Use a Built‐In Car GPS
Navigation systems or GPS systems are a great way to get around a new city, or to find the nearest pizza place or gas station. Here is how to use a car GPS.
Note: Refer to your operation manual for instructions pertaining to your car GPS.
Contents
Steps
Manually Punching in the Address
- Find the button or option to enter in the address for the car GPS. This button is usually labeled "Address entry" or "Go to address".
- Choose the option to enter a state/province. This is important if you are traveling out of the state, such as if you are traveling from San Francisco, California to Seattle, Washington.
- Most navigation systems only have navigation information pertaining to a specific country, so if you are driving to Toronto, Canada from Washington, DC, USA, you will not be able to get driving directions to the specified location (unless if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).
- Enter in the two-digit state code. For example, if you are going to Arizona, the two-digit state code would be "AZ".
- Choose the option to enter a city/town.
- Enter in the name of the city or town. For example, New York.
- At this point, the car GPS will be able to take you to the place. Continue below if you are going to a more specific place.
- Choose the option to enter a street/highway.
- Enter in the name of the road or highway. For example, Main Street.
- Choose the option to enter a street address. This option will be unavailable if you are going to a highway, or if there are no buildings on that street.
- Enter in the 2-5 digit number of the building.
- Review that the destination is correct. For example, if you are trying to go to 123 Elm Street in Sometown, CA, and the GPS says 321 Main Street in Anothertown, ME, then you need to go back and correct the mistakes.
- Press GO to start the navigation. If there are different routes available, choose the route you desire.
Selecting a Point of Interest (POI)
- Find the button or option labeled something like "POIs".
- Enter in the location the POI should be near. This defaults to the current location in most vehicles.
- Enter in the name of the POI, or select from a category of POIs.
- Select the appropriate POI.
- It is recommended that you call the POI by pressing the "call" button to check business hours and availability, or to place your order.
- Press GO to start the navigation. If there are different routes available, choose the route you desire.
Using Voice Control
This only works on vehicles with a microphone equipped.
- Press the voice control button on the steering wheel.
- Say something like "Enter destination".
- Say the address or the name of the place you would like to go to. For example, "123 Elm Street, Sometown, CA" or "Bob's Burgers".
- Select the line number of the address by using the car keypad or by saying the number of the line.
- Check that the information is correct. It will be read out loud to you and be presented on the car's infotainment display.
- Say something like "get directions" to go to the place.
- Select the route number if necessary by using the car keypad or by saying the number of the route.
Using Assistance From an Operator
This only works if you have a subscription to the car company's service.
- Press the concierge button or option in the car.
- When you are connected, you can ask the operator for locations, directions, and more.
- The directions will be downloaded to your car GPS. When it does, press the GO button to get there. Select the appropriate route if necessary.
- Press the "End call" button to hang up when you are done. Make sure you are polite.
Tips
- Many new vehicles come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow you to use your mobile phone to get directions and more by using your vehicle.
- In car GPS systems may vary from car to car so it's a good idea to get used to it before use on the road.
Warnings
- Do not let the navigation system distract you, and obey all traffic laws. The map may be out of date, and alternate routes may be necessary.
- Do not mix up the concierge button with the SOS button or the roadside assistance: one sends an emergency signal to an emergency operator at a PSAP ran by the company, another calls a different center which can be used to get roadside assistance, another calls the concierge you want.
