To start your Volkswagen remotely using Car-Net Remote Access, go to the “remote start” tab in your MyVW app, press “start,” enter your PIN, and hit “ok.” The vehicle will remain on for up to 10 minutes, or you can turn it off remotely via the app.

Whether you’ve gone all-electric with the

ID.4

or are sticking with the classic

Jetta

, VW’s Car-Net capability is available in any of the current models. And turning your V-Dub off and on is just the start—there’s a whole world of handy functions available with Car-Net.

If you’d like to learn more about this cool new function, you’ve come to the right place.

Jerry

, the

trustworthy insurance super app

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Volkswagen insurance costs

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How to start your Volkswagen remotely with Car-Net

First things first: You’ll need to have downloaded the MyVW app through either Google Play or Apple’s App Store. You’ll have to register and pair your vehicle, and then you’ll be good to go!

Remote starting is easy: select the Remote Start tab from the app’s main menu, then tap the “start” button. You’ll then be asked to enter the PIN you created when you registered. Hit “okay”, and your car should start up!

The vehicle will stay on for a maximum of 10 minutes before turning itself off. If you don’t get out the door in time, you can remote start it once more, but after that, you’ll need to start it in person. The doors remain locked after you use the Remote Start, but there’s also an additional security feature: after it’s been turned on Remote Start, your VW can’t be driven until it’s been restarted manually with your key.

And an important safety note: Make sure you never use the Remote Start unless the vehicle is in a well-ventilated area, like outdoors or in an open garage.

How to turn off your Volkswagen remotely

The engine will automatically shut off after 10 minutes, but if you change your mind or didn’t mean to start it, you can turn it off via the app too. In the same Remote Start tab where you found the “start” button, you’ll also find a “stop” button. Just hit that once, and your VW will turn off.

Other Car-Net features

But starting and stopping your Volkswagen is just the beginning! Take a look at some of the other features that are available with Car-Net.

Lock/unlock doors and trunk: Use the app to lock or unlock the doors or your trunk/hatchback.

Engage Alarm: Make your headlights flash and your horn honk to scare off would-be thieves, or just to mess with your friends.

Vehicle info: Check your fuel and fluid levels and get other important info about your VW.

Guardian services: Set curfews, speed limits, and boundary alerts in the app to be notified if another driver (let’s say your teenager or kid brother) exceeds any limits.

Valet alert: Be notified if your car is moved too far away from the valet stand.

Parking assistance: Use the integrated Parkopedia app to find the perfect spot. Did you forget where you put your

Atlas

? The app remembers where you parked last.

Electric cars: View your battery level and charging status through the app, or adjust your climate control settings so your car is the perfect temp when you reach it.

And this is just the start! You can view your service reminders, get monthly car health reports, and get alerts if there’s anything that needs attention. Security features included automatic crash detection, vehicle location services and more.

MORE:

Are Volkswagens expensive to maintain?

Is Volkswagen’s remote start app free?

Parts of it are—for the first five years. The bulk of the Car-Net features are included free for the first five years with the purchase of any new Volkswagen. After the five-year period, these services will be $199 annually to access.

There are a few other extra options that aren’t included with the basic functionality or the free trial, but that you can purchase for an additional fee. Those include:

Safe & Secure ($159/year): This suite of features includes automatic crash notifications, anti-theft alerts, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator.

WiFi Hotspot ($20/month): Verizon and T-Mobile users can add their VW to their plan as a hotspot for this monthly fee.

Plus Nav ($69/month): Offers online traffic, weather, and real-time route updates.

Which Volkswagen vehicles have Car-Net?

This seems to be a little hard to pin down with precision. Volkswagen’s general Car-Net information site says that it’s available on “most 2020, 2021, and 2022 vehicles”—but several dealership sites state that it’s available on all new Volkswagens that are 2022 or newer.

There’s some mention that certain trim levels of the

Golf

don't have Car-Net compatibility, but then it’s listed as standard equipment on the Golf when you go to Volkwagen’s main website. In general, it looks like all newer VWs are Car-Net capable, but if it’s an important feature to you make sure you double-check at the dealership.

Some older models can be retroactively fitted with Car-Net functionality by an authorized dealer, so ask for details if you’re interested in getting Car-Net in an earlier model.

Key Takeaway It looks like all newer-model Volkswagens come with Car-Net capability, but make sure you check with your dealer for details!

How to save on Volkswagen insurance costs

There’s an app for everything these days, right? Things like the myVW app make owning a Volkswagen more convenient, safe, and fun.

There’s another car app that’s fast, friendly, and works with any make or model year of Volkswagen—that’s the Jerry

super app

! It takes just a few minutes and a little bit of information to download and sign up, and in no time at all,

Jerry

brings you a customized selection of car insurance quotes gathered from more than 50 of the best insurance providers out there.

No phone calls or tiresome paperwork are needed, and helpful licensed brokers are available to answer any questions you might have. On average, Jerry users save an average of more than $800 a year on their car insurance—now that’s an app worth having!

“I saw an ad for
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