Advice Centre

Sat Nav or GPS systems use the Global Positioning Satellite which orbits the earth.

The GPS locks into the Sat Nav receiver in your unit and locates its position on the surface of the earth. Calculating longitude, latitude and altitude, the position is laid over a standard road map which accurately reveals the driver's position to within ten metres.

Built-in Sat Nav software can also work out the easiest route between any two points on the map and can combine average road speeds and other data, if necessary, to advise you on arrival times and road conditions on route.

This depends on your vehicle, where you travel and what extra features you require.

» Do you need a portable sat nav that can be transferred between vehicles?
» Do you need a widescreen sat nav or a smaller compact one?
» Do you need European or USA mapping or do you only travel within the UK?
» Do you require features such as a built-in MP3 player, built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling, safety camera database, points of interest locator and traffic updates?

Also consider the size of the screen, the touch screen variations, the voice navigation and how often you will use it before you decide which model to buy.

Generally, yes.

Most Sat Navs work straight from the box and just need to be fixed to your windscreen or dashboard on a mount and can be plugged into your cigarette lighter. Sat Navs also have an easy-to-use touch-screen with menus and options to help you find the features you need with no fuss.

However, if you do feel you need some help, Halfords offer a FREE set-up and demo service to help get you started, showing you exactly how to use your Sat Nav and how to get the best from it.