Skip to main content

Chevy vehicles will soon be able to anticipate repairs with advanced prognostic alerts

chevrolet proactive service alerts pictures news onstar advanced vehicle diagnostics 41
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Chevrolet is all about solving problems before they happen. At the 2015 Powered by Innovation event in Detroit, the automaker announced a new Theft Alarm Notification feature to help prevent break-ins, and now, the manufacturer wants to notify drivers of maintenance issues before they leave you stranded.

Called Proactive Alerts, the prognostic and diagnostic function aims to predict when particular components will need repair or replacement, allowing the driver to curb potential service issues before the vehicle is affected. The system relies on OnStar 4G LTE connections to provide data streams from the various sensors throughout the car, which are then sent to a server that uses an algorithm to asses the particular function’s heath. If service is deemed necessary, the driver is notified via email, text message, in-vehicle alerts, or through the OnStar RemoteLink smartphone application.

Proactive Alerts will be integrated into the RemoteLink application later this year, and will initially focus on battery health, starter motor lifespan, fuel pump durability, and tire pressure status. More systems are expected to be added as the technology develops, which could take a lot of the stress out of keeping your daily driver healthy.

Chevrolet Proactive Alerts
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“This is a new chapter in our pursuit to provide customers with convenience and the best overall service in the industry,” said Alicia Boler-Davis, General Motors’ Senior VP of the Global Connected Customer Experience. “Using our innovative OnStar 4G LTE connectivity platform, we can actively monitor vehicle component health and notify our customers if covered vehicle components need attention. Nobody else in the industry is offering this.”

Chevrolet’s prognostic capabilities will initially be launched on the 2016 Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Corvette, Silverado and Silverado HD models equipped with certain powertrains, but more models are planned to be added throughout the 2016 model year.

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more