It’s peaceful on the rural back road. The sky is ablaze with stars and you’re enjoying the solitude when a deer runs out in front of you. Quick reactions plus good tires and brakes ensure the deer lives another day, but questions run through your head. What if I had gone off the road and hit a tree? How would I get help? How would anyone find me? DAS Demo know that telematics is the answer to all of these questions and more.
Telematics is the use of wireless technology to relay information about a car, particularly its location, to a central response center. The communication is two-way, so if the center receives notification of an accident – typically, if the airbags have deployed - an operator can speak to the occupant to ask if help is needed. If there’s no answer, emergency services can be directed to the car’s location.
Such peace of mind is a major selling point of automotive telematics. Telematics have become a standard feature in most well-equipped and upscale vehicles. The service is included in the purchase price, but only for a limited period. After six to twelve months (some manufacturers provide it for longer), a monthly fee is required.
Telematics costs vary depending on the services selected. These could include:
- SOS. An emergency or SOS button is usually part of the system. Should you witness an accident or need urgent help, just press the button – usually located up near the interior mirror - to be connected with an operator.
- Roadside assistance. If you run out of gas or suffer a breakdown, telematics can be used to request help.
- Remote unlocking. Should you lock your keys in the car, an operator can send a signal to unlock the doors. (Of course, you’ll have to identify yourself with a password: you don’t want just anyone to get in your car!)
- Stolen vehicle location. GPS tracking can be used to let law enforcement know of its location. Some systems even provide ways to disable the vehicle.
- Service alerts. Telematics systems will let the owner know when a service is due, and may even contact the dealership too.
- Navigation assistance. Need help finding a hotel or restaurant? Press the button and an operator will provide turn-by-turn directions.
- Concierge services. For an additional fee, some systems will even arrange personalized services like flower delivery or making restaurant reservations.
Telematics services aren’t new, having been pioneered in the late 1990s, but they continue to evolve. The latest trend is smartphone integration, allowing your phone to communicate with your car. You can download a destination remotely for example, or receive service alerts when a mileage threshold is approaching.
A telematics system and contract ensure a car is in constant contact with a response center. This can be useful should the keys be locked inside, extremely helpful if the car breaks down on a rural road, or a lifesaver in case of an accident. Next time you’re shopping for a new car, ask what telematics services are available. We will be glad to explain the options.
