As with any in-car GPS, the Garmin Nuvi range require map updates if the driver wants to keep their routes and directions completely up to date. This isn’t just a case with Garmin products, as all GPS devices need updating in order to remain current. This is because the actual physical digital maps are stored on the device, rather than being beamed down by the global positioning network of satellites as some people tend to believe. The digital maps on Garmin Nuvi GPS products are supplied by a company called Navteq and they release new map updates four times a year.
When it comes to download new Garmin maps, the customer is usually faced with a few choices, one of which is free, and then two which they will need to pay for – and here’s the catch. It is only customers who have owned their Garmin GPS for shorter than 90 days who can qualify to download Garmin maps for free. Other drivers will need to pay for Garmin map updates and there are two options which I will explain below. In order to get a Garmin map update discount you can also apply a promotion code – although these are quite hard to find online.
Garmin nuMaps Onetime – $49.99 US Dollars
The cheapest Garmin map discount is the nuMaps Onetime offer. This will let the Garmin Nuvi owner download a one-off, one-time map software update straight to the device online. This will contain the freshest and most up to date mapping data for the region that the Nuvi GPS is registered in, for example North America or Europe. Downloading new Garmin maps is easy: all you need is a compatible USB cable (one came in the box when you first purchased the product), an Internet connection, and an account on the myGarmin website – which is free to join.
Garmin nuMaps Lifetime – $89.99 US Dollars
The more expensive option, but still qualifying for a Garmin map update discount is the nuMaps Lifetime offer. Please note that when Garmin say lifetime, they mean for the life that you own and register the Nuvi GPS on their official website – not the life of the customer. By signing up for the nuMaps Lifetime option the customer can download up to four Garmin map updates every year, as soon as they are developed and released by the Navteq company.
Why Update Your GPS Maps?
As an automotive blogger and expert on all GPS brands I would always recommend that people who own a GPS device update the maps on it, at least twice a year. Recent data released by the United States road network agency stated that around 20,000 new miles of roads and network changes are made on a yearly basis. Because of that it can be very difficult to trust the accuracy of your GPS, and when driving in an unknown or unfamiliar location it can be a problem.
Not only that, by if you have up to date maps on your GPS whether Garmin or any other brand, you will in fact save in fuel and gas costs. This is because your GPS won’t get lost and lead you down any wrong routes. Some experts believe that up to date GPS maps can save the average American driver around $300 US Dollars a year in costs – which puts the price of Garmin map update discounts and downloads into perspective as actually being a great deal.
Author Credit: Thanks to Bob Simmons for this article – please support him by visiting his website today if you would like to save on Garmin Maps when updating your Nuvi GPS device – the link will take you to the most valid and up to date Garmin Map Update Discount codes that are currently available.
