You may be driving around town and you are late for an appointment. You want to use your auto GPS to find out which road you should take but the unexpected happened – your GPS won’t switch on. Uh-oh, is it goodbye to the GPS? Times like that are pretty frustrating but no worries, here are some tips for you to find out what is the problem with your auto GPS.

Your auto GPS may not work due to a few reasons. But if the cost of fixing exceeds the price of buying a new one, then I advise you to go ahead and get a new model. To give your money its worth, you can try out these fix-it tips before giving up on your unit. See whether you identify with the problems below:

1. Loss of satellite reception

Weather does not generally affect the reception. Some people complained that their signal fail to lock when they use windshield wiper. All you got to do is switch off the wiper until the signal locks.

If battery is the problem, change the battery before trying to reset the device. The next step if that doesn’t work is to reprogram. If all else fails, you could have a damaged receiver chip problem. It can be replaced but will be costly. Consult your technician to see whether it’s a worthwhile fix.

2. Broken on/off power switch

First, try holding the switch down longer to power up. If that doesn’t work, try plugging it into your PC (using USB port) or a car charger and turn on the switch. These two methods ought to work.

If it doesn’t, then the most likely problem is a defective switch or loose connection between switch and motherboard. To solve this problem, you’ll need to take the device apart. And depending on the extent of damage, you either need to re-solder the switch or replace it.

3. Touch screen/Glass replacement

If you experience non-responsive commands and wrongs functions activated when you press the screen, it is likely you have a faulty touch screen. If the display is dark, dimmed, with splotches, or you have lines appearing when it shouldn’t, your LCD display is defective.

You’ll need to replace both the touch screen and LCD display because it comes together. It’s tricky to do it yourself because the screen is held with internal clips around the edges. To do it forcibly would risk damaging the touch screen. Take it to a professional.

You have to know that the lifespan of your GPS is relatively a few years (with so many new models coming up, it may be obsolete before it breaks down!) but how long it lasts also depends on your usage and how you handle it. If it’s beyond repair or too costly, get a new one. To find out which models I recommend, read my other reviews.

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Best Auto GPS Overall:
Garmin Nüvi 760 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Automobile Navigator
Garmin nüvi 760

The Garmin Nüvi 760 is a best buy for GPS connoisseurs and frequent users. The Verdana-like fonts are smaller, cleaner and easier to read while driving which is an improvement from the older Garmin Nüvi 660. The Garmin Nüvi 760 also has a better rendering 3D map that does not over-magnify roads when you zoom in to view smaller roads in details.

The Garmin Nüvi 760 also has a strong satellite lock. The satellite acquisition time after boot up is between 10 to 20 seconds if you have Firmware 2.6 installed. This also enables the receiver to create alternate routes if you are avoiding certain roads or highways.

Free Traffic Info for Life:
Garmin Nüvi 265WT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth & Integrated Traffic Receiver
Garmin nuvi 265WT

With its array of features and free for life traffic info, the Garmin Nüvi 265WT is one of the best entry level GPS receiver in the market. Despite its new ecoRoute feature (calculate the most fuel efficient route), it is missing some niceties such as lane assist and the ability to sort multiple destination into the most direct route.

In exchange with free traffic feeds, users will have to look at advertising on their receivers. At the first thought this may sound irritating but users have agreed that the advertisements are unobtrusive.

Best Budget Auto GPS:
Garmin Nüvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Garmin nüvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

For the on the go traveler, this simple wide, portable and affordable receiver is your best budget travel assistant. It leads the way with turn-by-turn direction and MSN Direct services (optional) to get you to your Point of Interest (POI). It is easy to use and they navigate well. It does lack one useful feature though; the ability to speak street names.

Best Voice Command Auto GPS:
Garmin Nüvi 880 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nuvi 880

The Garmin Nüvi 880 is a one stop information center; from traffic to weather it can also update you on movie listings and local events. Extending from that feature, you can plan trips by using Windows Live Local and send them to your Garmin Nüvi 880. You can then customize your POIs accordingly.

