Winter visibility and safety: Setting your GPS for cold temperatures

Global positioning system (GPS) devices used to be a thing of science fiction. Back then, nobody thought a device could accurately depict where you are located, and reveal a map of your destination before you even get there. But technology advanced, and what used to be myth became possible. Navigation became easier, and travelling to new locales became less of a hassle for motorists.

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However, even the most advanced technologies bend to factors beyond human control—factors like climate. For an owner, a prominent concern is how a device will react to various weather conditions. After all, a good GPS device acts like your second pair of eyes that are not blinded by factors like smoke, dust, and fog, making it indispensable in environments with reduced visibility.

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Depending on the type and the manufacturer, GPS devices demand a particular amount of care. This is typically not the case with built-in GPS systems, as these devices were designed and tested to work in extreme conditions. Other units, such as handheld and in-the-car receivers are best not exposed to low temperature, as this can cause their screens to momentarily cloud up. You may have to wait until the device warms up and the cloud dissolves before you can use it.

While unproven by most manufacturers, many users note that cold temperatures often cause the lithium ion batteries of their GPS units to run out faster. As a precaution, manufacturers advise users to take their GPS units out of the car when not being used.

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More importantly, you must remember to have your automobiles checked regularly. Auto repair shops like A&M Automotive in Bellevue, Washington, checks your car’s electronics to make sure that changes in climate do not cause insulations to wear off, among other things. Finely tuned electronic connections are integral to a fully operational GPS system.

For more information, visit AMAutofactoria.com.