Last year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), General Motors announced its plans to add 4G LTE connectivity to most of its vehicles by the 2016 model year. One of the most interesting features that will utilize this 4G LTE connectivity is GM’s new is GM’s OnStar Driver Assurance system. The OnStar Driver Assurance system actually predicts when certain engine parts might fail and warns drivers so they can get them replaced before any problems occur. Consider this a major improvement over the “check engine” light that really just tells you something is wrong and “to get your car to a mechanic”.
The way this new Driver Assurance system works is that sensors in the vehicle track how certain parts are performing. That data is then uploaded to OnStar’s servers over the 4G LTE network and run it through software that assess the parts’ conditions. If it appears there’s a problem with an individual component or system, drivers can get notified via text message, email, in-vehicle alerts, or through the OnStar smartphone app.
Initially, the Driver Assurance technology will focus on the battery, starter motor, and fuel pump. These are all components that have a fixed lifetime of operation and are all critical to starting a vehicle and keeping it running reliably.
The way that the Driver Assurance system works is that owners enroll their vehicle in the program. GM expects to roll out the capability to some versions of the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette, Equinox, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, followed by others lines during the 2016 model year.
Soon the Driver Assurance system will be upgraded to email monthly alerts to owners on other basic things like tire pressure, oil life and other routine diagnostics. Several other improvements are also coming to GM vehicles on the backbone of 4G LTE system. One new cloud-based feature, called “At Your Service”, for example, connects drivers with relevant merchants based on where they’re headed. These include priceline.com, Dunkin’ Donuts, Parkopedia, and Audiobooks, among others.
Source: Reedman-Toll Chevrolet
