their favorite department store or food court stop. Remote start systems from Viper, Python and Clifford, among others, work anywhere up to a mile from a parked vehicle.

For more information about remote-start systems with one-mile range and Active Temp Check, please visit www.viper.com