Thanks to a heap of handy smartphone apps, getting around has never been easier. That doesn’t mean the trusty sat nav is now redundant though. They’re still well worth a spot on your dashboard. TomTom and Garmin lead the way here. And a sat nav from either offers plenty of useful tech for your next road trip.
How do sat navs work?
It’s likely you’ve heard of GPS – or Global Positioning System. Sat navs use GPS to work out exactly where you are on earth. But what is GPS? It’s a system that uses a group of 30 satellites floating about in space.
Your sat nav takes info sent from 3 of them to show you where to go. When you’re driving, these satellites are constantly calculating where you are. When you move out of the zone of one, another picks up your precise location. This all helps to keep you on track while you drive.
Originally sent to space by the U.S. military, these satellites now help you find the best route to the shops. Quite the turnaround.
Can you use a sat nav without internet?
Yes, you can use your in-car sat nav without connecting to the internet. That’s because all the map data you need is already installed on it. And GPS uses its own signal that’s separate to the internet. So, you won’t get lost when there’s no internet connection nearby.
You’ll need to plug your sat nav into your laptop or PC every so often though. Road layouts change fairly regularly – and connecting your sat nav lets you download the latest free map updates. You’ll also be able to access software improvements. And sometimes even entirely new features will be added. Just head to the website of whoever makes your sat nav and get downloading.
What to look for in a sat nav
Make sure to keep an eye out for these useful features when searching for a sat nav:
A good-sized screen – this’ll make it easier to read your maps. Most sat nav screens will be between four and seven inches, so it all depends how big you want to go.
The map library – check out which maps are installed already. Some will come with maps just for the UK and Ireland. Others will also have maps for the rest of Europe - and even ones for other continents too. Think about where you’ll be driving and get a sat nav to match.
Real-time traffic info – find out when you’re about to grind to a standstill. Then reduce those annoying delays with an alternate route.
Free updates – download the most up-to-date road information straight to your sat nav. It’ll help avoid any unexpected car calamities.
What is the best sat nav for a car?
We’d go for the TomTom Start 52. It’s accurate. It’s safe. And it’s easy to get started with.
In a rush? Get in the car and go with the smart Tap & Go feature. Tap a point on the map and navigate straight there. It’s ideal for those quick local journeys. No faffing required.
If you’re heading a bit further, you’re bound to hit a motorway at some stage. That’s where Advanced Lane Guidance comes in. Motorway driving can be difficult – especially when you don’t know where you’re going. But this function makes long drives calm and easy. It’ll guide you to the right lane when approaching a junction. And it’ll give you plenty of warning to do it too.
Even if you’re just heading to the high street, Parking Assist makes driving in town stress-free. We’ve all been there. Sometimes it can be a nightmare finding a spot to leave the car. Parking Assist will show you the closest available parking spaces. That means calmer driving. And no more being late for that important appointment.
Can I use my phone as a sat nav?
Absolutely. You can download various apps to your smartphone that’ll show you where to go. Most phones already have a built-in bit of software, but Google Maps is probably your best bet. It works on Android and iPhone devices, and functions like a sat nav. Just pop in your destination and start driving.
You’ll need a mount or cradle for your car first though. Your phone will be safe and you’ll be able to see exactly where you’re going.
Need some more great sat nav suggestions? Head over to ShopLive. Our tech experts can guide you in the right direction on all things sat navs. You can do it all from the comfort of your sofa too.
