Why I love OnStar more than I loved my ex-Husband

by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

True Confessions from a Lady who learned how to take of her Car and Herself

Husbands are useful for somethings. The good ones will take out the garbage,  help with the kids and take your car to the gas station to fill it up. The really exceptional ones will plan kids birthday parties, be a cub scout leader and do grocery shopping.

When I realized I was doing all those things myself, I knew it was time to get divorced. I was a little nervous about taxes and taking care of the car. My husband was from Detroit and his father worked in the auto parts business, so I always felt like I had an insider taking care of me.

Now I have my own accountant and a great friend at the dealership. What more could a girl need?

Technology, Simplicity Blend To Make Vehicle Maintenance Easy  

Is your oil ready to be changed? Do you know how much air pressure is in your tires? Even if you don’t know the answers to these important maintenance questions, chances are, your GM vehicle does. Most GM vehicles today are equipped with advanced technology that helps take the hassle out of vehicle maintenance.   

My car is so smart. Almost as smart as my children

GM’s patented Oil-Life System (GMOLS) can double or even triple the time between oil changes when compared to the common 3,000 mile recommendation by evaluating engine and driving conditions. The system is driven by a sophisticated, yet simple algorithm that predicts oil life base on two key parameters and driver use.   

“Our engineers have studied oil life for decades, and they learned that oil life tends to degrade in a predictable pattern,” said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. “The GM Oil-Life System simply measures the two key factors that enable us to predict the optimum time for the oil to be changed – engine revolutions and temperature.”   

GM’s Oil-Life System determines when
it’s time for oil changes and maintenance   

The beauty of the GMOLS is that it will automatically adjust the oil change interval based on engine characteristics, driving habits and the climate in which the vehicle is operated. For instance, mild highway driving in a warm climate will maximize the interval between oil changes. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 12,000 miles. On the other hand, short trip driving in a cold climate may limit the oil change to 3,000 miles or less.  

“A driver whose fuel tank is still two thirds full wouldn’t empty the tank and refill it, or a driver whose tires are half worn wouldn’t replace them,” said Lord.  “It is the same idea with prematurely changing oil that still has life.”  

If used as intended, the GM Oil-Life System can help consumers save the time and money associated with unnecessary oil changes. More than 97 percent of GM vehicles on the road – or more than 31 million GM vehicles have been sold in the US since 1998 – are equipped with GM's Oil-Life System technology. 

“Today’s consumer doesn’t have the time for unnecessary trips for maintenance,” said Lord. “The Oil-Life System makes it simple to know when you need maintenance. When the oil change light comes on, the driver simply brings the vehicle in for maintenance.”   

The dealership can change the oil and filter and reset the system, as well as check belts and hoses, rotate tires and change the air filter (does not require changing every visit)” Lord said.  

GM Goodwrench and OnStar Help Owners
Get Current With Maintenance Needs

No more little post-it notes reminding you to change your oil or rotate your tires. Imagine getting service reminders from above. I wish OnStar could remind me of my dentist appointments.

GM customers can also be reminded of vehicle maintenance needs through OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, an industry-first service available only from GM. This service collects valuable maintenance information on four of the vehicle’s key operating systems from hundreds of diagnostic checks and sends a personalized e-mail directly to the owner.  No more "honey do" lists. No more wondering when it is time to do maintenance. No more lists--just an email that reminds you what maintenance needs to be done. 

Here’s a rundown on the benefits of OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics:  

  • Tire Pressure Monitoring – Using data retrieved from the vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System, an OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics* report will inform the driver if the car's tire pressure needs attention.

  • E85 Ethanol Compatibility – The e-mail also notifies drivers if their vehicles are E85 ethanol compatible and links owners to GM’s www.livegreengoyellow.com website, which links to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition’s (NEVC) handy E85 ethanol station on-line look-up tool. OnStar subscribers can search for E85 ethanol stations by using the NEVC’s look-up tool, or by simply pressing the blue OnStar button to receive directions to the nearest E85 ethanol station when driving.

  • Enhanced Vehicle Emissions Data – The OnStar monthly diagnostic e-mail also includes detailed vehicle powertrain emissions data for additional peace of mind.  

  • Enhanced Oil-Life Monitoring – The OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail will predict the mileage at which the next oil change will be needed based on current driving patterns, allowing drivers to know when an oil change is likely to be necessary.

  • Other Services – In addition to these enhancements, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics also notifies subscribers of the status of the engine, air bag, antilock brake and OnStar systems, as well as the current mileage. The report also includes scheduled maintenance alerts.

An active OnStar subscription is required for enrollment; subscribers can enroll at the OnStar website (www.onstar.com) or press the blue OnStar button and sign up through an advisor.