This model does not only give audio direction but also recognizes commands and enables hands-free calling via Bluetooth. The “Where Am I?” feature is also useful in finding the nearest fuel station, hospitals and police stations.

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Maps and Updating
The maps must be up to date from time to time, unless you will only drive in mature cities such that the traffics and road are fixed and constant. The updates can be done using memory cards or USB connections.

Certain units have wifi capability which automatically updates your database whenever there is an internet connection. Several GPS units may download live traffic reports and alerts and incorporate it into routing using a built-in or external receiver – or a Bluetooth-compatible phone.

Traffic subscription validity

Get real time traffic info while you drive! Never get stuck in a traffic jam anymore while your auto GPS tells you which streets to avoid as you drive. Great for people driving in major cities.

Free lifetime traffic subscription is included in some newer models while other GPS units still require a separate yearly or monthly subscription.

The best auto GPS navigation with free traffic info for life is the Garmin nuvi 265WT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth & Integrated Traffic Receiver.

Text-to-Speech Capability
Do you like to keep your eyes on the road while you drive? Some models of auto GPS give speech instructions. More advanced models can even pronounce accurate instructions based on your current location.

For instance, an instruction like “turn right at 50 feet” can be given by including the street names such as “turn right at 50 feet on Sesame Street”. You barely need to look at the screen at all and this will make the journey safer.

Some special units can even pronounce Red spots of accidents and road hazards. Different accents of spoken language are also available for downloading.

For best voice command, I recommend Garmin nuvi 880 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Automatic destination routing
If you’re like me – you hate speculating which road is the shorter one to your destination, or you always make the wrong turn and make the journey time even longer than it should be, you need this feature.

Modern auto GPS models capable of processing multiple input destinations and analyze you the most efficient, fuel-saving, and time-saving route.

Find a good one that can immediately analyze a new shortest route even when you’ve ignored its original instructions.

Points of Interest(POI) Database
A unit with a large POI (Point of Interest) database is great for those who are traveling to unfamiliar places. Get 5 million or more crucial points of interest range from service stations, petrol kiosks, hotels, restaurants, to ATMs.

Some latest models offers online capability that enable you real time updates of POI database from server rather than rely on in-built database.

Multimedia features
A number of auto GPS come with multimedia capability to let you play music and songs through your car stereo using FM signal transmitter. Just simply plug in your memory card or thumb drive, then you can browse through all the tunes you like.

Connect to phone
With Bluetooth, connect your phone to the auto GPS and make hands-free calls with just touching the screen. This is really convenient for people who talk on the phone all the time and I for one really hate fumbling with my hands-free cable when driving.

Garmin nüvi 760 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable Auto GPS has this feature.

Other convenience features
Most units feature a multipurpose touch screen for easy inputs. Many also let you search for your routes and destinations by keying in simple text and words, together with auto complete feature to shorten your searching. Some premium units even support voice commands.

I find Garmin nüvi 760 to be the most convenient auto GPS around.

Go back to my Best Auto GPS main page for more recommendations and auto GPS reviews.

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The TomTom ONE 3rd edition happens to be one of the best selling PS navigation system around. Though it is an updated system, it remains one of the complete solutions of GPS with incredible range of features.

TomTom ONE 3rd Edition 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator

TomTom ONE 3rd Edition 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator

Since I got it the TomTom ONE, is an extremely important travelling partner to me. Where I go it goes as it has the complete arrays of pre-loaded maps.

The TomTom ONE has an accurate location with superb map detail. It is able to inform me what lies ahead, weather a tool booth or even an intersection. At times it is able to provide me with alternative routes if I wanted to avoid a toll booth. It is my best buddy and believes me; I will not get the respect and courtesy from any other device.

Most people say that this is one of the best entry level devices around and I agree. Even tough it is an entry level; it does come with a complete solution with an incredible range of features.

