How to update the maps on your car’s navigation system

Back in the days when everyone relied on a printed street directory, you needed to buy a new copy every few years to keep track of the latest freeways and housing developments.

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Built-in satellite-navigation sounded the death knell for street directories, but you can still get caught out when you venture somewhere that was still rolling fields when your car rolled off the production line.

Unfortunately, updating your car's navigation maps usually isn't as simple as updating the apps on your smartphone. Every car is different, depending on the make and model of its infotainment system, and where that vendor sources its maps. If you're not sure about your car, check Google or ring your local dealer.

If a map update is available, it might be free on a new vehicle, but for older cars you may need to pay for updates. If you're lucky you can update it yourself, otherwise you might need to head back to the dealer.

If you're driving a new connected car like a Tesla then you're in luck. Teslas updates their maps for free automatically over Wi-Fi, such as when you're parked in your driveway and connected to your home network.

Many other premium electric cars also offer wireless map updates, because onboard sat-nav is considered to be a key part of the driving experience. Beyond EVs, the infotainment system in new cars from some manufacturers will allow you to update the maps – and other inbuilt technologies – directly to the car over Wi-Fi.

For example, Volvo's Sensus Connect provides cloud-based technology directly to your car, including free map updates.

If Wi-Fi isn't an option, you might be able to download a map update to your computer and then transfer it over to your car via USB, SD card or CD/DVD.

Map updates are generally available from the car maker's website, you'll probably need to create an account and login to make sure you get the right download for your car. Once again, you might need to pay for new maps.

If your car uses a DVD-based navigation system, you'll need to purchase map updates from the dealer, but should be able to simply eject and old disk and insert the new one to activate the update. As these systems are typically older some brands may no longer support them with updates.

If all else fails, you might be able to take your car to a local dealer to upgrade the maps. Call ahead to ask about your specific model, because it might not be worth the trouble.

I rang my local Holden dealer to ask about upgrading the maps in my old 2012 Captiva. The latest map update is from 2016 and it would cost a few hundred dollars, plus at least an hour's labour to load it onto the car. Even the dealership said I'd be better off sticking with my smartphone.

Most new cars offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring by a wireless or cable connection, allowing you to use your phone's navigation appx through your car's infotainment screen.

Apple Maps, Google Maps and other apps like Waze can be updated regularly via your phone – for free.