When getting into the car, to go to any destination, many people are used to systematically using the GPS of their mobile phone. They install it in front of them to better see the image while driving. It must be recognized that it is very practical to not get lost and quickly access a certain place. Except this habit is discouraged. We explain why.
Use of GPS: what are the consequences on the Smartphone?
Use of GPS – Source: spm
Nowadays, most of the smartphones sold on the market are equipped with a GPS function. Obviously, it is not only intended for navigation. It can be very useful to try to find your lost mobile or to make emergency calls in case of network failure.
However, you should know that Smartphones have an operating temperature that should not exceed 35 to 40°C. Thus, the use of the GPS function, when it is hot in the car for example, can seriously affect the battery and the components of the device. In the same way that it is necessary to avoid handling the laptop while it is charging, the internal temperature can increase due to the effect of heat or the sun’s rays that penetrate the car.
Also, if you use your cell phone to navigate while driving, expect battery life to drop significantly. By itself, GPS consumes a lot of battery and processor. Not only do you risk heating up your device, but also draining it faster than expected. Not to mention that some people tend to plug their mobile into the cigarette lighter: a very bad habit since its amperage is higher than that of your device, so you run the risk of damaging it even more.
Have manufacturers taken measures against this problem?
See the location on your phone – Source: spm
Over time, manufacturers have understood that their recommendations do not always rhyme with the specific habits of users. That is why their devices are often equipped with various thermal protection mechanisms.
At first, when the internal sensor detects heat development, it immediately limits the operation of the processor. This is easy to notice as it slows down the cell phone terribly. Then, when it reaches the point where the core temperature becomes critical, the operating system automatically disables and shuts down the device to prevent more serious damage.
Some tips to follow
- As a precaution, to avoid completely draining your battery, always remember to close background apps when using GPS.
- Instead of plugging your Smartphone into the cigarette lighter, recharge your mobile if possible before leaving. If you have to take a long trip, take a break and plug it into a suitable outlet.
- Warning: In very hot weather, never leave your mobile phone switched on in the car, even for an hour or two. Even less if your vehicle is not parked in the shade. In fact, on a hot day, the temperature can rise to 60/70°C in the car. This will most likely overheat your device and significantly damage it (even if it’s in the glove box, out of direct sunlight).
- If you are using your smartphone with a cracked screen, you should expect it to continue to break at the slightest mechanical impact or thermal shock when it overheats. Try to solve the problem as soon as possible!
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