One of the interesting features is that it gives clear and accurate instructions. I find myself not taking my eyes off the road, as the instructions are clear. More amazing is that the device comes in over 30 languages, so you can choose the one best suit you.

Another feature to note is the safety feature which is impressive. It has a “Help Me” button which enables you to call fall help, get you to the nearest police station or hospital or show you first aid. It is also fitted with a custom alarm when you are approaching high safety areas such as school or if we are driving above the set speed.

The only downside that I found is that TomTom ONE has a short battery life. It has only 2 hour which I believe could be improved upon.

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If you are looking for something that will guide you on much frequent road trips, which is good and also reasonable, the Garmin nuvi 255 does the right jobs. It is suited for those who are first time buyers and do not want to think of what to get, this is a great entry level device.

Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

It is simple to use with simple features and no nonsense of signal disruptions. As most of Garmin models are fixed with certain technology which detects and sends signals to the satellite faster.

With the spoken directions of street names and 2D & 3D map features, it makes travelling much easier. It is works well if you are on foot as well. As the GPS is new in the market, one thing that you will thankful for is that it has the latest updates maps and it updates itself from time to time. That is what I was told.

Anyways most of Garmin’s models have fantastic reviews about them and that is definitely a good sign.

The Garmin nuvi 255 has a clear display with its wide screen and you are also able to see clear either during the day or night. One important aspect that I love is that it can tell you the speed limit on most of the roads. That is a super cool plus point for me.

Other than all the above great things the Garmin nuvi 255 is able to tell you places of interest and how to get there, such as food, gas stations, art, events, cinemas and may more.

It is one of the best models you are able to get and take it from me it works just fine. The only set back is that you would have to spend money on getting live traffic data, as the Garmin nuvi 255 does not come with any. But all in all it is still worth it and I consider it a good entry level GPS device.

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Another one of Garmin best models under the 700-series. The Garmin nuvi 780 series is in a class of its own as it has an additional MSN direct content. It enables you to have multi destination routing.

Garmin nüvi 780 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 780 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

It makes things easier for you to plot your way and get to numerous places faster. Is I was in a race; this would be my trusted companion. The Garmin nuvi 780 superior navigation device could be used by anyone, from business people to even a casual driver or maybe mums on the go.

I find it to be slick and light and the big screen makes it easier for me to see where I am going. It also has the spoken feature which actually tells you where you are going, because the direction given is given by the street names.

With its HotFic technology, which I just found out the name, is fantastic. With that technology, the Garmin nuvi 780 is able to lock your position in an instant by communicating it to its satellite. So this works out good for you and me, where we will be able to plot our directions faster than any GPS we have ever known.

Being a Garmin model, the nuvi 780 is fitted with many other superb features such as integrated traffic receivers, MP3 player and photo viewer, and an FM transmitter that will play voice prompts, MP3s, audio books, and more, directly through your vehicle’s stereo system.

This device like most of the other models is fitted with certain detailed maps of a country. For example this comes with detailed map of United States, Canada or Puerto Rico. So if you were to visit other countries, it’s best you check with the distributor or download the map. Yes it can be a hassle. Maybe the people at Garmin should consider this.

If you want a simple and loaded with a superb navigation then this is something I could recommend you getting. But if you want more than this, there are other Garmin models that are much better. One thing for sure, if you do get lost, the Garmin nuvi 780 will lead you back.

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The Garmin nuvi 660 is a device in its own league in comparison with its other competitors. Firstly the design is sleek and gorgeous. It is just perfect in size and easily the best travel companion anywhere anytime.

Garmin nüvi 660 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 660 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

It is all in one navigation system, with detailed map and the voice prompts are loud and clear, making my travel around simply wonderful. It is also much easier to navigate with the wide screen and clear maps which is in 3D displays.

It makes navigation from one place to another simple and easy. It does not change the route that has been plotted, but what it gives you are options to the routes. It is either the shortest way or the fastest. We have the power of choice. It is a travel companion that is able to show you routes and places within a city that you never knew could be used. And the choices are usually good and acceptable.

