Unlock Google Maps' Hidden Features for Safer Navigation
Google Maps is an essential tool for drivers to navigate through unfamiliar routes and provide driving directions. However, there are several settings that drivers can enable from the app's menus to improve their navigation experience beyond the default options.
The first setting to consider is customizing your car profile so Google Maps navigation can account for your vehicle type. By default, the app assumes you're driving a gas car, but drivers may own different cars, including diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicles. To choose your car profile, tap on your profile image, then Settings, and go to the Navigation menu.
Another important setting is downloading maps for offline use when driving through areas with spotty cellular connectivity or in regions where roaming charges can add up. This feature can also come in handy when navigating around natural disasters that may affect cellular service.
Drivers who share their trip progress with friends and family should consider enabling the Share Trip Progress feature, which allows another person to track their location while driving in remote areas and on unfamiliar routes.