GPS and Cars - Finding Your Way Around

By. Brenda Williams

It used to be that if you couldn't find your destination you pulled into a gas station to ask the attendant, you bought a map and tried to navigate your way to your location or you called the venue and ask them for directions. Or if you believe in the male stereotype, you don't admit to being lost and use some sort of crazy intuition to find your way. The technology of today's vehicles gives motorists a new way to navigate called GPS (Global Positioning Systems)

How Do They Do That?

A properly installed GPS in a car can not only give the driver valuable, useful information but can also offer the best routes thanks to a built in digital map. If there isn't one installed in the car you have the option of purchasing a dashboard or portable GPS and for some folks they even have the option of using their phone. With the advent of GPS for cars, getting lost became a lot harder but it also gives the cars that offered GPS and bigger advantage from a selling and rental standpoint. So how does it work? Without getting too technical, you have 4 satellites in space and the unit itself has three segments which when combined allows these devices to clearly direct you down the right path.

How Do I Pick One?

If you're the type that likes having directions to places on hand then you want a new car or rental vehicle that has a built in GPS. For a more affordable solution there are GPS devices that plug into the cigarette lighter but may not be as intuitive as a built in version. When you take a look at the car's layout, figure out if it's a cumbersome or one that would work with the way you drive. Two of the most important elements of a good GPS are that it provides:

1. Multiple paths to your destination
2. Vocal direction and visual direction. You don't want to only have one option.

GPS is not flawless by any means but having a good navigation system in your car makes getting around that much easier.

Is Having GPS in a Car That Important?

That all depends on how often you travel on the road, and if you're always going to new locations that are unfamiliar with you. For a more generic application though you can map out your course or find your way back if your become lost. If your car gets stolen then an installed GPS can help police find your car. Some insurance companies even offer reduced rates for car owners who have GPS installed in their cars. So is it important to have GPS? Certainly the benefits are great and as vehicles begin to evolve, pre-installed GPS may become a standard feature. Until then, take your time to look at the functionality of the GPS system in the car you're looking at and if it works for you before making your final decision.