Navigating with Confidence

2 min read

One of the biggest advantages of using your phone’s integration is superior navigation. You’re no longer stuck with whatever mapping software the car came with (which might be outdated or require paid map updates). Instead, you get live, constantly updated navigation apps:

Google Maps: Available on both Android Auto and CarPlay. It provides excellent turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic, and points of interest search with Google’s vast data. You can use voice commands like “Hey Google, navigate to the nearest gas station” and it will route you[37].
Waze: This community-based app (also owned by Google) is beloved for its crowd-sourced traffic and hazard alerts. It’s available on both platforms too. If you want to know about police traps, road debris, or the quirkier side of navigation, Waze is great.
Apple Maps: For CarPlay users, Apple Maps has improved a lot and offers Siri-integrated guidance. On CarPlay it can display clear directions and even 3D buildings in some areas. Siri commands like “Give me directions home” work seamlessly.
Other nav apps: Depending on region, there are options like TomTom, Here WeGo, etc. Plus specialized ones for electric vehicle drivers that show charger locations.

Using these via CarPlay/AA means you get turn-by-turn directions on your car’s screen and audible prompts through the speakers. Some cars even put directions in the instrument cluster or head-up display when using phone nav. And of course, you’ll get traffic-aware routing to avoid jams, plus the ability to search for destinations by voice (e.g. “Find Starbucks on my route”). Overall, it’s a game-changer for navigation – no need to fiddle with your phone or a stuck-on GPS unit.