3 important things to know about your car's GPS

Thanks to technology, navigation has become a little easier. Instead of relying on maps and directions from friendly gas station salesmen, most people use GPS, Global Positioning Satellite Systems, to help them navigate the world.

How does GPS work?

The GPS system contains several satellites in space as well as control segments on the ground. The device you have installed in your car or the portable device you carry with you is a receiver that receives satellite signals. These signals help pinpoint your position almost anywhere on the planet.

How accurate is GPS?

The system that exists in the United States is very accurate when it comes to pinpointing exact locations. The accuracy of the system is about four meters. Many devices are even more accurate than this. Modern GPS is also reliable in more places, including parking lots, buildings, and rural areas.

Choosing a portable system

While many cars today have built-in GPS, this is not the case for all cars. You may find that you need a portable system that you can take with you. Many people simply make their smartphones double duty as GPS. Those who buy a real GPS system should make sure they stick with some of the bigger brands on the market, including Garmin, TomTom, and Magellan.

When choosing a GPS system, it's important to consider everything the system has to offer. How often is the device updated? Does it work with bluetooth. You also need to consider whether the GPS can "speak" and offer voice directions, as this is much more convenient than on-screen directions.

As mentioned, many cars today have built-in GPS. Other drivers may install it later. It is important to ensure that the system is constantly updated and in good working order. If there is a problem with the GPS, you may need to talk to a specialist about fixing it. Sometimes, however, it's just an electrical or software problem.