Whe rarely travels in large cities and conurbations, experiences some unpleasant surprises when he does head for these regions. Traffic jam is just an inconvenience. If you are traveling with a mobile home, for example, you also have to fear bridges, tunnels or restricted inner-city areas.
Traffic jams and other obstacles can be avoided with good navigation devices. “The prerequisite is that the navigation systems work with real-time traffic data, because only then can the system suggest a sensible alternative route in good time,” says Holger Ippen from the “Auto Zeitung”. However, older navigation devices in particular do not do this, regardless of whether they are permanently installed or not.
According to Ippen, classic additional navigation systems for the windshield are therefore of little importance for passenger cars. “The database is often outdated and if they need an update, they usually have to be connected to a PC, which is a laborious process,” says Ippen.
A smartphone, for example, is clearly superior to suction cup devices here. If you can then connect your mobile phone to the car’s entertainment system, the map and instructions are conveniently displayed on the large screen.
Navis for the windshield for campers
However, there are also limitations with this solution. “With Apple Carplay or Android Auto, the navigation function is much more up-to-date and faster than with map-based, built-in devices. However, voice control via Apple Siri, for example, does not work easily via the control buttons in the vehicle,” says Gerrit Reichel from the Automobile Club Verkehr (ACV).
In addition, it can happen that a current route guidance is interrupted by a telephone call at the very moment when you are approaching a large intersection. Anyone who uses their smartphone will sooner or later have to reach for the cable, because route guidance via cell phone eats up a lot of electricity.
However, when it comes to very special applications, additional navigation systems for the windshield are still used, for example in camping vehicles. “For example, with navigation devices for mobile homes or caravans, you can enter vehicle data such as height, width and length in advance. The system then only guides you along roads that meet these requirements,” says Marc Dreckmeier from the Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD). In this way, unpleasant surprises in foreign cities could be prevented.
Special navigation systems know more
Another advantage of the special navigation system is additional information. “The systems also know points of interest, such as large car parks on the outskirts or campsites,” says Dreckmeier. In most cases, however, real-time data was still missing, for example for the occupancy of a parking space.
“However, the industry is already working on solutions here, because the expectations on the part of the users are high, not least because of the possibilities that smartphones now offer,” says Dreckmeier.
While navigation systems with the corresponding functions can be supplied ex works for newer mobile homes, additional devices for older vehicles are a real added value, especially if they offer additional features.
“There are devices to which a reversing camera can also be connected,” says Dreckmeier. “The navigation screen can also be used for this.” With screen sizes between five and seven inches, some models could also be used as televisions thanks to integrated DVB-T receivers.
For camping or off-road
Special navigation functions are not only available for camping friends. Off-road enthusiasts can also benefit from this. “Some providers also have unpaved paths in their directory in addition to the normal road network. Depending on the size and weight of the car, you can then select and drive off specific courses,” says Holger Ippen. These navigation systems would also work with satellite images and elevation profiles.
But even normal cars can be upgraded with an extra navigation device with a special function: “Some retrofittable navigation devices are equipped with a front camera, which then enables functions such as a dash cam, a distance warning system or a lane departure warning system,” explains Ippen.
Think of the holder: If you want to turn your smartphone or tablet into a part-time navigation system, you have to calculate with this purchase
Source: dpa-tmn/Franziska Gabbert
Although navigation solutions cannot keep up with the factory-installed assistance systems, they would bring good added value to vehicles without such systems. A navigation system without special functions is mainly suitable for older cars. But the same applies here: only buy a device with live data.
Keep an eye on costs for navigation systems
When it comes to the question of whether the integrated navigation system, the smartphone or an extra device is the best solution for the necessary additional functions, you should always consider the costs. If the integrated navigation system can be upgraded, the map update often costs 100 to 200 euros.
But: “If the device doesn’t even work with real-time data, important functions are missing,” warns Ippen.
Smartphone solutions, on the other hand, are mostly free and offer live data. And if you use such solutions with a tablet, you also eliminate the possible disadvantage of a smaller screen. However, you still have to factor in the purchase of a holder for both the smartphone and the tablet.
As a medium-priced navigation device, the online retailer Amazon offers, for example, the TomTom Go Classic* with screen sizes of 5 or 6 inches. A function for avoiding traffic jams and updates that can be imported via Wi-Fi are included in the non-binding price offer of 139 euros (currently reduced to 99 euros). For just under 300 euros you are well equipped with the TomTom Camping Navi Go Camper Tour (6 or 7 inches)*. Alternatively at Mediamarkt: TomTom Go Classic 5 inch EMEA car Europe*
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