GM upgrades OnStar with eye towards fuel economy
General Motors began its OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics service last September and has enrolled 1.6 million subscribers in the no-extra-charge service that emails pertinent vehicle information gathered from onboard sensors to the vehicle's owner. GM has announced that it's upgrading the service to include additional info in these emails aimed at educating the owner to improve his or her vehicle's fuel economy. For select vehicles that have a tire-pressure monitoring system, the email will now include the vehicle's current tire pressure as well as the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. According to the EPA, proper tire pressure can increase fuel economy by about three percent. The email will also include a pass/fail emissions grade that will alert an owner to a problem with the engine, a prediction of when the vehicle's next oil change will be needed based on current driving patterns, and finally an indication on whether or not a particular vehicle is E85 compatible.
OnStar users can opt in by hitting the little blue button in their car or by visiting OnStar's website, though only 2004 model-year vehicles or newer with GM's Oil-System are able to participate.
[Source: GM]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
epp_b 4:31PM (7/23/2006)
Sheesh. Heaven forbid you should know the basics of how to take care of your own car.
And just wait until this goes further...
Dear driver,
You have averaged 23MPG in a car that has been estimated to be able to achieve 35MPG. Due to us sucking up the government, your car's engine has been remotely restricted to a maximum of 2,500 RPM.
Thank-you, have a nice day.
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Tad 5:36PM (7/23/2006)
Despite what #1 says, as a technician you see how little people know and how un-educated people are about thier cars. I think this is a great idea, people need every little bit of help they can get.
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john 3:05AM (7/24/2006)
Nice upgrade Ialready have the email sent to me every nonth and this additional info will be good to get. Ilove on star it is a geat add on on any car. All the info you can give me on my car is a great idea. Thanks GM
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Eric 11:42AM (7/24/2006)
#1: You really think everyone knows what we "car guys" know?
Not too long ago I witnessed a person at a gas station adding coolant to their car. Fortunately for them I made a mad dash to them when I noticed that they had removed the oil fill cap and was about to pour in said coolant. When I asked what they were doing, they said that the gas station attendant told them that adding coolant would likely make the SES light turn off. So, we have a gas station attendant - someone who SHOULD know SOME stuff about cars - providing completely wrong instruction without even getting out of his seat.
The reality is that we're in the minority here. There are a TON of people out there that just don't get it.
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