Almost everyone has Google Maps installed on their smartphone, but very few people use it to its full potential. Most drivers simply type in an address, hit “Directions,” and follow the blue line blindly.
Behind that simple navigation screen lies a suite of powerful, built-in features designed to save you money on gas, keep you from getting lost, eliminate parking frustration, and make driving significantly safer.
Here are 8 underutilized Google Maps features you should start using today.
The 8 Pro Google Maps Tips & Features
Download Offline Maps ──► Save Parking Location ──► Match Vehicle Engine Type ──► Preview Street View Turns & Share ETA
1. Download Offline Maps Before You Travel
Don’t wait until you lose cellular signal on a remote highway, in a rural village, or while traveling abroad.
- How to do it: Search for your destination ➔ Tap the location name or address at the bottom ➔ Tap the three dots (More) in the top right ➔ Select Download offline map. (Alternatively: Tap your Profile picture ➔ Offline maps ➔ Select your own map to highlight a custom area).
- Key Takeaway: Offline mode provides turn-by-turn GPS navigation even with zero cellular coverage. While real-time traffic updates won’t refresh offline, it ensures you never end up stranded without a map.
2. Save Your Parking Location instantly
Never wander around massive parking lots or unfamiliar city streets arguing about where the car was left.
- How to do it: After parking, tap the blue dot that indicates your current location on the map, then select Save parking.
- Pro Tip: On iOS, if you connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth, CarPlay, or USB cable, Google Maps can automatically detect when you disconnect and mark your parked car position without you lifting a finger.
3. Specify Your Vehicle’s Engine Type for Eco-Friendly Routing
The shortest or fastest route isn’t always the most fuel-efficient. Gas, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles burn energy differently depending on incline, traffic, and road type.
- How to do it: Go to Profile ➔ Settings ➔ Navigation ➔ Route options ➔ Select your engine type (Gas, Diesel, Hybrid, or EV).
- Key Takeaway: Google Maps factors in road elevation and traffic flow to recommend the most energy-efficient route for your specific engine. Saving 3 minutes by taking a hilly detour might end up burning significantly more fuel.
4. Preview Complex Turns and Entrances with Street View
Map lines don’t always reveal hidden parking entrances, narrow alleyways, confusing forks, or tricky detours.
- How to do it: Search your destination ➔ Tap Directions ➔ Tap Steps (Step-by-step list) ➔ Whenever a thumbnail photo is available next to a step, tap it to see a Street View preview of the exact intersection.
- Best Used For: Checking hotel drop-off zones, airport arrivals, hidden parking garage gates, and obscure residential entrances before you arrive.
5. Share Trip Progress (Hands-Free ETA Updates)
Instead of texting back and forth while driving when someone keeps asking, “Where are you?” or “What’s your ETA?”, let Google Maps act as your assistant.
- How to do it: Start your navigation, swipe up on the bottom information card, and tap Share trip progress. Choose your contact.
- Key Takeaway: Your recipient receives a live view of your route, current location, and real-time ETA updates until you arrive, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel.
6. Add En-Route Stops Without Canceling Navigation
If you need to grab coffee, fill up gas, stop at a pharmacy, or locate an EV charger mid-trip, don’t restart your navigation from scratch.
- How to do it: While actively navigating, tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the screen ➔ Search for “Gas stations,” “Coffee,” or “Pharmacies.” Select your choice and tap Add stop.
- Key Takeaway: Maps automatically calculates the fastest stop along your existing route with minimal delay and allows you to reorder multiple stops seamlessly.
7. Customize Route Preferences Before Hitting “Start”
The default blue route isn’t always your best option. It might be the fastest by two minutes, but it could force you through heavy tolls, high-speed freeways, or unnecessary ferries.
- How to do it: Before tapping Start, tap the three dots or access Route options ➔ Toggle on preferences like Avoid tolls, Avoid highways, or Avoid ferries.
- Key Takeaway: Spending 5 seconds checking your route preferences avoids unexpected toll fees or stressful driving conditions.
8. Enable Accessibility Info for Seamless Mobility
If you are traveling with elderly family members, parents with strollers, or companions using wheelchairs, accessible navigation makes a world of difference.
- How to do it: Go to Settings ➔ Accessibility ➔ Enable Accessible places (or turn on wheelchair-accessible preferences under transit settings).
- Key Takeaway: Google Maps will prominently highlight wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, accessible restrooms, seating, and dedicated parking spaces so you can plan stress-free outings.
Summary
Google Maps is far more than a basic GPS direction app—it is a complete travel assistant. Taking a few moments to configure these 8 settings will save you gas, protect your privacy, and make every drive smoother and safer.