Happy new Volt driver, have a question about OnStar?

[sdca_volt]

We just got the Volt on Wednesday and I already love it. New to OnStar - What do people like to use it for? I already have navigation ... Just curious.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Hi sdca_volt,

Congratulations on your new Volt glad to hear you are enjoying it. Here are some other great features offered by OnStar in addition to the Turn-by-Turn Navigation:

Information/Convenience Services
You can get information about and directions to the nearest gas station, ATM or other business you might need to visit right away.

Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, air bag sensors can automatically alert an OnStar Advisor who is immediately connected into your vehicle to see if you’re okay. Even if you're unable to respond, the Advisor can request emergency help be sent to your exact GPS location right away. On most newer models, built-in crash sensors can also automatically alert OnStar and send critical crash details, even if your airbags do not deploy.

Emergency Services
With just one push of a button, connect immediately to an Advisor who can request emergency help to be sent to your exact location.

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics
Get automatic vehicle checks on key operating systems in your vehicle sent via monthly email reports at no additional cost. You can also get On-Demand Diagnostics checks – just push your blue OnStar button.

Hands-Free Voice-Activated Calling
Take advantage of your built-in voice-activated calling feature by adding OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes to any of the above OnStar subscription plans.

Stolen Vehicle Assistance
If you report your vehicle stolen to law enforcement, OnStar can use real-time GPS technology to pinpoint the exact location of your vehicle and will work with authorities to help recover your vehicle quickly.

Remote Door Unlock
If you are locked out of your vehicle, one simple toll-free call to OnStar can get you immediate help. OnStar can send a remote signal to your vehicle to quickly unlock your doors and get you back on your way with very little hassle.

Roadside Assistance
If you need a tow, tire change or fuel, one push of your OnStar button immediately connects you to an Advisor who can help direct a service provider to your exact location.

Crisis Assist
During severe weather, natural disasters or other crisis, OnStar provides you with a central point of contact to help navigate your way out of danger. A specially trained Crisis Advisor can help you reach your loved ones, obtain food, water, medical supplies, find the closest evacuation route, and address a wide range of other needs.

Remote Horn And Lights
Having trouble remembering where you parked your vehicle? Call an OnStar Advisor who can remotely sound your horn and flash your lights to help you locate your vehicle quickly.

Volt Advisor Trevor
Chevrolet Volt Advisor Team

[TSquare]

We just got the Volt on Wednesday and I already love it. New to OnStar - What do people like to use it for? I already have navigation ... Just curious.

Check Onstar.com for what it can do, but for me it is just insurance. In the event of an accident severe enough to set off the air bags emergency equipment is called right away. Plus you have a cell phone in the car that is more powerful than any hand held device.

[Mark Z]

Don't forget OnStar MyLink, a great app for the smart phone or iPad that allows detailed information about the Volt. Using it to check fuel and charge is just one feature. Details include charging status, oil life, tire pressure, calling minutes, remote features, changing the immediate or delayed charging, alerts for email or text messaging, assist contacts, and status plus vehicle information about the Volt. It's very handy and a great way to check the Volt without sitting at the dash.

[bonaire]

Next wish for Onstar in a few years will be an inclued WiFi hotspot. With the advent of 3G and 4G, I want (someday) streaming internet radio or possibly just regular IP address to do internet stuff while in the car. I'm sure that streaming radio will be spotty, of course, while traveling.

[tangentlin]

I enjoy the traffic alert feature from OnStar. Besides, its iPhone integration works a lot better than myvolt.com

[ctdeng0]

My wife can attest to the emergency response as she was in an accident in our Volt this morning. (see my other post "Lost my Volt, proof it's a safe car") I will always drive a car with Onstar, life is to short.

[Rusty]

I enjoy the traffic alert feature from OnStar.

Traffic alert may use the OnStar modem (or not, dunno), but it's an XM feature. It requires an XM subscription after the 90 day trial period.

[Slapshot28]

Getting directions using OnStar (rather than messing with the Nav "keyboard") is the Bee's Knees, no question.

You can call OnStar from your car and pretty much ask them anything, including letting them make dinner reservations for you after they have located the best Thai reastaurant near your car. Alternatively, you can Google any location and have it queued up and ready to go. Once in your Volt, just use OnStar "Virtual Advisor" (which again is just one quick button press away) to have the directions loaded into your Nav. Slick as can be...

[ammPilot]

In addition to sending an address from Google Maps or MapQuest, you can also call OnStar (the blue OnStar button, not the telephone handset button) and ask the OnStar operator to send the address to your car. Sure beats having to navigate setting the destination by voice: simpler, less distracting, safer.

(This is my first car with OnStar or any of its ilk. I was skeptical. I am skeptical no longer.)