GM FYI Blog

By Sandy Knechtel
OnStar, Service Line Marketing Manager

The end of summer looms. Ah, it’s always too short. Labor Day, the unofficial last weekend of the summer, is here. Gas prices are still hovering near $3 a gallon and weekend drivers, like me, are looking for ways to save money on those last treks, weekend escapes and back-to-school runs.

I found a web site that provides some simple, but money-saving, tips to improve fuel efficiency. Each tip comes with its own cost savings. It’s a must-visit if you’re taking a road trip.

For instance, did you know that keeping your engine properly tuned could improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, or $0.13/gallon? Or that replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel efficiency by 10 percent, or $0.32/gallon? Avoiding rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds. Combined, that totals $1.06 per gallon in savings! Additional measures you can take include removing excess weight, consolidating trips, and avoiding excessive idling. Some of it’s common sense, but when gas money can eat away at your end-of-summer fun — not to mention that you can also take pride in doing your small part to reduce energy consumption — these savings matter.

So, where does OnStar come into this picture? Two features that many people don’t realize OnStar offers: OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics (OVD) and Turn-By-Turn Navigation (TBT).

Many people have gone to GPS navigation systems to get them where they want to go. I love them, too. What many people don’t know is that OnStar has a navigation service. Driving around lost and looking for your destination wastes time, gas and money, not to mention how much it can try everyone’s patience. The Blue Button can get you there, without having to type in directions or monitor a screen. Safety, security and peace of mind. I like that.

Equally simple, but more technologically complex, to me, is OVD. Without having to do a thing, OVD checks my vehicle’s key components, such as engine, transmission, airbags, antilock brakes, electrical systems and remaining oil life. Once a month, I get an e-mail from OnStar that lets me know how my car is performing. And if I suspect something is wrong, I can push the Blue Button and ask for a Remote Diagnostic check. It could mean the difference between making it to the beach or not.

So with the knowledge that I’ll be saving money, I’m beginning to actually look forward to traveling over the long weekend.

Engine performance? Check.
Oil life? Check.
Accurate driving directions? Check.
Hawaiian shirts and linen pants? Check.

Safe travels and happy end of summer.