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Original poster

What do you all do for sat-nav these days?

129 replies

WorkerBeeeee · 10/10/2022 15:54

Hello

I've always relied on a TomTom mounted on my dashboard. I liked that it was separate to my phone. But TomToms seem to becoming obsolete with everyone just using Google Maps?

Google Maps doesn't give you speed trap warnings does it? Is it any good for real-time traffic updates eg avoid certain routes? I suppose it must be good for having up to date maps eg when new roads are built.

How does Google Maps link it with What 3 Words which I've just discovered?

Interested in what you all do.

Thanks

OP posts:
ChangedToday · 10/10/2022 16:43

I'm happy with my tom-tom, it has traffic info built in and got me out of a few stuck situations recently. It also has lifetime maps so I update every few months,. It can cope with my deviating from the prescribed route (blocked road or i took the wrong turn), it just recalculates on the fly, whereas last time I tried that with Google it just gave up! (Admittedly that could be down to user error...)

GiantKitten · 10/10/2022 16:43

Our car (Honda) has built-in satnav, but it’s not live, so no congestion advice or detours.
We generally rely on google maps via car screen, though it’s annoying that iPhone has to be plugged in when Samsung doesn’t (and it’s always a few seconds behind real-time so sometimes miss turnings).
We get speed restrictions on speedo though.

Smartstuffed · 10/10/2022 16:45

Waze. Wouldn't be without it.

xogossipgirlxo · 10/10/2022 16:46

I use google, but not really scared of speed cameras, so it's fine for me.

thisisthestoryabout · 10/10/2022 16:48

I like Google maps because it's live and will change your route if there's an accident or hold up! My car sat nav doesn't do this. My car sat nav is also out of date and Nissan wanted about £180 to update it. The salesman even told me to use my phone.

The only issue is that the map cuts off if someone phones through (obviously all linked together via car's hands free system)!

Youcanlaugh · 10/10/2022 16:48

Waze is the best. Always find the estimated time and real time traffic updates to be pretty accurate.

C8H10N4O2 · 10/10/2022 16:48

WorkerBeeeee · 10/10/2022 16:08

Oh yes, i'd forgotten some cars have it built in!

Hmmm....i still like the idea of having it separate to my phone. To avoid wasting battery and so I could still easily use my phone in an emergency.

Maybe I could have a separate, cheap phone JUST for whatever navigation app(s) I'm using.

I'm probably overcomplicating things!!

Like many here, I use Waze. Its community updated and gives good early warning about road closures, accidents, weather hazards and police/speed traps if you want them.

I plug mine to a usb socket, so its charging as I drive which addresses any battery problems.

QuebecBagnet · 10/10/2022 16:49

Apple car thingy on the car information screen. It connects to my phone. I can talk to it; ie navigate to Leeds or navigate to Waitrose. It does speed traps, road works, traffic jams.

QuebecBagnet · 10/10/2022 16:50

And yes my phone is charging as I drive

CoffeeWithCheese · 10/10/2022 16:50

I just use Apple Maps - it's failed me once on a building that the postcode hasn't been updated on and is a problem for all sat naps apparently. Cigarette lighter charger so the battery doesn't get hammered down.

I work a community health role so I'm out and about absolutely all over the county.

asitwere · 10/10/2022 16:51

I wouldn’t be without Google Maps; real time traffic, suggests alternative routes, it’s my holy grail!

TorviShieldMaiden · 10/10/2022 16:51

I use google maps via apple car play. My phone is alway plugged in when I drive.

funnelfanjo · 10/10/2022 16:51

Another vote for Waze. DH prefers it over the Sat Nav built into his car (BMW).

borntobequiet · 10/10/2022 16:52

Ariela · 10/10/2022 16:36

Google Earth the actual place /road before departing.

Memorise map (key route, main junctions) and go.
Stop and consult map if needed (rare).

It helps I visualise locations 'as a map' . Is clearly an inherited thing as DD1 does it too.

This is what I do.

RudsyFarmer · 10/10/2022 16:52

Waze on my phone, mounted on the dash.

bobtheveryoldBuilder · 10/10/2022 16:52

WAZE ! It is amazing. Updates in realtime and has the speed limits. Would not use anything else.

bobtheveryoldBuilder · 10/10/2022 16:53

Have terrible sense of direction. I just get in the car and drive wherever it sends me. Also v good if they close the M25, you can avoid the junction.

isthismylifenow · 10/10/2022 16:54

Youcanlaugh · 10/10/2022 16:48

Waze is the best. Always find the estimated time and real time traffic updates to be pretty accurate.

Our roads are a mess, so it also warns us of potholes ahead. Which has saved a few tyres I'm sure.

If I have a passenger with me I always get them to update the hazards on the app, debris on road, car stopped on shoulder etc etc. I say I'm paying it forward to thank those who reported the pothole for me.

Beefilm · 10/10/2022 16:55

In built satnav in car, but, depending on the car, it can be difficult to input an address whereas Google maps on the phone is as easy as anything. So I often use thr phone even with the inbuilt satnav. To be honest, it has never occurred to me that the phone might not have up to date travel information. That has rarely been reliable on the car satnavs even though they have it.

gogohmm · 10/10/2022 16:57

Built into car, never would buy a car without it now

greensnail · 10/10/2022 17:00

Does anyone else find Waze cuts out on long journeys? I gave up on it and went back to Google maps after it did this to me a few times. Was probably several years ago now so I might try it again if others don't have that problem.

ChocolateSpreadOnToast · 10/10/2022 17:01

My car has a screen that connects my phone to apple play and my maps. It’s amazing, I would choose it over our other car which has a sat nav anyday.

fantasmasgoria1 · 10/10/2022 17:03

If a short journey then just Google maps but on a long one we use DH lorry sat nav .

SouthOfFrance · 10/10/2022 17:05

I used to use Google maps but then saw Waze being suggested on a previous thread so gave it a go.

I think I prefer Waze now as the voice instructions seem to be less likely to make you miss your turning and it verbally alerts you to traffic, hazards, speed etc.

You can also record your own voice on it (or pick from a big list of voices) so your kids can record their own voices so they are giving you directions. My 3 year old loves hearing his own voice!

isthismylifenow · 10/10/2022 17:05

greensnail · 10/10/2022 17:00

Does anyone else find Waze cuts out on long journeys? I gave up on it and went back to Google maps after it did this to me a few times. Was probably several years ago now so I might try it again if others don't have that problem.

It can lose signal yes, but if the route was already in, it will continue on the route without using data. But she/he doesn't speak, but the map is there.

When you pick up signal again, she/he will start chatting again.

My voice just changed randomly. Did this happen to anyone else? Straight route is the same, but when I have to turn its a different woman's voice 😂

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