Tips for GPS Care:

Keep your new GPS in a camera or soft closable bag when not in use.  Thieves love these so it is best not to keep it on the mount when you are not in the car/boat.  I keep a camera bag handy and put it in my locked console when not in use.  A trunk or under the seat would work as well.  Just don't leave it in plain view or you may get it stolen. I see this happen often in this business.  Protect your investment. 

Most insurance companies will not cover a GPS if stolen as they are portable and not part of the original car built-in components.

In cold temperatures it is very important to not let any GPS sit in cold weather below 32 degrees. That insulated camera bag will help keep it from cold dipping temperatures when it is not in use.

Most GPS units do not like heat if they can't breathe. 

Example:

You live in Texas, and it is more than 100 degrees outside,  you stop for lunch and leave this in the car.  Your car temp can soar as there is no air flow.  So once again keep it in an insulated camera bag out of direct sunlight and protect it from the heat. When in use in extreme hot weather make sure you have your air conditioning on or a few windows rolled down for air circulation. Wait to use the unit when the car has cooled a bit.

**If your unit is too cold it may not turn on until it is a normal temp again.  **

If it is too hot it may flash and the screen may dim, just turn it off and let it cool down.

Keep your GPS screen clean with a microfiber cleaning cloth--slightly damp.

Keep your GPS dry, even if it says waterproof it can only take so much water before you have a problem. Read your manual for details.

If your touch screen does not work properly then break out your owners manual and recalibrate it.  Most GPS units are set up for this and this will get you back on track and work with your touch. It is very simple to do.

When your GPS arrives make sure you keep your receipt, the original box and all paperwork contents in case you ever have a problem with your unit and need warranty repair. This is a good way to send it back, just like it arrived!

Contact the Manufacture immediately if you have any problems with setup or your not getting the response you expected to troubleshoot before contacting your dealer you purchased from.  Most problems are just a setting that can be fixed with the MFR tech support.

Your GPS with an Internal antenna will only work when mounted near your windshield or if it has a clear view of the open sky so it can read the satellites.

I once had an older couple buy a GPS for their motorhome.  Bob called me 3 days after receiving it to tell me it did not work.  He said he and hs wife had been to the dairy queen, the carwash and came home. He said he tried it again the next day with his friend on the deck, still nothing.  I asked him where he had it mounted in the car, he said he didn't, but his wife was holding it!  I asked him if he had a covered deck and he replied "yes".  I told him to try it again this time using the mount.  He called me an hour later so excited that it now worked!  So...a windshield or clear view of the sky is necessary if you want to navigate with your new GPS! Most will not work in your lap, a garage, or in your home as they can't lock into the satellites.

Trip Planning:

Before you leave on your trip, add the address(s) you would like to travel to in advance to your permanent address book.  This will save you time.  I added all of the address(s) for family out of state, hotels, restaurants etc in advance to save time and ease frustration while traveling.  I simply choose my destination out of the built in address book and off I go.

Learning about your new GPS and it's features:

Most GPS units have a DVD, Videotape or CD you can purchase to learn about it's use and features.  Ask your dealer, you can usually buy these for around $15 or less, they are worth every penny!

Buy an extended warranty!

I didn't and guess what?  14 mo after I got it, it died!  The mfr covered me the first 12 months but now I have a $600 loss.  I now have an extended warranty! Protect your investment!

Enjoy your new GPS and never be lost again!  :)