The Garmin nuvi 660 is fitted with nearly 6 million points of interest based on the map that it is fitted with. This makes places such as gas stations, police stations, hospitals, eateries and so many more, much easier to find.

The best thing about all of Garmin models nowadays is its Bluetooth enable. This is so good for driving, as I do not have to fiddle with my hands free and I could just talk onto my GPS.

There are a few things that it could improve tough is updates it detailed map and maybe to include other countries. The FM transmitter only worked at certain places and signal was poor in other areas.

The Garmin nuvi 660 is a fantastic product and I highly recommend it. Its feature and navigation system could just blow you away.

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This is an updated and revamped model from TomTom. The TomTom ONE XL obviously has more going in comparison to its other sister before her.

TomTom ONE XL

TomTom ONE XL

I wanted something that would be able to give me a simple navigation system, but with the entire extra features of a GPS Navigator. Of course the TomTom ONE XL has a very much improved design with wider screen. It is fitted with the GPRS system and option real time real based traffic information.

What I found interesting is that with TomTom ONE XL, is designed to get you to where you need to go. It gives you fairly easy directions, driving navigations, your mileage and also your speed as opposed to the speed limit.

And when you are traveling faster, it has auto-zoom feature where the map kind off zooms out. Which is great to see what is ahead of you especially when you are on highways and so on.

The ONE XL also provides extremely clear voice instructions for every turn, which is great as you do not have to take your eyes off the road when driving. The best things that I found is that the sound from the device adjust to the volume of my engine.

For example if my vehicle’s engine becomes louder or quieter as depending on how I change my speed, the volume adjusts itself accordingly. This gives me a clear and easy listening to my TomTom ONE XL.

The one set back that I have encountered is that it does not have an easy menu button for us to tap and view other alternative roads. It does not allow us to look at other roads that appear on the screen. That I think will help us better to know our surrounding area.

The TomTom ONE XL has definitely improved and it makes sophisticated technology simple to understand and use.

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This is the Garmin nüvi 360 GPS Navigator and Personal Travel Assistant, yes that is a mouthful to say. But it is what it’s name suggest, it is a GPS navigator, personal translator, multi-media entertainer and tour guide all wrapped into one.

Garmin nuvi 360

Garmin nuvi 360

This is one of the most gorgeous and sleek device that I have ever seen. You may think that a gadget such as thing you will get something bulky with all the features and fittings fitted into a gadget. But the Garmin nuvi 360 is simple, beautiful and light.

In addition to all the advanced features of the Garmin nüvi 350 — including automatic routing, turn-by-turn voice directions, an MP3 player and audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, and much more — this pocket-sized personal travel assistant comes with hands-free Bluetooth wireless technology, making it the hands-down go-anywhere travel companion.

I can’t complaint much as I find the detailed map and direction are updates and excellent. The voice prompts which actually say the street names and with the display of the map on your wide screen is just simply marvelous.

The best part about this Garmin nuvi 360 is its Bluetooth function which has really got me excited. It has a robust interface and when you make the connection with your phone and the device it turns to be a marvelous synergy. What happens now is that you will be able to call any place on interest on your GPS, by just clicking dial. Its fantastic!! Who needs the yellow pages when you have the Garmin nuvi 360?

You are able to sort these places of interest based on your current location or even location that you choose. The sound comes form your GPS and not the phone. This is what I call integration and no other device does it better than the Garmin nuvi 360.

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The Garmin nuvi 350 is a device that will blow you away. It is something that will be able to offer you travel tips, store your tunes as well as pictures and even able to provide you translation services.

Garmin nuvi 350

Garmin nuvi 350

I must say that this unit price range is higher than the others, but I believe it is value for money. It does have the entire characteristic that people are looking for especially me.

Firstly is the size, Garmin nuvi 350 is compact, sleek in design and extremely light weighted. It could be fitted into my pocket or purse. I could easily carry it wherever I go. Hey after all it is suppose to be a travel companion, a useful one I might add.

