Summary

18 items · 10–20 minutes

Why a Tech Check Matters Before Every New Trip

Heading somewhere unfamiliar adds a layer of mental effort to driving. When navigation technology is set up and tested before you pull out of the driveway, you can focus entirely on the road rather than fiddling with a screen at a stoplight. This checklist is designed for drivers who want straightforward, reliable tech support on every trip.

Think of it as a companion to your physical vehicle checks. Just as you might scan your tires and mirrors before driving, spending a few minutes on your devices can prevent the frustration of a dead phone, a silent GPS, or a Bluetooth connection that drops at the worst moment. For a broader look at the technology available to you, see our guide to navigation and connectivity tech for senior drivers.

This checklist covers three areas: GPS and navigation setup, device charging and connectivity, and audio settings. Work through each group while your car is still parked.

GPS and Navigation Setup

Enter your destination address while parked and confirm the GPS has found a valid route before you start moving. Must
Review the suggested route on the map overview to check for highway sections, toll roads, or complex interchanges you'd prefer to avoid. Should
Verify that map data is up to date — check when your GPS last received an update if that setting is accessible. Should
Position your GPS device or phone mount so the screen is fully visible without requiring you to turn your head away from the road. Must
Test the turn-by-turn voice guidance to confirm it speaks clearly before you leave — adjust the language or voice speed if available. Must
If using a smartphone app, confirm it has access to your current location by checking the location permissions in your phone settings. Must
Save the destination as a favorite or recent location so you can re-enter it quickly if the app closes unexpectedly. Nice to have

Device Charging and Connectivity

Check your phone's battery level before leaving — aim to start any trip with at least 50% charge. Must
Plug in your car charger and confirm your phone is actively charging before you drive away. Must
Confirm your Bluetooth connection between phone and car audio system is active — play a short audio clip to verify sound comes through the speakers. Should
If Bluetooth fails to connect, restart the phone's Bluetooth setting and re-pair while still parked rather than attempting it on the road. Should
Keep a backup charger cable accessible in the glove box in case your primary cable stops working. Nice to have

Audio and Voice Guidance Settings

Set the navigation voice guidance volume high enough to hear clearly over road noise and the air conditioning or heater. Must
Turn off or pause any music playlist or podcast before you start, so voice guidance is not competing with entertainment audio. Should
If your car stereo automatically lowers music during navigation prompts, confirm that feature is enabled. Nice to have
Set your phone to Do Not Disturb mode to prevent incoming calls or notifications from interrupting voice guidance mid-turn. Must
If traveling with a passenger, let them know they will hear periodic GPS directions so the prompts are not a distraction. Nice to have
After your first turn on the route, confirm that audio guidance is still audible from the driver's seat before reaching faster roads. Should

Tools You'll Want Within Reach

You don't need anything complicated to complete this checklist. The items below are the core tools that support a smooth, tech-assisted drive to a new destination.

Required

GPS Device or Navigation App

Provides turn-by-turn directions to your destination — either a dedicated device or a smartphone app works for this checklist.

Required

Phone Mount or Dashboard Holder

Keeps your phone or GPS screen at eye level and secure so you never need to hold a device while driving.

Required

Car Charger and Cable

Maintains your phone's battery during longer trips so navigation and emergency communication stay available throughout.

Optional

Backup Charging Cable

A spare cable stored in the glove box protects you if your primary cable becomes damaged or stops working unexpectedly.

If you'd like to pair this routine with a full vehicle walk-around, our article on what to look for before you drive covers the physical side of pre-trip preparation. Together, the two routines take under 30 minutes and give you real confidence before any unfamiliar journey.

Never Adjust Tech Settings While Moving

All the steps in this checklist should be completed while your vehicle is parked and the engine is in park. Adjusting GPS destinations, changing audio settings, or troubleshooting Bluetooth while driving significantly increases the risk of an accident. If a tech issue arises after you've started driving, pull over safely before attempting to fix it.

For ongoing trip preparation habits, the Routine Car Checks hub offers additional inspection guides built around senior drivers' needs.

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