If you own a Garmin Nuvi GPS product then you will be interested to know that it’s possible to download free Garmin map updates for the product so that your directions, routes, and addresses are always as up to date at that time. In order to download free Garmin map updates for your GPS you do need to fulfil a certain amount of set criteria defined by the manufacturer. It’s a relatively straight forward process though as this article will explain.
Essentially you can download free Garmin map updates if you are a new customer who has only been using the Nuvi GPS for less than 90 days. In order to find out if you are within that timeframe you will need to sign-up for the free myGarmin service. It’s simple to register, just visit the official Garmin website and create an account. Once your account is created you can then assign your Nuvi GPS device to your account.
If you are due a free Garmin map update the user interface on the myGarmin website will notify you, at which point you can start the download process off. Downloading new map updates is easy and should take no longer than one hour. For US and Canadian customers the new map install is called City Navigator North America NT.
By downloading a new map version you will have not only the best and latest directions but also have access to millions of POI files. POIs are Points of Interest and contain information on items such as tourist attractions, hospitals, ATMs, restaurants, and many other categories too vast to mention – you simply see them appear on the GPS display and then press them for immediate directions taking you straight there with no delay.
It is always advisable to make sure you have the latest map update on your Garmin Nuvi GPS, so if you have recently purchased your product then make sure you visit the Garmin website today and check to see if you are eligible. The free Garmin map update scheme goes under the name of the nuMaps Guarantee so look out for that once you are in the mapping section of the corporate website for full details and all the small print.
If you are not eligible then it is still possible for you to download new Garmin maps, you will simply have to choose from one of the alternative options as follows:
- nuMaps Onetime Update (under $50 US dollars)
- nuMaps Lifetime Updates (under $90 US dollars)
Despite having to pay for these software downloads they will mean that you can navigate using your Garmin GPS with renewed confidence. In terms of value for money then the nuMaps Lifetime map updates option is probably the best one. By purchasing this Garmin download you can then access new map data refreshes up to four times annually – which is the frequency that Garmin release their latest map data in each quarter of the year.
Garmin are the World leader in GPS navigation and their map update service delivers on quality, speed, and reliability. Customers of rival GPS devices such as TomTom, Navigon, and Becker can also get map downloads – but the schemes will differ so make sure you check with the respective manufacturer for full and complete details.