An OnStar checklist for a joyful and safe holiday season

December 1, 2024

An OnStar checklist for a joyful and safe holiday season

December 1, 2024

We made a list and checked it twice: from locating Santa to avoiding winter driving pitfalls, here are four ways to prepare for the holiday season 

The holiday season is officially here — full of hot chocolate, seasonal decorations and gifts. And just like Santa makes a list every year, OnStar* has created a list to make sure our Members are ready to enjoy the holiday season while staying safe and healthy. 

Follow Santa’s journey

The holidays are a time for celebration! It all starts on Dec. 16 and runs until Christmas Day, with plenty of chances for children (of all ages) to experience the magic of the holidays. And for every blue button push, OnStar will donate* to the American Red Cross* — a great way to help those who need it most.

 

From Dec. 16 to Dec. 23, you can push your magic blue OnStar button to check in on Santa and see what he is up to or call to chat with him. Then between Dec. 24 and Christmas Day, push your magic blue OnStar button to find out where Santa is as he makes his journey around the world. Of course, you can also follow Santa’s travels on Christmas Eve with the OnStar Guardian®* app by tapping the magic OnStar button or using the map.

Prepare for winter driving 

Santa makes sure his sleigh and reindeer are ready and in tiptop shape to deliver presents; you should do the same for your vehicle. Before heading out to buy groceries for your family dinner or taking a drive to see the beautiful holiday light displays, there are checks you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter weather. For instance, check your tire pressure weekly with a tire pressure gauge or through your vehicle mobile app* (requires paid OnStar plan* and properly equipped vehicle), and ensure your windshield wipers are working properly and all your vehicle’s fluids are topped off. Additionally, buy winter emergency preparedness supplies to keep inside your vehicle, including a first-aid kit, LED road flares and warm clothing.

And don’t let running out of gas, a flat tire or a dead battery ruin your holiday mood — not when OnStar offers Roadside Assistance,* where an Advisor can connect you with local service providers to help. In case of an emergency, an Emergency-Certified Advisor* can contact emergency service providers and offer critical assistance until they arrive.

Add the OnStar Guardian app 

This holiday season, you and your loved ones can take key OnStar safety services everywhere you go — even if you’re not in your vehicle — with the OnStar Guardian app.* Whether it’s making sure grandma is safe behind the wheel on the way to, well, grandma’s house or allowing your teen drivers to share their location,* the Guardian app makes for the perfect gift for your loved ones. All you have to do is download and setup the Guardian app, and then add up to seven family members* to your account. 

Plan for responsible celebrations 

Holiday celebrations may look a little different this year, but just like every year, it’s important to celebrate safely. If you need to head to the store to grab snacks or extra marshmallows for hot chocolate as you watch Christmas movies, our specially trained Advisors are available 24/7 to provide assistance and directions. And if you do plan on celebrating with friends and family, consider using a designated driver or even a ride-share service if needed. 

No matter how you plan to celebrate the holidays this year, don’t forget OnStar can add extra joy as well as peace of mind when the unexpected happens. So save our list, check it twice and remember OnStar is there to help keep you safe this holiday season.

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Get security and then some

Combine OnStar safety services like Automatic Crash Response and Roadside Assistance with some amazing conveniences.

Fishing trip goes from bad to best ever

OnStar and a Canadian community came together to help a Member who had his vehicle stolen on a fishing trip.

Road trip tips

Got your travel checklist ready? Then you'll want to be prepared if something unexpected happens during a road trip.