Cold weather, clear plan: Stay safe on the road with OnStar when winter hits

2026-01-23

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Winter weather can quickly turn routine drives into unpredictable situations. Snow, ice, freezing rain and extreme cold can reduce visibility, limit traction and put extra strain on vehicles — often all at once. Preparation and access to the right support can make a meaningful difference when conditions change fast.

During severe natural or man-made disasters, OnStar activates Crisis Mode at no cost, offering complimentary safety services for all OnStar-equipped Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. Simply press the blue OnStar button for non-emergency services like receiving weather updates, or the red emergency button for immediate help.

Here’s what OnStar can do when Crisis Mode is activated:

  • Coordinate rescue and evacuation to get you to safety

  • Guide you to safer routes away from danger zones

  • Help with contacting and locating loved ones

  • Provide real-time updates on local conditions and critical information

  • Share resources nearby—including food, fuel, shelter, and hotels

  • Keep you connected with in-vehicle Wi-Fi for up to seven devices

  • Offer Good Samaritan assistance for non-GM drivers and passengers

For 30 years, OnStar Emergency Services has supported drivers during crashes, severe weather, and other critical situations. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe out there:

1. Start With Smart Preparation

Before winter weather hits, take time to get your vehicle ready:

  • Keep your gas tank at least half full or ensure your EV is adequately charged

  • Check tire tread and pressure (cold temperatures lower PSI)

  • Replace worn wiper blades and use freeze-rated windshield washer fluid

  • Make sure your battery is in good condition

Pack a winter emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, warm blankets, water and snacks, a phone charger or power bank, and sand or kitty litter for traction.

2. Stay Connected to Weather and Road Updates

Access to timely, localized information can help you avoid dangerous routes and make safer decisions. Sign up for local community warning systems, Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications and real-time updates from trusted sources.

3. Adjust How You Drive

When roads are slick, driving habits matter:

  • Slow down and increase following distance

  • Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns

  • Use headlights for visibility, even during daytime snowfall

  • If conditions worsen, pulling over may be the safest option

4. Avoid Getting Stranded

With a quick press of the blue OnStar button, OnStar Advisors can offer Turn-by-Turn Navigation and help reroute you around closures and backups caused by black ice, snow, or sleet, so you can avoid getting stuck and get to your destination safely.

5. Know What to Do If You Do Get Stranded

If you become stuck:

  • Stay inside your vehicle if it’s safe

  • Run the engine periodically for heat, keeping the exhaust pipe clear

  • Conserve battery and phone power

  • Use hazard lights to signal for help

By pressing the red emergency button, OnStar Emergency Advisors can locate your vehicle, contact first responders, and stay with you on the line until help arrives.

Stay Ready, Stay Safe

Over the last five years alone, OnStar has supported more than 1.7 million calls during severe weather and crisis events across North America.

Cold weather driving doesn’t have to be overwhelming — but it does require preparation, awareness and knowing where to turn for help. From winterizing your vehicle to staying informed and driving cautiously, small steps can make a big difference when winter weather hits the road.

Onstar crisis mode

Winter weather can quickly turn routine drives into unpredictable situations. Snow, ice, freezing rain and extreme cold can reduce visibility, limit traction and put extra strain on vehicles — often all at once. Preparation and access to the right support can make a meaningful difference when conditions change fast.

During severe natural or man-made disasters, OnStar activates Crisis Mode at no cost, offering complimentary safety services for all OnStar-equipped Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. Simply press the blue OnStar button for non-emergency services like receiving weather updates, or the red emergency button for immediate help.

Here’s what OnStar can do when Crisis Mode is activated:

  • Coordinate rescue and evacuation to get you to safety
  • Guide you to safer routes away from danger zones
  • Help with contacting and locating loved ones
  • Provide real-time updates on local conditions and critical information
  • Share resources nearby—including food, fuel, shelter, and hotels
  • Keep you connected with in-vehicle Wi-Fi for up to seven devices
  • Offer Good Samaritan assistance for non-GM drivers and passengers

For 30 years, OnStar Emergency Services has supported drivers during crashes, severe weather, and other critical situations. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe out there:

1. Start With Smart Preparation

Before winter weather hits, take time to get your vehicle ready:

  • Keep your gas tank at least half full or ensure your EV is adequately charged
  • Check tire tread and pressure (cold temperatures lower PSI)
  • Replace worn wiper blades and use freeze-rated windshield washer fluid
  • Make sure your battery is in good condition

Pack a winter emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, warm blankets, water and snacks, a phone charger or power bank, and sand or kitty litter for traction.

Your V2H-capable GM EV can help provide power to your properly equipped home during a blackout. With a GM Energy PowerShift charger and V2H Enablement Kit installed, you can unlock bidirectional charging and use your EV’s battery to deliver added security and peace of mind during outages.1

2. Stay Connected to Weather and Road Updates

Access to timely, localized information can help you avoid dangerous routes and make safer decisions. Sign up for local community warning systems, Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications and real-time updates from trusted sources.

3. Adjust How You Drive

When roads are slick, driving habits matter:

  • Slow down and increase following distance
  • Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
  • Use headlights for visibility, even during daytime snowfall
  • If conditions worsen, pulling over may be the safest option

4. Avoid Getting Stranded

With a quick press of the blue OnStar button, OnStar Advisors can offer Turn-by-Turn Navigation and help reroute you around closures and backups caused by black ice, snow, or sleet, so you can avoid getting stuck and get to your destination safely.

5. Know What to Do If You Do Get Stranded

If you become stuck:

  • Stay inside your vehicle if it’s safe
  • Run the engine periodically for heat, keeping the exhaust pipe clear
  • Conserve battery and phone power
  • Use hazard lights to signal for help

By pressing the red emergency button, OnStar Emergency Advisors can locate your vehicle, contact first responders, and stay with you on the line until help arrives.

Stay Ready, Stay Safe

Over the last five years alone, OnStar has supported more than 1.7 million calls during severe weather and crisis events across North America.

Cold weather driving doesn’t have to be overwhelming — but it does require preparation, awareness and knowing where to turn for help. From winterizing your vehicle to staying informed and driving cautiously, small steps can make a big difference when winter weather hits the road.

1. The GM Energy PowerShift Charger and GM Energy V2H Enablement Kit shown requires an adequately charged V2H-capable GM EV, a properly equipped home, and proper grid interconnection. Weather conditions, life of the battery, vehicle variation and usage, and other external factors may impact the capability and duration of power supply. Power supply may be interrupted. It is not recommended that the following devices be powered with the GM Energy PowerShift Charger and V2H Enablement Kit: Medical Devices.