How to Choose a GPS System With Real Time Traffic Info

Car navigation has become better and better as the years have passed and automobile navigation systems have become almost standard equipment on middle and luxury class vehicles. One of the most appealing features to emerge in the last few years is the ability to offer real time traffic updates. Follow these steps to choose a GPS system with real time traffic info for your car.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine a budget. Units with live traffic updates can cost well over a thousand dollars, but you can also get units that are more basic (but still offer updates) for a few hundred dollars.

2. Consider the cost of subscription. Most services require you to pay an annual or monthly subscription fee. Take this into account when budgeting for a real time traffic info unit.

3. Determine ease of use. When you are able, arrange for a demo of a unit or read consumer reviews to find out which units are easy to use and interpret.

4. Assess the interior of your car. Different units are mounted differently-on the windshield, on the dash, in the dash, etc. Find a unit which will fit conveniently with the interior of your vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• You will likely need some kind of antenna if you do not have on included with your unit. Satellite radio antennas usually work the same way as the antennas you will need.
• Choose a maker which has a recognizable name to be more confident of the quality in this emerging technology.
• Radio updates are not as fast as GPS based warnings. GPS warnings are often received by drivers in time to find alternate routes and avoid traffic jams entirely.
• Be wary of installing your own GPS navigation system as often times an amateur installation of such a unit will void at least part of a vehicle’s warranty.