At a glance, you will most likely fall in love with Buick Encore for its stylish design.
That’s one of the reasons why this car model is among the most popular GM vehicles.
However, Buick car owners get more than that, thanks to the various technologies designed to enhance their driving experience.
One notable feature is the Buick Encore Navigation question, but there is one thing that remains a mystery among many people.
Can you use Buick Encore Navigation without OnStar?
Whereas most people assume otherwise, you can use Buick Encore navigation without OnStar, although the features will be limited under these circumstances.
Let’s discuss how to go about it and the features to expect.
About the Buick Encore Navigation System
As the name suggests, it is a turn-by-turn navigation system, and one must admit that it is the latest version of this technology.
Consequently, Buick Encore drivers can use the system to navigate by setting their destination.
The system uses a touch screen for entering data and displaying information, and its ease of use is indisputable.
How Can You Use Buick Encore Navigation Without OnStar
If you are using Buick Encore navigation without OnStar, follow these steps;
- Step 1: Go to the Buick touchscreen and navigate to its main menu
- Step 2: Go to the Navigation Icon labeled “Nav”
- Step 3: On its top left corner, locate the search icon and tap on it
- Step 4: Key in the area code or the address of your destination in that search bar, and set an address before clicking the search icon
- Step 5: Use the icons on the top menu to choose nearby places such as gas stations, coffee, and hospitals
What Is the Difference Between Buick Encore Navigation and OnStar Navigation?
The difference between the two navigation systems is quite obvious, given how one uses each.
For instance, the Buick Enforce Navigation system requires users to enter their destinations manually.
However, the case is different when using OnStar navigation since the advisors you call to send the directions.
Besides being a manual system, unlike its OnStar counterparts, the Buick Encore Navigation system lacks support.
Therefore, you have no one to ask for any clarification when lost or stranded when using the Buckle Encore Navigation system.
OnStar is the most suitable option for a more specific destination.
Buick Encore Navigation system is only available to specific Buick vehicles, and it is impossible to use its features on cars exempted from that list and other brands.
On the other hand, OnStar is available to Buick Vehicles and other GM vehicles hence relatively wide compatibility.
What Is It Like to Use Buick Encore Navigation Without OnStar?
Whereas it is possible to use Buick Encore Navigation without OnStar, it is worth noting that it won’t be business as usual.
After all, OnStar has additional features compared to the embedded navigation system.
Before unsubscribing to OnStar, you need to know what’s to find and what isn’t on the list.
So, here are the available and unavailable features if you use the Buick Enforce Navigation system without OnStar.
Which Features Are Available When Using Buick Encore Navigation Without OnStar?
Features that the Buick Encore Navigation system offers and are available on OnStar too include the following;
- Point-of-interest searches
- Traffic updates
- Turn-by-turn directions
Which Features Are Limited When Using Buick Encore Navigation Without OnStar?
Whereas some features are available on the Buick Encore Navigation system and OnStar, others are exclusive to the latter, especially the advanced ones.
Therefore, you will need to subscribe to OnStar to enjoy them.
The subscription should also be active, and they include the following;
- Blocked road alerts
- Real-time traffic updates
- Roadside assistance
- Voice-guided directions
Will My Navigation System Work Without OnStar?
You don’t need an OnStar Subscription to use a navigation system.
That’s not even when using a GM car’s built-in navigation system.
It is common for many auto manufacturers to install an embedded navigation system.
Interestingly, this built-in feature doesn’t need an OnStar subscription to work.
The same applies to most navigation systems in various cars.
The bottom line is that you will continue enjoying this feature despite canceling your subscription.
Its features may differ from what you got from OnStar, but the functionality is indisputable.
How Do I Know If My Car Has a Navigation System?
Not all vehicles have a navigation system, but you can tell if yours has through simple methods.
One of these indicators is a MAP hard key.
So, if you spot it, rest assured that your car has a navigation system.
Nevertheless, if you can’t find one, all is not lost since another viable option exists.
Navigate to its info page from the display screen.
In most cases, it falls under the hard key SETUP -> “System,” but other vehicles have it under “System Info.”
Upon navigating to that section, find a map version number; if it is displayed, your car has navigation.
Do You Have to Pay Monthly for Navigation in Your Car?
In most cases, the navigation in your car comes at a cost.
That’s especially if you are dealing with an aftermarket navigation system.
Portable navigation systems are more expensive than their counterparts, but that’s just one of the things that determine the price of one.
However, you won’t have to worry about incurring any cost upon buying the navigation system.
After all, there are no monthly payments, unlike subscription-based navigation systems such as OnStar.
Can myBuick App Work Without OnStar?
Buick Encore Navigation system can work without OnStar, and the same applies to the myBuick app.
However, you will also get limited features if you use myBuick app without OnStar.
For instance, the turn-by-turn navigation system, two services, the emergency feature, road assistance, and remote services are unavailable.
Consequently, you can only access them upon activating your OnStar subscription.
How Can I Update My Buick Enforce Navigation System?
If you want the best experience when using the Buick Enforce Navigation System, ensure that you use its latest version.
The easiest method of achieving this is downloading an update from the GM Navigation Store.
Alternatively, download updated maps from the OpenStreeetMap project before uploading the latest to the inbuilt Buick Encore Navigation System.