gps questions

[whatname]

Hi. I don't know where else to ask this and this board seems to have the answer to everything - so here goes...

I bought a gps with lifetime map updates. How does this work? There were no instructions in the box. (I am not good with electronics.) Also, can I use my lifetime updates to update my sister's gps and mine?

Second - can I leave my gps in the car? I mean all the time. I would like to have it handy when I need directions but don't know if it is o.k. to leave it in the heat. Again, I know nothing of electronics.

Thanks for the help. Hope everyone is staying cool.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

No you cannot leave it in the car. Extreme temp. changes crack the screen.

 

[andysomma1]

Hi. I don't know where else to ask this and this board seems to have the answer to everything - so here goes... I bought a gps with lifetime map updates. How does this work? There were no instructions in the box. (I am not good with electronics.) Also, can I use my lifetime updates to update my sister's gps and mine? Second - can I leave my gps in the car? I mean all the time. I would like to have it handy when I need directions but don't know if it is o.k. to leave it in the heat. Again, I know nothing of electronics. Thanks for the help. Hope everyone is staying cool.

Updating your maps is easy all you need to do is go to the website of the company who built your GPS (Garmin, TomTom, etc) then click on the link that says update maps. Your GPS should have come with a sync cable that you will connect between your GPS and computer, fill out some info and then your maps will update. You can update four times a year, once a quarter and no you cannot update any other GPS but yours. When you connect the GPS info will automatically be sent to identify the GPS being updated.

As for leaving it in the car make sure it is kept out of sight, people love to steal those things and if you decide to take it with you I would suggest buying a good hard sided case to protect it. Don't worry about the heat GPS units hold up very well.

 

[andysomma1]

No you cannot leave it in the car. Extreme temp. changes crack the screen.

GPS screens are not glass they will not crack. The most common problem GPS units have are batteries and fuses.

 

[Squirlz]

No problem leaving them in the car. That's what they are made to do.

 

[eebadeeba]

Had GPS stolen from car, so for that reason I would not leave it in sight in the car.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

No problem leaving them in the car. That's what they are made to do.

Maybe where you live. Our screens crack here in the HOT cars. In fact it says not to leave it in the car because the screens will crack due to extreme temp changes.

 

[Albort]

Maybe where you live. Our screens crack here in the HOT cars. In fact it says not to leave it in the car because the screens will crack due to extreme temp changes.

leave it in your glove compartment...

 

[whatname]

Thanks for all the responses. I knew you all would know.

People mentioned them getting stolen - I have been told not to put your actual home on the "Home" selection. If someone steals it, especially from an airport parking lot or sport event, they know you are not home and where you live. I put a place near my home as the home address, so I know how far we are when traveling. Actually, I just realized if they really want to know where I live they can look at my registration while stealing the gps. Then, I guess they could type it into my gps and find my house. Oh, well.

Anyway, thanks so much for the info.

 

[Amelia Peabody]

I keep my GPS in my purse and the stand it attaches to goes in the glove box. It is not attached to the windshield so all that is left then is a small plastic disc on the dash.

 

[goofyernmost]

Maybe where you live. Our screens crack here in the HOT cars. In fact it says not to leave it in the car because the screens will crack due to extreme temp changes.

If that is a problem it is because it was left in the direct sunlight. Heat itself shouldn't bother it. My GPS is built into my car...no taking it out.

leave it in your glove compartment...

This!

 

[Sadie22]

I have lifetime updater software from the website of the manufacturer of my GPS on my computer. Whenever new maps are available, I am alerted to connect my GPS to update the maps.

I don't use the GPS unless I am going on a trip to unfamilar territory. I do not leave it in the car. I keep it and its cable in a plain black zippered pouch. On trips I will put the GPS in my purse anytime I leave the car, and put its stand under the seat out of sight.

 

[Muushka]

Heads up for Garmin updates. I went to do my first update and got an error message that the unit didn't have enough memory to handle all the new data. Called Garmin and they had me go into the files and delete all the languages except English. Worked like a charm.

 

[Albort]

get a smartphone with GPS program and car dock. WIN WIN! :]

I use my iPhone very fluently(GPS+MP3 player) while driving...

 

[mrodgers]

get a smartphone with GPS program and car dock. WIN WIN! :]

I use my iPhone very fluently(GPS+MP3 player) while driving...

GPS, ~$100
Smartphone with GPS, ~$100/month

Not a good alternative to me....