Whether it’s due to rain and fog or ice and snow, winter driving season has an uncanny knack for impacting your travels at the worst moments. But when the unexpected happens, OnStar is there for you. Here’s a look at how key OnStar services can help keep you and your family on the road this winter.  

In winter, being stranded can quickly become a dangerous situation. That’s why 24/7 access to Roadside Assistance* is included with an eligible paid OnStar plan. If you need help, just push the blue OnStar button. An Advisor can locate the nearest service provider and direct them to your location to help with an empty tank, changing a flat, jump-starting a battery and much more.

You can also request Roadside Assistance through the OnStar Guardian™ app,* or by calling 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) from any phone. In addition, with a Connected Services plan,* you can request help through your vehicle mobile app* or, if properly equipped, even right from your vehicle’s infotainment system — simply tap the screen and select the service you need. Learn more about the steps to take when you need Roadside Assistance.

Severe winter weather like blizzards, storms and extreme cold can be treacherous and potentially deadly. During a winter emergency, you can push your OnStar button to use Crisis Assist* to get the help you need from an OnStar Advisor.* Whether you need a weather update, routing assistance, help finding a nearby hotel room or shelter, or just want to contact a loved one to let them know you are OK, OnStar can help. Check out the five things you should know about Crisis Assist.

The best way to minimize potential issues is to try to prevent them from happening in the first place. With Vehicle Diagnostics,* it’s easy to stay on top of your vehicle’s health and keep it running well. Get monthly diagnostics reports sent directly to your email, or push your blue OnStar button and ask an Advisor to run an On-Demand Diagnostics check.* They’ll let you know if there are any issues detected that you need to worry about. And with Proactive Alerts,* OnStar can even predict maintenance needs with key vehicle components like the battery, so you can address the issue before you end up stranded on the side of the road.  

Once the temperature drops, the appeal of getting into a frigid car and heading off on your daily commute does as well. That is, unless you’re getting into an already warm vehicle. With the Remote Access Plan* and a properly equipped vehicle, your vehicle mobile app allows you to remote start* your vehicle. But that’s just the tip of the (hopefully not at all literal) iceberg. You can also use the Vehicle Status function to check your vehicle’s estimated fuel level and tire pressure (if appropriately equipped), pinpoint your vehicle’s approximate location* directly within the app via the Vehicle Locate feature, and remotely unlock your doors,* in case you lock your keys in the car in subzero temperatures. You can even honk your horn and flash your lights remotely when you’re trying to find your car in a crowded parking lot.  

Maybe you’re going to ride in a friend’s or family member’s vehicle. Or maybe you’re going out for a hike in the wintery wonderland. Whatever you have planned this winter, download the OnStar Guardian app to bring along key OnStar safety services. With Guardian and a paid plan, you have access to Roadside Assistance, Mobile Crash Response and more, right from your phone, and you can even share the app with up to seven loved ones.* Learn more about the OnStar Guardian app.