In-car GPS is not far from becoming an essential companion on our journeys, including renting a vehicle. We give you some explanations to find the best GPS, in this case, the one that best suits your needs.
What is a GPS?
Abbreviation of the English term Global Positioning System is an instrument that allows you to establish your exact position on the terrestrial globe thanks to a network of satellites that constantly squares the sky. The degree of imprecision of these geographical coordinates – latitude and longitude – is… barely a few meters! And whatever the weather conditions.
The GPS also integrates a large mapping database, which means that you have to enter your destination. From your location (automatically spotted), it will show you the route to follow. And not only guidance: it also signals “danger zones” (a dangerous bend, for example, but also fixed speed cameras, the signaling of which as such is now prohibited on GPS), restaurants, security services. proximity…
GPS is constantly improving, showing you real-time traffic conditions and offering you an alternative, smoother and faster routes.
The advantages of GPS
- An international tool par excellence, GPS knows your neighborhood as well as the best way to leave New York during rush hour.
- You can easily make room for this in your case. It needs very little space.
- They are easier and easier to use and intuitive: nothing to do with the first generation GPS.
- Once the device is purchased, receiving information is completely free, unlike the mobile phone network.
- Prices have fallen a lot, and if you need to find your way without getting lost, call prices are now very attractive.
- It plugs into the cigarette lighter: no need to worry about breaking down your GPS, no need to worry about finding a place to recharge the battery.
What criteria to choose the right GPS?
- The screen size: Choose a GPS that you can read easily. It is both a question of comfort and safety.
- What are the GPS areas of geography? The whole world? How many countries?
- The updated maps: in fact, over 10% of the road network changes every year! How often are the updates done? Are they automatic, or will you have to do it through a website? Are they free or paid?
- The route calculation loading time (usually longer on the TomTom)
- What is the level of detail of the information displayed on the screen? Do you prefer to concentrate on the road, or are you looking for points of interest (museum, bank, gas station, for example) along the road?
- Service level: does the GPS give real-time traffic conditions, for example? Can you connect your smartphone to the GPS by Bluetooth (this allows your GPS to act as a hands-free kit)? Will you be able to activate voice control, for example, on the TomTom? Some GPS even offer an – board camera: ideal for road trip videos …
GPS and car rental: buy a GPS instead
GPS is, of course, one of the options offered by car rental companies, which you will pay directly at the agency counter when you pick up the vehicle. Suffice to say that the prices are rather high enough (we had prepared a comparative infographic on the options’ price to help you).
One solution is to buy a GPS and take it with you on your rental car trip. This is all the more true if your rental lasts several days. If your needs in terms of GPS service are not important, this investment will quickly pay off.
Looking to rent a car in Islamabad? Carlay Car Rental provides excellent car rental services with an affordable price range and provides all the necessary services to make our customers ride better.
Wisdom of Life 