More Than a Button: A Complete Guide to the OnStar Services in Your GM Vehicle

Most GM vehicle owners know about the red emergency button in their overhead console, but OnStar offers a comprehensive suite of safety, security, and convenience services that extend far beyond emergency response. Understanding the full range of OnStar capabilities can transform how you think about vehicle ownership and personal safety.

OnStar operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with trained advisors ready to assist with everything from crash response to stolen vehicle recovery. The system integrates with your vehicle's sensors and connectivity to provide services that would be impossible with traditional roadside assistance programs.

Automatic Crash Response: Your Silent Guardian

Automatic Crash Response represents OnStar's most important safety feature. When your vehicle's sensors detect a crash, the system automatically contacts OnStar's Emergency Response Centre, even if you cannot speak or reach the emergency button.

The system uses your vehicle's built-in sensors to detect the impact patterns consistent with a crash. Within seconds of detection, an OnStar Emergency Advisor receives an alert with your vehicle's GPS location and attempts to establish voice contact through your vehicle's speakers and microphone.

If you respond, the advisor will assess your condition and determine what help you need. If there's no response, or if the situation clearly requires emergency services, the advisor immediately contacts local emergency responders and provides them with your exact location and relevant details about the incident.

How It Works:

• Vehicle sensors detect crash patterns
• Automatic signal sent to OnStar Emergency Response Centre
• Emergency Advisor attempts voice contact with occupants
• Emergency services contacted with GPS coordinates if needed
• Follow-up contact ensures proper care has been received

Stolen Vehicle Assistance: Recovery Made Possible

OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Assistance works with law enforcement to help recover your vehicle when it's reported stolen. Once you file a police report and contact OnStar, advisors can use GPS technology to locate your vehicle and coordinate with local authorities.

The system can also remotely slow down your vehicle if law enforcement requests it, making recovery safer for officers and reducing the risk of high-speed chases. OnStar maintains a direct relationship with police departments across Canada, streamlining the recovery process.

Emergency Services: Professional Help When You Need It

The red emergency button connects you directly to OnStar Emergency Advisors who are professionally trained and certified in emergency call handling, similar to 911 personnel. These advisors can contact medical, police, or fire services on your behalf and provide critical support until first responders arrive.

Emergency Advisors use protocols provided by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, the same system used by over 70,000 911 dispatchers in 50 countries. This training allows them to provide structured guidance during medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other critical situations.

OnStar Guardian App: Protection Beyond Your Vehicle

The OnStar Guardian app extends OnStar services to any vehicle you drive, including rental cars, borrowed vehicles, or motorcycles. The app uses your smartphone's sensors to detect crashes and automatically connect you with OnStar Emergency Advisors.

Guardian App Services Include:

The app works on compatible Apple and Android devices and requires cellular connectivity to function. For current OnStar Safety & Security members, the Guardian app is included in their plan at no additional cost.

Remote Access Plan: Convenience at Your Fingertips

OnStar's Remote Access Plan allows you to control various vehicle functions from your smartphone using the myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC, or myCadillac mobile app.

Remote Services Include:

• Remote start to pre-condition your vehicle
• Door lock and unlock commands
• Horn and lights activation to locate your vehicle in parking areas
• Vehicle status checks including fuel level and tire pressure
• Stolen vehicle location assistance

These services prove particularly valuable during Canadian winters, allowing you to warm up your vehicle before leaving the house, or when you need to provide access to family members who don't have keys.

OnStar Basics: Essential Services Included

Every properly equipped GM vehicle includes OnStar Basics for up to eight years from the date of delivery. This complimentary plan includes core services that provide immediate value without requiring a paid subscription.

OnStar Basics Includes:

• Automatic Crash Response
• Remote commands through your vehicle's mobile app
• Wireless connectivity for select apps providing voice assistance and navigation
• Real-time traffic information integration

After the initial period expires, you can continue with a paid subscription to maintain these services and access additional features.

Getting Help: Understanding the Button System

Your GM vehicle includes both red and blue OnStar buttons in the overhead console. Understanding when to use each button ensures you get the appropriate type of help.

Red Emergency Button: Use for medical emergencies, accidents, crimes in progress, or when you need immediate emergency services. This connects you directly to OnStar Emergency Advisors who can contact first responders.

Blue OnStar Button: Use for roadside assistance, account questions, general help, or non-emergency situations. This connects you to OnStar Customer Advisors who can help with a wide range of services.

Roadside Assistance: Help for Any Vehicle

OnStar members can request roadside assistance for any vehicle they're traveling in, not just their GM vehicle. Services include jump starts, flat tire assistance, lockout help, fuel delivery, and towing when needed.

The Guardian app extends this service to up to seven family members, allowing them to request roadside assistance for any vehicle they're driving. This creates a comprehensive safety net that covers your entire family's transportation needs.

Setting Up Your OnStar Services

To activate OnStar services, contact OnStar by pressing the blue button in your vehicle or calling 1-888-466-7827. You can also set up services through your vehicle's infotainment system if equipped with connected services.

Download the OnStar Guardian app from the App Store or Google Play to extend services beyond your GM vehicle. The app uses the same login credentials as your vehicle's mobile app, simplifying account management.

OnStar transforms your GM vehicle into a connected safety and security system that provides peace of mind whether you're commuting locally or traveling across British Columbia. Experience the full range of OnStar services at Jenner Chevrolet Buick GMC in View Royal, where our team can help you understand and activate the features that matter most to your driving needs.