How to Program My GPS for Freeways

A GPS can make freeway driving much easier.

GPS technology has changed the way many travel. For GPS owners, gone are the days of frantically thumbing through maps and looking for an obscured address number on a business exterior. Simply enter an address and your dash-top devices gives you turn-by-turn directions. Sometimes, however, an address located on a freeway can be somewhat challenging; you often have to exit and loop back to the location. GPS systems have features to solve this challenge.

Garmin

Step 1

Update your GPS when traveling significant distances. If a business is new or on a new route on a freeway, complete the update process by connecting your USB cable and navigating to the manufacturer's update website (link in Resources).

Step 2

Press "Find" from the menu bar, then "Find Places".

Step 3

Press the "Address" tab and enter your address starting with the street number.

Step 4

Choose your state, then press "Find". Your directions appear. Some Garmin models, such as nuvi Advanced and Prestige series models, offer the advanced "split-screen photoReal" feature, which gives you a near photo-quality look at the coming intersection. This feature makes it easier to find the exit, even when you're driving quickly on a busy freeway.

Magellan

Step 1

Step 2

Press "Address" in the main menu.

Step 3

Locate your city by either typing in your ZIP code or searching alphabetically from the provided list. Press the green check mark to select the information.

Step 4

Enter the freeway address numbers using the onscreen keyboard. Press the green check mark, then "Go" to get directions.

Step 5

Try the "Highway Exit POIs" option if the directions seem obscure. Press "Highway Exit POIs" from the "Map" screen, then choose "Restaurants", "Gas Stations", "Car Repair" or "Accommodations" to find your destination, if one of these categories matches your intended endpoint. Press the green check mark to select your location.

Tom Tom

Step 1

Update your GPS when travelling significant distances. If a business is new or on a new route on a freeway, complete the update process by connecting your USB cable and navigating to the manufacturer's update website (link in Resources).

Step 2

Press "Plan Route" from the main menu. This screen gives you ways to enter your address.

Step 3

Press "Address" and start typing the city name. Select the city from the list of choices the GPS provides.

Step 4

Enter the address, then press "Done".

Step 5

Select a point of interest if necessary to find the location. Press "Plan Route" from the main menu.

Step 6

Press "Point of Interest," then choose "POI Near Destination" unless your destination is listed as a POI. This will help you get very close to your location.

Tips

If you have a smartphone connection option, use Google Maps or Google Earth to clarify your destination. You can also get map coordinates with these sites, which can be entered into your GPS.

Warnings

Use alternative route options if your primary intersection is closed.
Plan your route before you leave to avoid having to make GPS adjustments while driving on a busy freeway.
Use Bluetooth or hands-free options, if available, for safer results.

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