Get More from Your GPS Device

Most drivers use only a fraction of what their GPS can do. Whether you own a Garmin, TomTom, or another brand, there are features and habits that can dramatically improve your navigation experience — saving time, reducing stress, and keeping you better informed on the road. Here are ten practical tips worth putting into practice.

1. Pre-Plan Routes Before You Leave

Instead of entering a destination while parked in your driveway, use your GPS brand's companion app to plan routes in advance. Both Garmin's MyTrips and TomTom's MyDrive let you plan routes on your phone or computer and sync them to your device. This is especially useful for complex multi-stop trips.

2. Save Your Frequent Destinations

Almost every GPS device allows you to save favourite locations — home, work, family addresses, regular clients. Setting these up means two taps instead of typing a full address every time. Don't overlook this basic but powerful time-saver.

3. Adjust Your Route Preferences to Match Your Driving Style

GPS devices default to the fastest route, but this isn't always what you want. Explore your Route Preferences or Route Planning settings to:

  • Avoid motorways for a more scenic or lower-speed drive
  • Avoid toll roads to save money on regular commutes
  • Prefer faster roads when time matters most
  • Enable or disable ferry crossings

4. Use the Map View, Not Just Turn-by-Turn

Glancing at the map view occasionally — especially in unfamiliar areas — gives you broader situational awareness. You can see upcoming road names, alternative roads, and whether a diversion might be faster. Most GPS devices let you zoom in and out of the map during navigation without cancelling your route.

5. Enable Lane Guidance on Complex Junctions

Many mid-range and premium GPS devices offer lane guidance — visual indicators showing which lane you need to be in before a junction or motorway split. Make sure this feature is turned on in your settings, especially if you drive in cities or on busy motorways.

6. Keep Your Device Screen Clean

A smudged screen reduces readability in bright sunlight. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the display before long journeys. Also, check that your windshield mount is positioned to minimise glare from the sun at different times of day.

7. Understand Your Device's Traffic Settings

Live traffic only helps you if it's properly configured. If your GPS uses Bluetooth to pull traffic data from your phone (like many Garmin models), ensure the companion app is running in the background. If you have a TomTom with a built-in SIM, check that the traffic service is active in your settings. Without live traffic, your device is routing based on historical patterns only.

8. Download Offline Maps When Using a Smartphone App

If you use a GPS app on your phone (like TomTom GO, HERE WeGo, or Sygic), always download offline maps for the regions you'll be travelling through. Mobile data can be patchy in rural areas, and roaming charges abroad can be expensive. Offline maps give you full navigation capability without any data connection.

9. Update Your Maps Regularly — Not Just Before Big Trips

Waiting until a major holiday to update maps means you might miss months of road changes. Set a reminder to check for map updates every quarter. If your device has lifetime maps included, there's no reason not to keep them current.

10. Restart Your Device Periodically

Like any electronic device, GPS units benefit from an occasional restart. If your device is running slowly, taking a long time to acquire a satellite signal, or behaving unexpectedly, a simple restart often resolves the issue. Hold the power button and select Restart or Power Off, then power back on.

Bonus: Learn Your Device's Voice Command Features

Many newer Garmin and TomTom devices support voice-activated commands — useful for entering destinations or making adjustments without taking your hands off the wheel. Consult your device's manual or help section to learn the supported commands for your specific model.

Implementing even a few of these habits will make your GPS a far more capable and useful co-pilot on every journey.