How Does OnStar Work?

You may have heard or seen the OnStar commercials on the radio or on TV but you may still be wondering what OnStar is and if it is worth purchasing. OnStar is a system for your automobile that performs many different functions, the most advertised being the fact that the company is alerted when you get in a car accident and they respond immediately by contacting you through the system’s built-in communication device and sending a rescue team if necessary. There are several brands worldwide that offer the same type of support but OnStar is by far the most popular. In this article, we will be examining OnStar and the many different features that it includes.

What Is OnStar
As stated before, OnStar is a system that has been outfitted into thousands of new vehicles and provides communication and support for a number of situations, including car accidents, theft, navigation, broken-down vehicles, and more. OnStar would cost a lot to install in an older car but if you were going to purchase a new car anyway, it would be wise to go ahead and pay the extra amount for a vehicle with OnStar installed. Generally, automobile manufacturers give you so many months of free OnStar service as a part of your contract but OnStar is extremely affordable even without that, ranging between $20 and $30 per month depending on which plan you choose. This article will assume you plan to purchase the $30 plan which includes everything.

Vehicle Diagnostics
As OnStar-enabled vehicles run almost entirely on computer systems, OnStar is able to scan your car for the most updated information and then deliver that information directly to your email each month. OnStar checks your transmission, engine, emissions, brakes, air bag, stability, and the OnStar system itself. With OnStar’s Vehicle Diagnostics, you can save yourself money, gas, and frustration, knowing that everything in your car is running smoothly.

Hands-Free Calling
OnStar’s Hands-Free Calling is designed to give you the ability to make calls on the go without having to fiddle with your phone. This means less wrecks as you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. Hands-Free Calling also has a much better reception than your cell phone, stays charged all the time, and has amazing sound quality through your vehicle’s speakers. The only drawback to Hands-Free Calling is that you have to purchase minutes on top of your monthly OnStar bill. It’s probably best to just stick to your bluetooth and leave this feature out. It would be wise, however, to purchase at least some minutes from OnStar Hands-Free Calling in case you to need to make an emergency phone call.

Turn-By-Turn Navigation
This feature is pretty self-explanatory. Turn-By-Turn Navigation gives you the ability to know where you are, where you need to be, and where you are going at all times. To activate Turn-By-Turn Navigation simply press the blue button and tell the Advisor where you are going. Then all you have to do is listen to the automated voice or watch the directions on the Driver Information Center’s dashboard monitor. Even if you make a wrong turn, OnStar knows it and helps you get back on track.

Automatic Crash Response
OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response is their most widely marketed service and uses a number of sensors to alert OnStar whenever you get into a car accident. Once they are alerted, a real, live OnStar representative connects to your vehicle to make sure you are OK. Furthermore, they can call emergency vehicles to the scene if necessary.

Crisis Assistance
Crisis Assistance is a powerful extension to the GPS-enabled system that powers Turn-By-Turn Navigation. In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, Crisis Assistance can show you a number of escape routes to get you to safety, connect you to loved ones, and can even help you find supplies and shelters nearby to wait out the disaster.

Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance is more like a customer support system for when your car breaks down. If you have a flat tire, oil leak, or some other problem, all you have to do is push the blue button and the Advisor will be more than happy to send a tow truck to your exact location, even if you are out in the middle of nowhere.

Stolen Vehicle Assistance and Remote Services
These additional features of OnStar are just amazing. The GPS-enabled system means that if your car is ever stolen, OnStar can pinpoint its exact location and send the cops there immediately to retrieve your car and arrest the thief. Moreso, Remote Services allow OnStar to unlock your door if you get locked out or flash your lights and honk your horn if you can’t remember where you parked. Simply call OnStar’s toll-free number and the Advisor will access your car from Onstar’s Control Center.