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Why should I buy a sat nav?

Sat navs simplify journeys. Whether you're traveling by car, truck or camper van, they'll help you find the quickest and easiest route using real-time satellite information. Many also come with additional features such as traffic updates, speed camera alerts and voice activation, to make your travel stress-free.

    Sat nav maps - how to choose

    TomTom GO Classic 6 Inch UK, ROI & Full Europe Sat Nav.

    Choosing the right maps for your sat nav

    Each GPS sat nav comes with a selection of maps, either pre-installed or ready to download.

    Not all sat navs have a large storage memory, so maps may need to be downloaded when you need them. Additional maps are usually available for a small fee.

    Map locations tend to be split into 3 areas, UK & Ireland, Europe and World, so make sure you get one that includes maps of where you intend to use your sat nav.

      UK & Ireland maps

      UK & Ireland maps

      European maps

      European maps

      World maps

      World maps

      Key features

      Sat navs with lane guidance.

      Lane guidance

      Lane guidance shows you which lane you need to be in when you're travelling through a junction.

      Traffic updates.

      Traffic updates

      You connect your sat nav to your phone using Bluetooth and get live traffic updates. Some models have a SIM card, so you can get live data without a mobile.

      Sat navs with voice command.

      Voice command

      You can just speak instructions direct to your sat nav, rather than having to stop the car or ask a passenger to enter the info manually.

      Sat navs with speed camera alerts.

      Speed camera alerts

      Download camera locations before you travel, or get live updates via your phone using Bluetooth.

      Sat navs with 3D mapping.

      3D mapping

      3D helps you visualise where you're going. This is very handy when directions get complicated, like when you're traveling through junctions with lots of exits.

      Sat navs with eco route.

      Eco route

      This calculates the route to your destination that requires the least amount of fuel.

      Sat navs with driver assist.

      Driver assist

      These systems provide safety alerts if you are at risk of an accident, such as when you're driving too close to another car.

      Sat nav specifications

      Screen size

      Screen size

      Sizes from 4 - 8.9 inches are available. Larger screens are easier to read and have a bigger touchscreen but take up more space. When not in use, protect the screen with a sat nav case.

        Car interior view showing the dashboard and a sat nav.

        Battery life

        Sat navs are usually powered by a cable that plugs into your car’s 12V accessory outlet or USB port. They can run on a battery, but only for a couple of hours.

          Storage.

          Storage

          Many sat navs have space for an additional memory card, which will give you more space to store maps and information. Extra is particularly useful if your sat nav includes a dash cam.

          Connectivity

          Bluetooth

          Connecting your phone to your sat nav gives you access to live traffic updates and other information, like Tripadvisor reviews. Plus you can make hands-free phone calls.

          Wi-Fi

          Wi-Fi allows you to download maps without a USB cable or removing a memory card. You can also download maps from any Wi-Fi hotspot on your journey.

          Truck & camper van sat navs - understanding sat navs for larger vehicles

          Truck sat navs.

          Truck sat navs

          Truck sat navs are different because they take the length, width, height and weight of your vehicle into account when planning your journey.

          This will help you avoid low bridges and restricted roads. They can also help you to find places where you can park your vehicle overnight.

          A sat nav in a camper van.

          Camper van sat navs

          Camper sat navs advise on the best routes for camper vans and motorhomes. They consider the weight and size of the vehicle to avoid narrow lanes, low bridges and other road hazards. Some also give points of interest and recommendations for things to do near your destination.

          Driving inspiration

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          Car Care Guide

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          Car seat guide.

          Car seat guide

          Our guide to choosing the right car seat for your little one.