Stay en route with the Honda Navigation System
If you’re hitting the road this summer and heading somewhere unfamiliar, it’s always a good idea to bring along a GPS unit to make sure you know where you’re going and be able to get around any unexpected road obstructions. Many Honda vehicles come equipped with the Honda Navigation system that offers great features to ensure an exciting journey that’s free of navigation headaches.
The Honda Nav system is available for all models (depending on selected features in your vehicle) and can be found integrated into your centre console and in-dash LCD screen. The Nav system is made to keep you safe while driving by keeping your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.
Easy Input
When inputting destinations, you can take advantage of the auto-populate function for inputting information that will make destinations easier and faster to find, eliminating typos and reducing the amount of time it takes type in your end-point.
Voice Command
Keeping your eyes on the road and maintaining control of the vehicle is even easier with the Nav system’s voice command capability. By using the handy “Voice” button on the steering wheel, you can seek out nearby locations and points of interest such as gas stations, restaurants, and banks and sort them by distance and type (i.e. sort gas stations by brand and restaurants by style – coffee shops, fast food, etc.). You can also use the voice command feature to adjust the environmental setting in the car, without having to fumble around on the centre console. You just hit the button, wait for the beep and tell the car to set the driver’s side temperature to whatever you’d like.
See ahead
The Honda Nav system is also useful for knowing what lies ahead with its included traffic update feature. Using the voice command, you can ask the system to update the traffic conditions between you and your destination using FM transmitted updates.
Newer models also allow you to integrate your smartphone and it’s navigation system, which is great for owners who chose not to upgrade to the navigation package.
Whether you’re using the Honda Nav system or a third party GPS system, there are always a few things you should keep in mind before heading out on your trip:
Update Often
Be sure to update your device regularly, and especially before a long trip, to have the most recent software, services and maps available. It’ll make your navigation experience easier by removing bugs from the system (whether you knew they were there or not) and making sure that you have all possible routes available for reaching your destination! You can update your Honda Navigation System here.
Customize
Many third-party GPS systems offer a range of customizable features to suit your driving needs and your personality. Map views can be changed (offering 2D and 3D views) and you can create and save your own points of interest along your route. Some systems even offer downloadable voices, vehicle icons and customized colours to make your GPS look and sound the way you want it to.
Don’t Just Rely on your GPS
GPS systems are very reliable, but anything can happen. Signals fail, maps become outdated, and sometimes units just simply break down. Don’t forget about these limitations, bring a recent map with you, and pay attention to road signs for alerts and alternate routes!
Heading out on a road trip this summer? Check out our earlier blog about planning the perfect adventure!
Here at Henley Honda we want to make sure you enjoy driving this summer by getting the full benefit of your car’s features. To experience those features, book a test drive today!
