OnStar App Overview
What is OnStar?
OnStar is the brand name for the connected services suite offered across the range of GM products. You can use it to unlock your doors if you lock your keys in the car, or to tell you where the car is parked if you forget. It can remind you when the vehicle needs servicing as well. And thanks to the app, it can do all of that from the palm of your hand.
OnStar Features
Worldwide Connectivity
You probably already know that OnStar can be used to unlock your doors when you lock your keys in the car, it was one of the first features that OnStar offered when it launched almost 30 years ago. Now this feature is right there in the app, and it works from anywhere. Did a family member lock their keys in the car while you were on vacation in Australia? Not a problem, the app works from anywhere with a signal, you can even start their engine for them while you’re at it. And once you’re back in the vehicle, the app can provide turn-by-turn directions for wherever you need to go.
Vehicle Diagnostic Reports from GM
Having the right information about the condition of your vehicle is irreplaceable. That’s why OnStar can give you monthly diagnostic reports on your vehicle and its systems. This allows you to address problems before they become serious, and to get the maintenance you need when you need it. This includes information regarding the engine and transmission, emissions system, airbag system, StabiliTrak, anti-lock braking system, oil levels, and tire pressure, among other things.
Lost or Stolen Vehicle Assistance
OnStar can provide you with the real-time location of your vehicle. This is good for when you forget where you parked, or for keeping tabs on your teenager when they borrow the car. But perhaps more importantly, it can help you locate the vehicle in the unlikely event that it’s stolen, and can even remotely shut down the engine to keep the thieves from getting any further away with it.
OnStar Roadside Assistance & Automatic Crash Response
Since the beginning, OnStar has been the best and quickest way to get roadside assistance or emergency services. Pressing the “Emergency Services” button will prompt a certified Advisor to contact emergency services on your behalf, and then reach out to you for details and to see if you require additional assistance. In fact, OnStar can automatically detect a collision, and in this situation, an Advisor will reach out to you immediately to see whether you require assistance. In the event of a natural disaster, OnStar can also help direct you to a safer area. For less urgent situations, OnStar can still get you assistance. OnStar Roadside Assistance is available to help with a tow, changing a flat tire, if you run out of gas, or a number of other situations.
Plans & Pricing
OnStar offers a huge variety of benefits for all kinds of situations, but thanks to a variety of plans and prices, you don’t have to pay for any features you don’t plan on using. Different plans group different features together, here are the big features that OnStar offers:
Connected Access – New vehicles will generally come with 10 years of Connected Access included in the price of the vehicle. This gives you vehicle health monitoring, maintenance notifications, Smart Driver updates, and the ability to schedule service appointments with a dealer right from the app.
Remote Access – This adds several new capabilities, like Remote Key Fob service, vehicle location, and on-demand vehicle diagnostics.
Unlimited Access – This builds on the features of Remote Access, adding turn-by-turn navigation, unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot data, and a wider variety of streaming apps. This also includes an active OnStar advisor.
OnStar Safety and Security – This is what OnStar was originally introduced to offer, on-call roadside assistance, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.