How to Plan a Trip Using Your Car's GPS Navigation System

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(4 Ratings)

Navigation has become easier with the increasing capabilities GPS navigation systems in cars. You can use them to get back on track if you get lost, find points of interest or plan a trip. Follow these steps to plan a trip using your car’s GPS navigation system.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

GPS navigation system

Step 1

Start your car. Most GPS navigation systems will not run unless your car is also running or turned to “accessory.”
Step 2

Turn on your car’s navigation system. Some systems turn on automatically, and some need to be started up manually.
Step 3

Insert map discs. Some GPS navigation systems are DVD-based and require you to insert the DVD that represents the area you’re interested in.
Step 4

Enter the main menu screen. Many navigation systems go to this screen by default. When yours does not, you will likely have a menu key that will take you there.
Step 5

Navigate the menu screen using directional arrows on the device or on a remote.
Step 6

Choose Find a Destination or a similarly named option. Select it.
Step 7

Enter the destination you are planning on. The GPS navigation system should automatically chart a route from where you are to the destination.

Tips & Warnings

Use other map-based software such as Google Earth, MapQuest, or the Rand McNally Web site for your trip-planning needs.
Turn your car to “accessory” by turning your key back or forward until the lights and radio function but without turning over the engine.
Always have a backup plan. Be sure to have the customer service number handy in case the GPS system malfunctions.