Secondly the latest technology from Garmin is that the text to speech feature. This is where the proper names of the streets are announced and not just directions in km or feet, for example “turn right after 2km”. That is sometimes annoying. Now that is says the streets names, it gives you the extra confidence knowing that you are going the right way.

Other than that, with the voice feature, the Garmin nuvi 350 decreases the need for you to keep on looking at the map, wanting to make sure you are taking the right way. This also decreases the chance of you meeting with an accident.

As a person who like things bigger and brighter the Gramin nuvi 350 works fine for me, as it the screens are bigger and brighter, weather for night vision or even the day time. No more squinting for me.

One important thing that sets this apart from other GPS navigator is its ability to provide you with translation services. This works fantastic when you are traveling abroad. It also has traveling tips and currency converter. Important things for anyone traveling to other countries. This Garmin nuvi 350 system has revolutionize the GPS navigation industry.

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This Garmin nuvi 205 model is one of the best budget Auto GPS around. If you are looking for something good and do not want to blow your budget, then this is something I would recommend to you.

Garmin nüvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

I find it to be user friendly, especially for something which is so complicated. To me a GPS is something that is extremely complex and the Garmin is known to make it user friendly and easy. That to me is worth every penny that I spent.

Furthermore, the Garmin nuvi 205 which is considered at an entry level, still contains the best features that Garmin could offer.

It has the HotFix technology, which is able to lock the satellite faster which enhances the speed of locking in your route. The Garmin nuvi 205 is also enhanced with more information, more terrain maps, and fitted with photo navigation feature. This Garmin nuvi 205 is really a value buy.

The Garmin nuvi 205 is also able to receive traffic alerts, weather updates, movies listing, gas price, events listing, news and so on. So much information for a small little device. The only set back is that to receive these services you will need to subscribe, instead of getting them free like the Garmin nuvi 265WT.

It is slim in design which enables you to take it wherever you go; it is also light weighted. The Garmin nuvi 205 has more features than most people are aware of. It has the world travel clock, currency converter, measurements and more.

As of all the Garmin models, Garmin nuvi 205 comes with a pre-downloaded map, unfortunately only for the US and Puerto Rico. If you are not from either one, then you will need to download them yourself. Well, you can’t get everything on a budget price.

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The Garmin nuvi 880 is like the God of all GPS navigators, to me of course. It is a gorgeous piece of device, slim enough to fit your pocket.

Garmin nuvi 880

Garmin nuvi 880

What makes it really special in comparison to the other Garmin models is that the Garmin nuvi 880 is fitted with speech recognition which is absolutely fantastic. All you have to do is just touch the screen and speak up to find out the nearest restaurant, gas station or whatever you fancy.

It works both ways where the device as always tells you your direction, but if that annoys you, just touch ‘stop listening’. It is the best thing ever invented and that is why the Garmin nuvi 880 is the best selling Auto GPS. It is the best voice command auto GPS navigators around.

The Garmin nuvi 880 also enables you to search up to almost 6 million points of interest, such as hospitals, restaurants, cinemas, gas stations and much more. All these could be easily found with the actual street names via its spoken direction feature. It is like you have a guide sitting in the car with you.

It has other fantastic feature as any other Garmin models such as Bluetooth for hands free phone calls, integrated traffic receiver, MP3 player and so on.

Another good thing is that if you purchase the Garmin nuvi 880, you will be able to get free 3 month subscription for integrated information receiver such as weather, gas price, news, events and other local events in your area.

The only set back at the moment is that the speech recognition is only available for American English, British English, European French, European Spanish, German, Italian, and Netherlands Dutch languages. Who knows maybe they will be adding other languages in the future.

For those wanting a much personal GPS in their own language, sit tight and wait. Believe you me, it is a good wait for a fantastic device like the Garmin nuvi 880.

