March 25, 2022
Using a dedicated GPS for navigation over a smartphone can make the journey from point A to point B (and then on to points C, D, etc.) a whole lot smoother.
It’s a question we’ve heard time and time again: Why should I buy a GPS for my car when my phone also has maps on it? And it’s a fair ask — why spend your hard-earned money on a new device when one that you already have will work just as well? But here’s the thing: Your smartphone doesn’t work just as well as a Garmin GPS for your car. Here are just a few reasons to add that Garmin car GPS system to your cart.
1. Battery life
Modern-day smartphones, for all their advantages, aren’t known for their ability to last impressive amounts of time between charges. But with a GPS device that connects to your vehicle with a power cable, your navigation will always be ready when your car is.
2. More coverage
Can you hear me now? This infamous advertising campaign points out the obvious — cell phone service isn’t reliable everywhere. Particularly if you’re embarking on a long road trip, the chances are high that you’re going to drive through a spot or two where your phone can’t even get the connection it needs to send a text message, let alone gather all the necessary data to direct you from point A to point B. Having a GPS device with preloaded map coverage means that you don’t have to rely on cell signal, so you’re ready to roll in even the most remote areas.
3. Fewer distractions
Ding. Your aunt tagged you in a meme on Facebook. Ding. Someone just liked your post on Instagram. Ding ding ding ding. You’ve been added to yet another group text. See where we’re going with this? Every time your phone gets a notification, your drive is interrupted. With a GPS product like the Garmin DriveSmart™ series, you can focus on what really matters, which is safely arriving at your destination. (Unless, of course, you are really, really set on all those notifications — in which case you can enable and customize which smart notifications are received on your Garmin GPS navigator when with a paired compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive™ app.)
4. Easier to read
With display sizes that go up to 8” with the Garmin DriveSmart 86, a bright, high-resolution edge-to-edge touchscreen and graphics that are designed with arm’s-length viewing in mind, it’s a no-brainer that you don’t want to have to squint at your phone to see where you’re supposed to be going.
5. Designed for your car’s dash
There’s something to be said for having dedicated devices for dedicated tasks. A GPS device can be a seamless extension of your car’s dashboard, which means it’s always in its spot and ready to go. No fumbling around to balance your phone in a cupholder, no worrying about whether you left your charger at the office — everything you need is right where it’s supposed to be at all times. Garmin car GPS devices come with everything needed to mount your GPS on your dashboard — no extra purchases necessary.
6. Cost effective
In 2020 the average monthly cell phone bill in the U.S. was $127.37. If your data isn’t unlimited, using your smartphone to navigate a road trip can be a costly mistake. On the other hand, with the one-time purchase of a GPS device, all your navigational needs will be met. Garmin navigators also include map updates with no extra hidden fees. Roads change, new businesses open and close — and drivers need the latest map data available. Garmin GPS devices will prompt drivers when a new update is available so the device can easily be updated with the latest maps.
7. Data privacy
Garmin doesn’t sell your personal data. Period. That means your location data and travel history belongs to you and only you.
Ready to hit the road with a more purpose-built navigation system? Click here to explore Garmin automotive products, which add new levels of freedom, convenience and peace of mind to your time on the road.
FAQs
If you generally listen to voice directions and don't need to access navigation while driving, an app is fine. If you're concerned about battery drain, mobile data usage, small smartphone screens, and mounting problems, a dedicated car GPS service might be the right choice.
Is car GPS better than phone? ›
If you generally listen to voice directions and don't need to access navigation while driving, an app is fine. If you're concerned about battery drain, mobile data usage, small smartphone screens, and mounting problems, a dedicated car GPS service might be the right choice.
Why do drivers use GPS in their cars? ›
GPS improves the driving experience by providing timely location-related data such as traffic delays, route changes, and estimated arrival times. Access to this information ensures drivers get from Point A to Point B safely and removes distractions.
Why use a Garmin instead of a phone? ›
A Garmin can track your workout for up to 24 hours, depending on the model. And even though your phone might be able to track you for a day, it may not leave you any more juice left for phone calls or tweeting about your run. Consider too that using a smartphone app to track your activity will be using data.
Is it worth getting a navigation system in a car? ›
Getting lost can be stressful and make a new driver flustered — and that's when accidents happen. A navigation system can keep you from worrying about where you're going while building your confidence behind the wheel.
What are the pros and cons of GPS device? ›
GPS vehicle tracking systems offer many advantages, including improved safety and security, accurate data collection, increased efficiency, and cost savings. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as privacy concerns, potential hacking vulnerabilities, and a lack of reliability.
Is a GPS more accurate than a cell phone? ›
Anyone traveling to remote areas where cellular coverage is limited or unavailable will get more accurate information because dedicated GPS devices connect to the satellite network more consistently and more frequently.
What is the purpose of GPS in a car? ›
GPS navigation systems show drivers their location on a digital map and then provide driving instructions to get to a designated point. On the other hand, GPS trackers use GPS technology to track a vehicle's current location and trip history. The GPS data is then broadcasted to a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
How accurate is the GPS in a car? ›
GPS tracking has proven to be an incredibly reliable and accurate technology for locating and monitoring employees, vehicles, assets, and more. Modern GPS tracking systems are highly accurate, with most devices capable of providing location data within a range of 3 to 15 meters (9.8 to 49.2 feet).
Does your car GPS track you? ›
You'll have to allow it to know your current location. A new car these days is no different. A modern car with Bluetooth, navigation and an event data recorder is capable of knowing where you've been, who you've called, what your texts say and even whether you are wearing your seatbelt.
Garmins don't allow for as much customization, nor do they have nearly as many features ( with a few exceptions between models).
Do people still use car GPS? ›
Navigation systems now come as standard equipment in many cars—both new and used—and are also available as stand-alone GPS devices or apps—like Waze and Google Maps—that you can download for free to your phone.
Which smartphone has the most accurate GPS? ›
Based on open sky conditions, the Google Pixel 6 has the best position accuracy at 2.7 m, followed very closely by the Samsung Galaxy S21 at 2.77 m. The Motorola One 5G comes next at 3.22 m, and the Apple iPhone 13 trailing that at 3.95 m.
How accurate is the GPS on a car? ›
Superior Accuracy: GPS tracking provides location data with a high degree of accuracy, typically within 3 to 15 meters (9.8 to 49.2 feet), making it the most accurate option for tracking employees, vehicles, and assets.
Does car GPS work without phone? ›
However, the vehicle-installed GPS tracking system uses the battery of the vehicle as the source of power, and they don't rely on cellular towers, which helps you to track the vehicle even in places with no phone coverage.
Are car GPS trackers worth it? ›
In conclusion, car trackers like the TruTrak Pro offer a blend of security, peace of mind, and technological convenience. They're a small price to pay for the significant benefits they deliver. For those seeking additional ways to protect their vehicle, car trackers are a sensible step forward.
