GPS receivers have significantly changed the way people drive today. The convenience and benefits it brings to your daily commute made driving even easier and more effective. By using the right tips and tricks, you can optimize and enhance your GPS driving experience.
Anytime your GPS receiver starts acting up with a little bug, it’s a telltale sign that your firmware is already in need of an update or your GPS unit is already in need of a hard reset. First, save your favorites to your computer so you don’t lose your commonly used applications.
For the necessary firmware updates, you will need to connect your GPS device to your computer. Firmware is basically the software built into the device. The frequency of its updates depends on the model and brand of the product. Firmware updates are generally easy. All you need to do is log in to your GPS brand’s website and navigate through the product update interface.
To get first-hand information about the latest updates available for your GPS device, register your device on your GPS brand’s website.
There is always a good chance that there is a major bug in newly released firmware. If it happened that your device is attacked by bug, try to roll back your drive by installing an older version of firmware.
When you need to update your map, all you need to do is check your GPS brand’s website. This way you can update your pre-recorded maps with free map updates that are occasionally offered and sponsored by major GPS brand websites.
There will be times when the map updates you needed are not available. You can solve this problem by searching for custom maps on the Internet and transferring them to your GPS receiver through your personal computer. In addition, there are models of GPS units that allow custom map applications, which serve as your map update convenience.
Whenever you have signal problems, try to turn on your GPS unit in a place where the sky is clear. Hold that spot for 20 minutes before uploading to your target location to speed up satellite lock and signal acquisition. This is also a good tip for retrofitting new GPS units.
Download as many points of interest as you can. This should depend on the memory capacity of your device. You’ll never know when you’ll need to get to the nearest gas station, hospital and other emergency service provider. This should improve the device’s trace logging capabilities. Plus, you can create your own points of interest so you can customize your GPS driving experience.
For GPS units that have text-to-speech operations, consider using your car’s speakers so your GPS directions are fully audible. Since some GPS units are embedded with FM radio functions, this should pretty much combine your car audio system and dedicated GPS device.
As you get used to driving with a portable GPS, you can make your own list of tips and tricks to explore more of its practical driving benefits. In case of problems, the internet proves to be a valuable resource for GPS troubleshooting tips, tricks and solutions.