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This is another Garmin model from the 200-series which has only been improved, like always. The best thing is with this Garmin nuvi 265WT model you will be able to receive real-time traffic updates from Navteq free for life. So as long as the device is working you will get traffic updates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Garmin nuvi 265WT

Garmin nuvi 265WT

You do not have to wait for delayed traffic news, where most of the time finds you sitting in a jam for hours. If you miss a turn, no worries because the Garmin nuvi 265WT will get you back onto your route in no time at all.

One of its new technology enhancements apparently is the faster satellite lock with its HotFix technology. It automatically searches and locks itself with one satellite so that when you switch it on, it decreases the time for it to search and thus, plans your route faster. Impressive, I would say.

Garmin nuvi 265WT is also fitted with an exciting photo navigation feature. It makes your trip easier and more exciting by being able to actually see the pictures of the places you are going to. But the only set back is that you will have to download them by yourself. It is not readily available in the device. Well, that is something maybe Garmin should consider.

One thing that it does do is the Text-to-Speech feature, with which you get spoken directions and the names of the streets and not just the directions in km or feet like others usually do. For example, it says “turn left in 1 km at the Museum Road” instead of “turn left in 1km”.

The nuvi 265WT is slim and can be carried anywhere and it comes with a wide screen. That makes it easy for me especially to see clearly where I am going and shows me the surrounding area.

I like it that the Garmin nuvi 265WT is built to make an extremely complex technology easy to use. It is always a pleasure to use Garmin products and it is simple. Really it is no rocket science.

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In my humble opinion the Garmin nüvi 760 is the best Auto GPS overall. It has advanced navigation features, widescreen display, pre-loaded maps, an FM transmitter, hands-free calling, traffic alerts and much more. It is loaded, wide and ready to take you wherever your heart desires.

Garmin nüvi 760

Garmin nüvi 760

Like most of the nüvi 700-series it is built with premium navigation capabilities, like planning your route and locator, giving you the peace of mind when traveling.

If you a person who is on the road all the time, the Garmin nüvi 760 will help you plan your route better. By entering the spots like work, supermarket, dry cleaners etc, it will plot the fastest route for you. Isn’t that just cool and you are able to save up to 10 routes. It will definitely make your trip faster and much more efficient.

Another cool thing about it is that the Garmin nüvi 760 is the first thing to answer two common questions: “Where am I?” and “Where’s my car?” At any time, by just tapping on the screen you would be able display your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, or even the closest building and gas stations. You would not have to worry of getting lost ever again.

I found the wide screen format gives me a better view of where I am heading or even driving. What’s more you will be able to see everything in either 2D or 3D view.

As a person who uses the mobile phone so often, I find it a nuisance when wanting to answer the phone and hook my hands-free, which one day I am sure will lead me to an accident. This nüvi 760 is an answer to my prayers. With Bluetooth capability I am able to match my nüvi 760 to my phone to make hands-free mobile phone calls. It is as simple as touching the screen to make calls or answer calls.

It is safe, reliable and the most technological enhance auto GPS system around. For those out of US or Europe you may need to check on the map version available for your country.

Otherwise this Garmin nüvi 760 is one of the overall best Auto GPS device to get, if you are looking to purchase one.

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Hi, welcome to my first post of my new blog – best auto GPS.

Auto GPS or Automotive navigation system is great when you need to find your way in unknow location and places. Besides that, some of the auto GPS come with GPS auto tracking sytem.

Get Your Way Around Using Auto GPS

GPS usually come with visual interface that allow you to see where is your car position on the navigation map of the GPS screen. It’s will receive GPS satellite signal and map out the location plus use voice to prompts when you require help for direction.

best auto gps

Safety

Besides, that auto GPS system that come with auto tracking system allow you to track stolen vechicles and monitor your son driving behavior

Well, what to look for in the auto GPS system have become the main reason why I started this blog – best auto GPS. Hopefully, I will find the time to write and review some of my favorite and best auto GPS system with you all here

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