5 Great Reasons to Purchase OnStar

Simon Chevy, the top name among car dealers in Rhode Island, offers vehicles equipped with OnStar. An OnStar membership has many advantages that can make your life easier as a driver and car owner. Here are five reasons to consider OnStar when shopping for Rhode Island used cars:

1. Automatic Crash Response.

OnStar detects collisions and automatically telephones an emergency assistant with information about the vehicle’s location and condition. This means that OnStar users will receive the fastest and best-prepared response possible. The OnStar network is operational 24 hours a day, so someone will always be available to respond in an emergency.

2. Other Emergency Services.

By pressing the red emergency button, you can connect with an emergency assistant at any time. These assistants will attempt to help you or stay on the line until a response team arrives. The emergency system can also be used to alert responders to other problems you encounter on the road such as road debris or a car accident.

3. Hands-Free Calling.

OnStar’s Hands-Free Calling permits you to place calls without taking your hands off the steering wheel—you only need to say the number you wish to dial. Coverage extends over the vast majority of the continental United States and many parts of Canada.

4. Turn by Turn Navigation.

OnStar can help you locate your destination. You can store a location for later use, or you can contact an OnStar Advisor to help you locate and arrive at any destination you wish. With OnStar, you can eliminate getting lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood or feeling intimidated when driving through a new city.

5. OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics.

Every month, OnStar will perform a diagnostic check on your car’s systems, including air bags, anti-lock brakes and emissions. OnStar will then email you a detailed but easy-to-understand report letting you know the current condition of your car.

Are you interested in RI used cars with OnStar features like these? If you would like more information, ask the RI auto dealers at Simon Chevy about OnStar.

Recognizing Signs of Transmission Problems

Because the transmission is literally the driving force behind any vehicle, problems with this system must be remedied as soon as possible. Of course, taking your car into the shop as soon as it begins making an unfamiliar sound isn’t always necessary, either. The ability to recognize transmission problems on your own is a valuable skill and can potentially help save you hundreds of dollars in costly repairs.

The tell-tale signs of transmission trouble can vary from vehicle to vehicle. If any of the following symptoms apply to your car or truck, a visit to your local Rhode Island auto service shop may be in order.

• The car refuses to go into gear properly.

This will only affect drivers of manual shift cars and trucks. If there is a problem with transmission fluid level, clutch linkage or the position of various shifter cables, the stick may seem stiffer than usual, refusing to push into gear as normal.

• A burning smell is emitting from beneath the hood.

The smell of burning transmission fluid may indicate low fluid levels, a leak or an overheating transmission. Because this can cause serious problems if left untreated, it is important to assess the issue as soon as possible.

• The transmission is knocking.

Loud, erratic bumps that occur during shifting usually point to a problem, but if your car also gives off random bumping noises while in neutral, you very well could be experiencing major transmission wear and tear.

To avoid further damage to your vehicle, be sure to seek out proper Rhode Island transmission repair before any problem gets worse. An untreated issue can lead to expensive repairs and, potentially, the need for a brand new transmission. Reputable Rhode Island auto repair professionals are equipped with the tools, experience and expertise necessary to diagnose and repair transmission problems of any kind.