The commercials are iconic – a person is injured in an automobile accident and an OnStar agent says, reassuringly, that they’re sending help. This is compelling enough that many car owners decide then and there that OnStar is a service they need, regardless of what else it offers. But how exactly does OnStar work? Basically, OnStar combines a number of technologies, including GPS positioning, voice recognition, cellular and onboard electronics, and vehicle telemetry.
A number of sensors are located in the car and can register when the vehicle is involved in an accident and whether or not an airbag is deployed. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, a cascade of events takes place. The sensors register the accident and transmit that information to the Sensing Diagnostic Module. An automated call is made from the system to OnStar that includes information about the severity of the crash and the car’s position as determined by GPS. The OnStar representative receives the information and can call the vehicle to speak with its occupants and also alerts emergency services.
But you needn’t wait for your car to call OnStar. If you need emergency services, just press the red emergency button. Your car’s position is determined by GPS and the system places a call, which is routed to the nearest emergency services provider. That same GPS system can allow OnStar to track your car if it’s stolen or locate a provider who can bring you gas if you’re run out, change your tire if it’s flat, or tow you to a service station.
OnStar can also perform vehicle diagnostics. Every month, the OnStar system runs a computer diagnostic of your major systems, including the engine, anti lock brakes and air bags. This information is relayed to OnStar. If a serious problem is discovered, OnStar will call you right away. Otherwise, you’ll receive a status report via email.
Can’t find your car? Locked your keys inside? Just call OnStar. They can send a signal to unlock your car or turn on your car’s lights and horn so you can find it.
The OnStar system also makes it easy for you to make and receive cell phone calls in hands-free mode, either by linking the hands-free calling module with your existing Verizon wireless plan or by buying blocks of minutes for the hands-free cellular built into the system.
OnStar can do a number of other things as well, such as giving you step-by-step driving directions and telling you what the weather forecast is for your area. These services and more are available through a variety of subscription plans, which range from $199-$299 per year.
So is OnStar right for you? Only you can make that decision. The monthly automatic diagnostic is a feature that can easily pay for itself if it alerts you to just one problem that would have been more expensive to repair if it hadn’t been discovered it in its earlier stages. And knowing that help will be on the way if you’re involved in accident can bring a peace of mind that’s priceless.
