What to check on the infotainment system before buying a used car

Modern cars are complex machines.

All the latest gizmos and gadgets not only provide levels of automated safety that were pipe dreams a decade ago, but also much more convenience when it comes to staying connected to the outside world.

Features like sat-nav, smartphone mirroring and touch-screens crammed with different functions are all great to have when they’re working, but faulty electronics are the most common concerns for consumers when it comes to long-term reliability of vehicles.

American automotive research firm, JD Power, conducts a series of annual surveys that monitor consumer sentiment for new vehicles in the USA. In its latest reliability study, it highlights that infotainment systems continue to be the most problematic element of new cars after three years of ownership, with 49.9 problems per 100 vehicles surveyed.

This is twice the level of the next-highest category, which is the exterior of the vehicle.

The most common faults are issues with built-in voice recognition software, smartphone mirroring connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connections, touch screen/display problems, and satellite-navigation systems.

These issues can be expensive to fix and are almost certainly replicated here in Australia, which makes it important to thoroughly examine these components when evaluating a second-hand vehicle.

So, we’ve got some handy hints on what – and how – to check an infotainment system is in tip-top shape when you’re inspecting a used car.

First things first, not all infotainment systems operate the same way.

Most use a combination of traditional buttons and/or dials on the dashboard to navigate basic functions, while others may have a separate a rotary controller or even a track pad in the centre console.

Some newer vehicles have eliminated physical buttons altogether and all the functions are activated through the touch-screen.

In any case, first of all, turn the ignition on and make sure the system is operating. Then, check all the buttons are active and properly respond to their intended command.

Especially with buttons located on the centre console which are more exposed to spilled drinks, it is not uncommon for the most often-used button/dial to have a loose connection over time. Press them multiple times with varying levels of input.

If the vehicle has a rotary dial or track pad, check they respond to your inputs too.

Make sure the buttons feel as though there are in good working condition, as the small plastics clips that hold in them can easily break.

And don’t forget about the controls on the steering wheel. Most new cars have a series of buttons on the horizontal spokes that control basic functions like audio volume, cruise control and menus within the infotainment system or instrument cluster. These make driving safer and more convenient, but only if they work properly.

Next, have a good look at the screen itself as these are easily scratched and can be damaged if not cleaned properly.

Scroll through all the menu items and make sure the touch functionality works for every button. Touch screens recognise inputs via a virtual grid system, and if any part of the grid doesn’t work it could compromise how you interact with the menu system, and potentially render some functions inaccessible.

Also, look for any small dark spots as this could indicate there are broken pixels in the display. This is best to do with the navigation system on a full screen map with a light coloured and simple background. Move the map to a rural area with less roads and it should be easier to spot any imperfections.

Speaking of sat-nav, if the vehicle has an embedded navigation system it is likely to use data stored on a hard drive or a memory card within the infotainment system.

This means the road network it can see is virtually locked in time from when it was produced and may not be totally up to date.

You can check this by finding the map version in an “information” page (or something similar) via the vehicle settings menu.

Updating the map data with more current information isn’t a complicated procedure and can be performed by authorised dealers with the latest software. But it can be expensive.

It’s important to note that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay use cloud-based map data that is automatically updated through your smartphone.

In any case, if the vehicle has embedded sat-nav then check it is working properly by inputting a destination to begin route guidance. This will confirm the vehicle’s exact position on the screen, and ensure it is communicating successfully with satellites.

Also have a look through the system’s recent history, which may provide some clues as to how the vehicle has been used. If there are numerous inputs to destinations like airports or the CBD, then it may have been used as hire car or a ride share.

If it prompts any questions, ask the owner.

Next, check all the USB and power connections to make sure they work properly.

If you take both a USB-A and USB-C cable with you when inspecting a second-hand car, this will ensure all mobile devices can be connected – and charged – while driving.

Most new vehicles have multiple USB connections throughout the car, such as in the dashboard, centre console and, in most but not all, the rear passenger compartment. Check they all work.

If the vehicle has smartphone mirroring, simply plug-in your phone and make sure the system can recognise your phone.

Also, check the system’s wireless connectivity.

All new vehicles have Bluetooth, which can pair your phone to the vehicle to access audio and take and receive phone calls.

You can see if the Bluetooth is active by looking at the settings on your phone. Simply go to the Bluetooth menu and see if there is a new connection available that is labelled with a clearly identified ID from the vehicle. Most car-makers will use their brand name, or a sub-reference to the infotainment system (like Sync from Ford, as an example).

Some newer models also have wireless connections for Apple CarPlay via Bluetooth. If so, check that it works by connecting your phone to the vehicle and follow the prompts to activate CarPlay.

Even more commonplace now is wireless phone charging pads in the centre console, which allow users to recharge compatible mobile devices without the use of a cable.

If your phone can receive wireless charging, place it on the pad (with the vehicle’s ignition turned on) to make sure it works.

Lastly, we all listen to music, talkback radio or podcasts while driving, and don’t want crackling audio to spoil the experience.

So, find a song or station you like, crank up the volume and listen carefully for any problems from the speakers.

Obviously, cheaper cars have lower-quality audio systems than expensive luxury vehicles and the clarity might not be as good. But broken speakers are obvious and will either produce popping or hissing sounds or not work at all. Move around the car and check for consistency from the front and back seats.

So, there you have it, some handy hints on what to look out for with modern infotainment systems when inspecting a second-hand vehicle.