Five things you didn’t know Google Maps could do

From finding nearby fuel prices to remembering your parking spot – Google Maps can do a lot more than simply get you to your destination and back again.

Whether you’ve got an iPhone or Android in your pocket, the Google Maps app is a handy companion when you get behind the wheel.

It’s easy to look up your destination, check the travel time, choose the best route, and then have Google Assistant talk you through turn-by-turn directions.

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That’s great for finding your way around town, but there are plenty of other ways to make the most of Google Maps when you’re on the road.

1. How to use Google Maps offline

Google Maps chews through your mobile data while giving you directions. Allowing 5MB per hour is a good rule of thumb, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but sometimes it can be much higher so it’s worth taking precautions. Especially if you’re paying for global roaming while travelling overseas.

To save maps onto your phone, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture at the top right, then select Offline Maps. Tap on Select Your Own Map, then drag and resize the map to choose the area you want to cover. It’s great when travelling, but it’s also worth adding your own city to help conserve your mobile data.

2. How to name your favourite places on Google Maps

Sometimes it’s easier to talk to Google rather than type in your destination, but it’s a hassle if you need to rattle off a long and complicated address. Thankfully, you can give any destination a simple name, like ‘Pizza Shop’, and then ask Google to drive there.

To add a name to a location, start by searching for it in Google Maps. Now, click on the address, or the name of the business, which displays below the map. Next, click on the three dots at the top right and select Add Label to give it a name. 

3. How to set waypoints on Google Maps

As well as getting you from A to B, Google Maps can also help you plan a few stops along the way.

Start by searching for your final destination and pressing Directions, with driving selected as your transport mode. Next, click on the three dots at the top right and choose Add Stop. You can add multiple stops, and drag them up and down to change the order. Press Done when you’re ready to roll.

4. How to check petrol prices on Google Maps

When it’s time to top up, searching for ‘petrol’ in Google Maps shows all the local petrol stations along with the price of unleaded, so you can shop around for a good deal.

Once you’re on the road, you can tap the search icon on the right of the map, then choose Petrol Stations to find one that’s along your route.

5. How to find your parking spot on Google Maps

When you’ve completed your journey, a blue dot shows your current location on the map. Click the dot and then tap Save Parking – it will drop a ‘P’ pin on the map, so you can easily find your way back. You can even tap on the pin and get directions.

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