OnStar is probably the most well-known telematics system on the market, offering assistance in the case of a crash or urgent situation such as a natural disaster or medical emergency. But you don’t have to be in peril to push the button: you can simply ask for directions, or where you can get a quick bite to eat, hands-free calling and conveniences, like remote door unlocking and vehicle diagnostics. Now, telematics systems have even designed smart phone apps so owners can remotely control functions such as locking the doors or starting the engine. With so many features and services, it can be difficult to decide if the telematics systems in a new car you might be considering buying will suit your needs. The good news is that the hardware for the systems comes built into vehicles so you don’t have to pay for it to try it. Plus, a free subscription period is typical, usually six months, so you can try some features of the system before you have to start paying for them.
Once you’ve done you research, unless you don’t really care which car you get, ask yourself the following questions to determine which system could be right for you:
Can the system dispatch roadside assistance in case of a breakdown or emergency services in the case of a collision or a medical emergency? If so, will system operators contact family or friends to let them know your location or that you’re running late?
Does the system offer stolen-vehicle assistance, such as locating a vehicle using GPS? If so, will it also keep the vehicle from starting once the engine is turned off and gradually slow the vehicle if police are pursuing it?
Does the system offer remote door unlocking and remote door locking ?Can the system flash a car’s lights and sound the horn in a crowded parking lot to help you find it?
Does the system offer turn-by-turn directions even if the vehicle doesn’t have a navigation system? If the vehicle has a navigation system, can a telematics operator send it destinations that you’ve requested?
Does the system offer live-operator “concierge” services that give you such things as restaurant recommendations, the location of the nearest gas station and flight information?
Does the system have a text-messaging feature that reads texts from a connected Bluetooth phone using text-to-speech technology? Does it also let you dictate texts using speech-to-text technology?
Does the system offer vehicle diagnostics and maintenance reminders? If so, how is the information provided and how often? Can it also put you in touch with a dealer to set up service appointments? Does it transmit vehicle diagnostic info to a dealer?
Does the system offer hands-free calling (separate from Bluetooth hands-free that uses your own mobile phone)?
Does the system provide information for gas stations in an area, as well as fuel prices?
Does it offer traffic, weather forecasts, sports scores and stock market information?
