Live traffic updatesĮven when you drive a well trodden route, a sat nav can still be very useful if it features live traffic updates. Often the best approach is to spend a bit more up-front for a sat nav with free updates. Not only can the road layout itself be adapted, but speed limits, speed cameras, amenities and points of interest can be out of date within just a few years, so it’s worth considering if the charge for updates is something you are happy to budget for. Roads are constantly changing, so it’s very important to consider the expense and ease of updating maps. Some sat-nav devices may appear more expensive than you’d expect, but if they include lifetime mapping updates, it could be a good investment, as you’re less likely to have to replace it in a few years time. Lifetime map updates – UK, Europe or world? It can really help avoid stress and mistakes if you know which lane to be in, especially if there’s a complicated road layout ahead or you’re driving abroad. Many sat navs can display invaluable guidance on what motorway lane to be in, either with a set of coloured arrows or a graphical representation of the junction ahead. If you're likely to use postcode input, ensure your potential purchase supports it. As this will only allow you to enter the first two letters and three numbers of a UK postcode, it won't define the location quite so precisely. There are still some units out there that only allow European-style five-character postcodes. However, not every sat nav supports the British seven-character alphanumeric postcode system. Many motorists rely on entering an end destination as a postcode, which is usually a quick and easy procedure. With so many sat-nav systems available online, often for temptingly low prices, it's worth being wary of just how suitable they are for UK road users. The latest models are also equipped with live traffic data functionality, which means they won’t simply take you via the most direct route but will detect traffic jams to prevent you from wasting time stuck on congested roads. Even leading names such as Garmin and TomTom offer cheaper units alongside their pricier top-range kits, but you should expect to spend at least £100 on a good quality model. Price points vary depending on the brand you choose and the functionality you want. You can also buy specific units for use on motorcycles, which we have reviewed towards the bottom of the page. You can, of course, opt for a smartphone app but these often rely on your mobile phone data, meaning they’ll eat into your date allowance and may not be as reliable as a standalone device.
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The latest sat navs offer more than simple navigation and can now provide speed-camera alerts and a wi-fi hotspot, plus smartphone connectivity.
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Although most modern cars now have sat nav fitted when the car is built, there’s still a huge market for standalone sat navs among drivers of older cars or those who simply prefer the familiarity of a particular system.