Technology and your car

Just as technology has made our phones, TVs and other devices “smarter,” the same thing has happened to our vehicles. With the advent of the satellite navigation system known as GPS (short for Global Positioning System), our cars have turned into computers on wheels. This integrated use of telecommunications and informatics technology is known as telematics.

Tele-what?

While you may not be familiar with the term telematics, you most likely have experienced telematics in your vehicle: using turn-by-turn directions from an onboard navigation system is a popular example.  

However, telematics are also used to monitor the vehicle and the performance of the driver. By pairing GPS with an onboard diagnostic system, vehicle telematics receives, sends and stores information like speed, braking information, tire pressure and other vital stats. This can involve one-way or two-way communication.

Telematics in your vehicle

A telematics system in your car can be built onboard straight from the factory (GM’s OnStar), can use a driver’s connected smartphone to run telematics functions (Ford’s Sync system) or it can be an aftermarket plug-in device.

An onboard system may offer more services than a system that relies upon a connected smartphone. With an onboard system, there could be functions like unlocking or locking your vehicle or location services that don’t come with a connected smartphone solution. Some onboard systems come with a monthly fee while those that rely upon your smartphone typically don’t have additional fees.

An aftermarket telematics device is a yet another way to bring telematics technology to your car. These devices are inserted into the onboard diagnostic port (OBD-II port) located near the steering column under the dashboard.

Telematics in action

Many of the functions that vehicle telematics provide not only help you drive safer but can prove invaluable in the case of an emergency. The following are some of the most popular vehicle telematics services. Please note that not all of these services are available on all car manufacturer systems and some of these may require a subscription. Check your owner’s manual for information about your specific system.

Telematics and car insurance

Aftermarket plug-in telematics devices are used by insurance companies to monitor a customer’s driving habits like miles driven, speed and times that you hit the brakes hard. The data is sent to the insurance company and if it shows you are a safe driver, you may be eligible for discounts on your car insurance.

Telematics and fleet vehicles

Telematics devices and software are heavily used by transportation and delivery companies to manage their commercial and fleet vehicles. Vehicle telematics allow monitoring of fuel consumption, speed, and location to help them assess the productivity and profitability of their fleet. This monitoring can not only help them save money but it can help improve driver safety.

Future of vehicle telematics

You can expect car manufacturers to continue advancing vehicle connectivity by further integrating more smartphone features into their telematics systems and adding functions that improve safety like emergency services, location tracking and vehicle diagnostics.

As you become accustomed to using these services and place a high value on them, it may not be long before vehicle telematics becomes a major point of consideration when you’re shopping for a new vehicle or monitoring an older one.

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