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GPS’s, or global positioning systems, are becoming more widely known for their small portable devices that are easy to plug into your car and have it guide you on your trip. What most people don’t realize about using a GPS is that there is some maintenance required for them.

Buying a new GPS is always exciting. It’s got a bigger screen than perhaps you were used to before, it’s got more voices to chose from, and some even have great features such as Bluetooth for making your calls through so you don’t have to use an earpiece or hold your phone while driving. But, eventually they require some maintenance. Sure, a lot of the physical maintenance can be avoided by storing them in cases to protect from dust and smudges, but eventually the software will become outdated.

Companies like TomTom and Garmin provide simple to use plug-ins for your computer, which can be downloaded from their websites, to check your GPS’s software for updates. Occasionally, usually once a year, a new set of maps is released. These maps are sometimes available for free, or for older devices, there is most likely a fee to upgrade.

While a satellite is used to track your device and guide you along, you cannot, as many believe, download your new maps directly from the satellite. The satellite only guides you on the maps that you already have. Which is why it is so important that every year you update your maps. Without updated maps, your GPS could be guiding you to roads that are now one-way streets, or entirely closed, no longer have bridges, or could have changed the names of exits. It’s difficult to trust your GPS to get you to where you need to go, if it doesn’t have the correct information.

Even for a nominal fee, it would be worth updating your maps to have the information that you need to go about your trips without having to worry. Upgrading maps is more cost efficient than buying a new device when yours is still completely functional. Plus, device updates are usually included in map updates and might fix bugs or glitches that you weren’t even aware of. So the next time you’re thinking of throwing out your GPS and buying a new one, be sure to check your manufacturer’s website first for updates, it might be all that your device needs to be perfectly functional again!

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11y ago

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Related Questions

Which GPS unit needs the least updating?

I think Magellan GPS units needs the least updating


How accurate is a car GPS system?

Car GPS systems are highly accurate providing there is no road construction or detours since you last updated/Synced the device to the servers. Most GPS have automatic updating or even streaming updating which makes arriving at the wrong destination unlikely.


Where do you find the Cd for updating your GPS?

Contact the company that your GPS comes from. You can find their number listed on their website. They will be able to to tell you where to find the necessary items to update your GPS.


What service do you need to use GPS?

No service required, you simply use gps. Updating the maps can be quite expensive, checkout the best value formney upgrade before purchasing the GPS unit.


Are GPS navigators effective devices for the directionally challenged?

The directions of the GPS should be followed all the time when driving, however new directions can be downloaded all the time from updating your GPS on your computer.


Where can one find the instructions on updating maps on a Garmin Nuvi GPS?

To find instructions on updating maps on a Garmin Nuvi GPS, first navigate to the Garmin homepage. Next, go to the site's support page where you will see a link for "FAQs". On the FAQ page, type "updating maps on a Nuvi" in the text field and click "search".


Why would I need a GPS upgrade?

If you mean updating the software, the reason for this is because things change. Landmarks change and roads. Updating gets all the new info in so your GPS can work properly! This also helps you access any new cool features.


Could I update my gps system with a gps usb receiver?

Yes, so long as your model of GPS device supports that form of updating. Check with the manufacturer's website for information on your specific model if you're not sure - any newer GPS device should have this feature.


Why does the gps have to take the toll way when you reroute?

Well first of all there are three reasons to why this happens 1. There might not be a route without toll. 2. Your GPS S' software might not support non toll routes (unlikely) 3. There might be a non toll route but your gps might not be up to date you can either update it from the manufacturer's website or your GPS might not support updating.


What are 15 important traportation devices?

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What are the benefits of updating my system with autodialer software?

There are many benefits to updating your system with autodialer software. Most important, it will allow for quicker and cheaper marketing.


I keep getting a message to update your GPS maps how do you do that?

Updating your GPS maps depends on what manufacturer and specific GPS model you own. You can generally update the GPS maps by either downloading them through the system or buying updated maps on a CD.