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(NC)-Is it time to take your automobile in for maintenance? If your car could talk, it might just say no.
As cars and trucks become more technologically advanced, knowing how to maintain them can be confusing. But knowing how to keep your vehicle's maintenance up-to-date can be as simple as checking your email.
Wireless advancements have enabled a new technological development where your vehicle will send you a monthly email.
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics from General Motors sends information on hundreds of critical vehicle operations controlled by the engine/transmission, anti-lock brake and airbag systems. The monthly e-mail report can help the owner to decide when to take the car in for service or maintenance.
"The monthly checkup takes a huge load off consumers' minds," says Dave Mitchell, manager, OnStar Canada. "They no longer have to worry that they'll forget to take their car in for routine maintenance. It's almost like having a personal mechanic."
Owners also receive maintenance reminders and other useful information, such as the number of remaining hands-free calling minutes, satellite radio subscription information and tire pressure status.
Green, yellow or red symbols placed next to each system in the e-mail indicate what needs to be addressed - if anything at all.
The diagnostic report can also determine the remaining engine oil life based on your individual driving conditions - and will send an additional notification if the remaining oil life drops below 20 per cent.
Between e-mail reports, subscribers can also request an on-demand diagnostic check by pressing the blue OnStar button. It gives busy owners another way to take car maintenance issues off their minds - and have confidence their vehicles are ready for the road.
More information is available online at www.onstar.ca.