There is a helpful new update arriving on many Volkswagen models in the UK. Your car’s screen can now suggest useful places at the right moment while you drive. That might be a nearby charger when your battery is running low, a fuel station when range is tight, or a well‑timed coffee stop after a long stint behind the wheel. The idea is simple. Reduce faff, keep you moving, and make every day journeys a little easier without digging through menus.
What you will notice day to day
You will start to see suggestions pop up only when they are relevant. If the car thinks a short break would help after a long run, it can offer a stop that fits your route rather than sending you on a wild goose chase.
When you are close to your destination, it can flag nearby parking with the kind of details you actually want to know, like opening hours and on‑site facilities. If you are in an electric Volkswagen, the car can highlight chargers that suit your battery level and route. Each suggestion appears on the infotainment screen and can be added to your sat nav in a couple of taps.
Who gets it and how it arrives
This feature is being introduced through an over‑the‑air software update in European markets, including the UK. Not every car will receive it on the same day. Availability depends on your model, your current software version and whether in‑car online services are switched on.
If you are unsure, we can check this for you. In our experience, updates tend to arrive in waves. Your car will download the package in the background, then ask you to confirm installation when it is ready. You do not need to book in just to receive an over‑the‑air update, but it is always worth having a specialist make sure everything is set up properly.
How to get your car ready
- Connect the car to a good Wi‑Fi signal at home or ensure you have a strong mobile data connection before you set off.
- Log in with your Volkswagen ID if you use one and check that your online services subscription is active.
- In Settings, look for software updates and accept any prompts the car presents.
- Review your privacy and online services settings so the recommendations feature has permission to work. If you prefer a lighter touch, you can keep most features on but disable the ones you do not use.
- For electric models, make sure your high‑voltage battery has a healthy charge level before starting an update. Many cars prefer at least half a charge to install new software smoothly.
What about Audi owners
Audi models already include helpful route guidance and charging tools, and new cars continue to gain features through regular software updates. If your MMI feels slow or you suspect your maps are out of date, we can check your software version, update your navigation data and make sure the car is set up for the latest services. For anyone planning longer trips in an electric Audi, we can show you how to add charging stops the smart way and how to choose the right connector types at public sites.
Why this matters for everyday driving
Modern cars can do a lot, but drivers do not want noise for the sake of it. Good suggestions are the ones that save time and remove hassle. That means fewer detours for fuel, less guesswork when hunting for a charger and more helpful information before you pull in. Small touches make a difference. Seeing opening times on screen helps you avoid arriving to find shutters down. Knowing whether there is parking on site stops you circling unfamiliar streets. If the car nudges you to take a break after a long stretch, that can make a tiring journey feel much more manageable.
Keeping control of the experience
You are always in charge. If you like the sound of a suggestion, tap to add it to your route. If it is not useful, ignore it and carry on. You can also tune the experience in the settings menu. Some drivers want more recommendations on longer trips and almost none on short runs to the shops. Others prefer only fuel, food and parking. If you ever change your mind, it takes a few seconds to adjust.
How Clover Autos can help
We work with Volkswagen and Audi models every day and we are happy to get you set up. Here is what we can do in a single visit.
- Software and map checks for Volkswagen and Audi
- Enabling online services and confirming login details if needed
- Health checks for charging systems and 12 volt batteries so updates complete cleanly
- Calibration and diagnostics if any dashboard warnings appear after an update
- A quick run‑through of your nav settings and how to get the best from the new suggestions
Practical tips from our workshop
Give the car time. If an update is in progress, let it finish before a long drive. Keep a charging cable handy at home so your Wi‑Fi stays connected during downloads. For electric Volkswagens, plan your first long route with a couple of favourite charging stops added to your address book. For Audis, update your myAudi login and sync your contacts so destination entry is as quick as possible. If something does not look right after an update, take a photo of the message on screen and bring it with you. It helps us find the fix faster.
A quick word on safety
Suggestions are there to lend a hand, not to distract. Glance at the screen only when it is safe and let a passenger handle the taps if you have one on board. Voice control can help too. If your car supports it, try asking for a nearby fuel station or charger and let the system present a short list while you keep your eyes on the road.
We are your local VW and Audi specialist in North Weald, close to Harlow, and we are always happy to help.
Call 01992 524055 or use our contact form to book.