Medialink: Car Care Advice ... From Your Car

--Is it time to take your automobile in for maintenance? If your car could talk, it might just say no.

As cars and trucks become more technologically advanced, knowing how to maintain them can be confusing. But a unique new diagnostics service is making it easier to monitor key car systems by sending the owner individualized results in a monthly e-mail report.

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics by GM uses wireless technology to send data on hundreds of critical car operations controlled by the engine/transmission, anti-lock brake, and airbag systems. Monthly e-mail reports then help the owner to decide when to take the car in for service or maintenance.

"People want to keep their cars in top shape, but don't always know how to sort through maintenance needs," said Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief, ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine. "With this diagnostics program, it's easier to see what areas need attention."

The diagnostics service is exclusive to General Motors vehicles and is available at no additional charge to eligible OnStar subscribers. The service is available in most 2004 - 2006 GM cars that are equipped with the GM Oil Life System. Diagnostic capabilities vary by model.

For the full story, go to http://www.medialinkfeatures.com/home.aspx?Story=31218

ABOUT MEDIALINK FEATURES: Medialink Features provides free, ready-to-run, non-copyrighted news features, fillers and photos to newspaper and online editors. To download copy and photos, please visit http://www.medialinkfeatures.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: All copy and photography is available for free and unrestricted use with Medialink Features (MF) dateline attribution.