How to Choose a Vehicle Compass

An expensive GPS system for the car is not necessary when a simple vehicle compass can serve the purpose of identifying the general directions. Knowing what vehicle compass features to look for helps a car owner choose the right auto accessory.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Choose a vehicle compass with large letters or numbers so it is easy to read. Test the compass by holding it at arm's length and seeing if the letters are legible.
2. Pick a liquid compass with a slow spin that allows for easy reading.
3. Find a compass with good suction cups for mounting to the windshield.
4. Choose a digital vehicle compass with a backlit screen for night viewing.
5. Buy a vehicle compass that requires no wiring to operate.
6. Pick a compass with a sunshade that blocks out glares and increases visibility in bright lights.
7. Verify that the liquid compass adjusts for magnetic interference generated by the car. Without this adjustment, the compass will give inaccurate readings.
8. Test the pivot arm on a windshield-mounted model and choose one with a good pivot angle. The angle allows for driver adjustments with ease.
9. Buy a battery-operated vehicle compass with an automatic shut off feature to save on battery and compass life.
10. Attach a postage-stamp-sized display compass to the rear view mirror instead of attaching a two inch ball to the windshield. These small vehicle compasses are button activated, mounted with Velcro and have a sensor behind the mirror.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the compass package details carefully, it may require batteries for operation.
• Follow the vehicle compass instructions provided for simple do-it-yourself installation.
• Get a built in instrument panel with some digital compass models. These panels may contain options such as barometers, clocks and thermometers.