We knew it wasn't the closest gas station, but we wanted to test out what happens when a person goes off course. As we continued to drive away from the destination, the computerized voice declared we were off the planned route and asked if we needed directions to get back on route. We didn't. We discovered, in order to cancel the route, we had to push the black, hands-free calling button and speak clearly, "Cancel route." We ended up driving to the gas station, after we had canceled the route, and the address of the station popped up in the instrument panel as we approached the location. We pressed a black button and heard "OnStar ready," but our press vehicle didn't have any available minutes to use, as customers have to buy minutes, somewhat like a prepaid cell-phone plan. Although we weren't able to use it anymore, we were impressed to find that so many people actually do-on a monthly average, an impressive 15 million-plus calls.
Do you want to know what's going on with your vehicle? Press the blue button to access the OnStar vehicle diagnostics center. This allows a diagnostic test to be run on the vehicle, in case, for example, the check-engine light turns on. Upon pushing the button, we were once again greeted by an OnStar advisor. We asked to run a diagnostic check and the advisor quickly told us there were no issues found and no necessary actions required. The advisor then informed us we could sign up for a free personalized e-mail, with diagnostic results each month, which will provide me the status of my engine and/or transmission system, emissions system, air-bag system, antilock braking system, OnStar system, and even maintenance information providing the remaining oil life, and actual mileage listed on the report. Plus, the e-mail includes the OnStar subscription status, a link to renew, a hands-free calling account information with how many minutes are currently available, and a link to purchase more minutes-or to share cell minutes with an OnStar account, and even the XM Satellite Radio trial-period ending date with a link to subscribe. With all of this information available every month, as well as dealer contact information in your area, there is no excuse not to remember to get the oil changed.
At one point, we dialed (888) 4-OnStar to have the remote-door unlock tested out. We found this not quite as simple or quick as depicted on TV, since it was necessary to go through a series of menu options to reach an advisor. Once we had an advisor on the phone, though, all we had to provide was a home phone number or account number, along with a personalized password and, voil! Our doors were unlocked. It sure beat calling a locksmith and paying as much as $75. Benefits from calling the number also include tracking your vehicle and summoning the police if your car is stolen. OnStart users may also profit from discounts provided by some auto-insurance companies.
The last of the OnStar buttons to investigate was the internationally recognized emergency button, which is depicted by a red circle with the white cross. On an average monthly basis, OnStar will typically handle 15,000 emergency calls. Additionally, OnStar includes an automatic notification of airbag deployment. In the event of an accident, even if the airbags do not deploy, an advisor will contact you to see if you need help. If you do not respond, they will automatically send emergency services to you by pinpointing your exact location to the proper authorities while providing an estimation as to how severe the accident was.