Updating your navigation system is incredibly easy.  This 5-step guide will walk you through commonly asked questions and answers during the navigation update installation process:

“Do I really need to update my navigation system?”
Step 1. First, read the Top 5 Reasons why you should update your Navigation map and watch the following short video:

“Where do I start?”
Step 2. Choose your car brand from the menu on the side of this page (or from the drop-down menu at the top) and check the page to see if there are any special discounts or Free Shipping offers that may apply, and read (and write!) reviews about the product.

Step 3. Choose your car model, and head on over to Navigation.com to complete the purchase process.  For all in-dash navigation systems, the update comes in the form of a DVD in the mail. You don’t have to worry about downloading anything to your computer and then somehow transferring it into your car.  They make it extremely easy!

Step 4. Nice work!  Sit back and wait for the arrival of your DVD

“It arrived! Now what?”
Step 5. Once you receive the DVD in the mail, simply put it into your car’s CD player.  After a few seconds, the system will recognize the new disc, and will prompt you with instructions on how to complete the installation.  Each car manufactJust follow the instructions on your screen and you will be on your way to a new GPS experience!

The process for updating your Garmin navigation system is a little bit different, since there’s obviously no spot to insert a DVD.  For Garmin, you will have to connect your device to your computer (both PC and Mac are supported), and download the update.

Garmin has the option for Lifetime Maps, which is very convenient.  If you didn’t choose the Lifetime Maps option when you initially purchased your Garmin, you still have that option to do so now!  Keep in mind that once you purchase Lifetime Maps, you still need to download the new file and update your device regularly – it’ll just be free from now on!

Right now, North America Lifetime Maps are $89.99, while the North America One-time map update is $49.99.  So, if you plan on updating your device at least one more time, it is definitely worth it to go with the Lifetime option.

Check the Garmin Map Update Center to learn more and start your download.