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A New Car Star is Born
Mar 28 2008 by Courtney Messenbaugh
3/28/08
CarShield Works Like OnStar for the Masses
Mother Proof is a big fan of OnStar, as we've written about it before and sung its praises. The only problem with it is that it's solely for GM vehicles, so people like me who don't drive a GM car are out of luck. Well, that luck is changing: CarShield, which will operate much like OnStar, will work on any car manufactured after 1995.
CarShield is a slice of technological genius that you simply plug into your car's diagnostic port, which is usually just below the steering wheel. No professional installation is necessary, and Scott Nisbet, vice president of business development for CarShield, said it takes less than one minute. Fab, because I'm busy.
Like OnStar, CarShield uses wireless technology, GPS and other gobbelty goop types of vehicular diagnostics to provide you with real-time info about your car, keeping you and your family as safe as possible. Round-the-clock advisors send messages about your car to your cell or computer, and they can even give you a proper phone call about it. Notifications include:
- Remote early diagnostic warnings that get you info relating to engine health (including why your pesky "check engine" light is on, saving you the trouble of panicking, as I often do), battery status, tire pressure and more.
- Emergency support can unlock your car for you when your keys are locked in, or notify authorities if you're in an accident (or notify you if someone else, like your teeny bopper, gets in an accident).
- Teen/family protection (this one is GOOD), which allows you to set a predetermined geographic drive area for your teen or elderly relative, then lets you know if said person goes outside those limits. It even allows you to preset a speed limit to ensure they're not tearing up the road (watch out granny!).
Someone sending me a text message to let me know my car has low tire pressure? I could use that because, quite frankly, the only time I know to fill my tires is when my husband or father tells me they look low. Low battery alerts? Now I won't have to flag down the smarmy guy in the van with the curtains to borrow his cables on the side of the road — praise the lord!
Sounds dreamy, right? Well hold onto your seat, because the price is crazy low. The initial product purchase will run you about $300, but after that the monthly service fee is a mere $12 a month. That's just one latte a week, and heaven knows we spend that without thinking.
CarShield will be available at select new-car dealerships over the next couple of months and will go mass market sometime this summer. If you want more info, check out www.MyCarShield.com and register yourself to be notified when it becomes available in your area.
User Comments
$12 latte a week will be what most Americans will be skipping. I think to actually build up customers they need to give the $300 piece away for free or slice it under $100. The monthly fee isn’t bad but is still $144 and in tight times ahead this product is a no go. OnStar might be to after the trial period, familier will be cutting down to the bone soon.
$12 latte a week will be what most Americans will be skipping. I think to actually build up customers they need to give the $300 piece away for free or slice it under $100. The monthly fee isn’t bad but is still $144 and in tight times ahead this product is a no go. OnStar might be to after the trial period, familier will be cutting down to the bone soon.
Does this fantastic product also help out after an accident?