OnStar is a GM-owned proprietary in-vehicle security and communications system that is available in all GM vehicles, your favorite Chevy included.
So, what exactly does it consist of and how does it work? Read on…
Firstly, in simple terms, it is a system that allows the vehicle to communicate. Using the system, you could actually avail of hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, as well as remote diagnostics, across the United States and Canada, 24 x 7 x 365. The only initial requirement for availing OnStar services is to have the necessary OnStar hardware factory-installed…and you’re ready to go!
Although OnStar is available on all GM vehicles, it has become so profoundly associated with Chevy vehicles that in the Latin American markets, the service is referred to as ChevyStar. As of 2009, the service has more than five million subscribers. Get to know specific numerical stats on various ways in which OnStar has added value to GM vehicle owners, in the following video:
In order to function, the OnStar service uses CDMA mobile phone voice and data communications technology, essentially via Verizon Wireless in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada, along with location information using GPS technology. Both drivers and passengers can use its audio interface to contact OnStar representatives for emergency services, vehicle diagnostics and directions. OnStar equipped vehicles with an active subscription end up contacting representatives, who are based either out of Pontiac, Michigan; Charlotte, North Carolina; Makati, Philippines; and Oshawa, Ontario in case there is a collision where the airbags were actually deployed.
Newer models on the other hand will contact OnStar, irrespective of whether airbags were deployed or not. Whenever a driver presses the Red OnStar Emergency button or Blue OnStar button, current vehicle data and the user’s GPS location are immediately gathered. This information is then sent to OnStar. OnStar Emergency calls are routed to the OnStar Center with highest priority. The three centers that receive emergency calls are: Pontiac, Michigan; Charlotte, North Carolina and Ontario Canada; and all of these centers are open 24 hours a day.
The Proprietary OnStar Buttons
This year, i.e. 2009 onwards, GM also started incorporating a Stolen Vehicle Slowdown feature inside new vehicles which allows police to remotely slow down the vehicle, and also reduce the chances of damage to property, injuries or even fatalities as a result of high-speed chases of stolen vehicles. Just last month, in October 2009, the service bore fruit when a stolen Chevy Tahoe was successfully recovered and the thief promptly apprehended, using the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown feature. In this video, the owner describes exactly what happened and how he got his Tahoe back:
Other plans also exist as a part of the entire portfolio of OnStar services including Safe & Sound Plan (at $18.95/month or $199/year), and Directions & Connections Plan ($28.90/month or $299/year).
Considering all the benefits that OnStar has on offer, it is a feature you would certainly not like to miss out, on your favorite Chevy!