Last week, in a Chevy Silverado post, I mentioned how OnStar's personal calling just doesn't work as a substitute for Bluetooth.
But OnStar's other features may make it worth the $17 per month it costs to maintain the Safe and Sound plan.
I recently signed up for OnStar's Vehicle Diagnostic service for our Long Term Tahoe. Singing up was easy, I did it by pressing the blue button inside the car and giving the operator my email address. Within 48 hours, I received an update on the mechanical and electrical systems of the Tahoe...
Every 30 days or so I will get an email with a green, yellow or red check for these components:
Induction system, fuel management, cooling system, ignition, transmission, rear differential, four wheel drive system, ABS, airbags and hybrid system if so equipped. And that's just the short list. The email also tells you how much oil life you have left and the vehicle's mileage and when it will need service.
Used to be, you'd have to buy a $1,000,000 McLaren to get such a feature. Now, it's avaiable on any 2004 or newer GM vehicle with an oil life indicator. This is Jetsons stuff - I'm surprised GM doesn't do a better job of promoting features like this.
Brian Moody, Road Test Editor.
kpschoedel says:
09:01 AM, 07/ 9/07
The car's computers obviously have all that information; you should be able to press a button and see it (e.g. on the odometer display) rather than having to pay a monthly fee to have it sent around the world and back.
briancam says:
09:08 AM, 07/ 9/07
betcha it's cheaper to send an email than design an interface - especially for cars like a $24,000 Malibu. Then what to do about car without a nav screen? Besides, I'm not crazy about sitting in my driveway checking a list of service items. I just want to get in and go.
Also, I'd rather get an email at my computer, then I can call for a service appt or put it on my Outlook calendar.
ahightower says:
12:52 PM, 07/ 9/07
I like this because my wife is the primary driver of our GMC, but the emails come to me, so I will be made aware of any issues even though I don't drive the vehicle myself very often.
desmolicious says:
02:36 PM, 07/ 9/07
I have a feeling that the GM service departments don't like this feature, cuz it provides too much information to the consumer. After all, how can they convince you that you need your muffler bearings re-packed when the email says everything is a-ok?
bimmerjay says:
07:57 AM, 07/10/07
Does it provide you with the turn signal fluid level? The dealer just refilled mine for me.
SubyTrojan says:
10:45 AM, 07/10/07
Low blow, bimmerjay! Be nice! :o)
bimmerjay says:
02:37 PM, 07/10/07
That comment was tongue-in-cheek. I actually think the e-mail service is a good idea, a good counter to the awful "bluetooth alternative" personal calling feature.
Now you must excuse me, I need to go have my muffler bearings checked.