Is it ok to leave GPS units in a cold car, for example outside during the winter? I just purchased one for my Colorado and don't know if I should bring it inside with me every night.

I know my TL Navi always works fine whether its cold or not, but I'm not sure if that would ruin a smaller portable electronic like a Garmin.

 

I would think it's the same idea as the OEM ones that come with cars, the one in my TSX always works fine in the morning, I'd think the same would happen with the Garmin - altho the LCD screen might be slower to warm up in a small unit vs. the stock one that's right in the dash...

Depending on where you park - I'd be more worried about it getting stolen than it 'freezing'

 

I've had a garmin in my car for about 5 years now and it's fine in all conditions. On really cold days the LCD is groggy like cibs mentioned, but after the cabin warms up, it's fine.

 

I'd keep it indoors.


For function and safety.

 

I have a portable Garmin I use in the vehicles. During the winter months in Alberta it routinely drops to -35 at times. Never had an issue with leaving it in a vehicle.

Terry

 

Thanks guys...that's want I need to know!!

 

Yea i've always left mine in the car in cold weather. Didn't seem to affect it.

However, I've noticed when its been really cold, it sometimes takes longer to "Acquire Satellites". Is this something any of you have notice as well, or is it just in my imagination?

 

A quick search yielded this, stating you should take it instead in certain cases.... http://www.poi-factory.com/node/955

Notably, the comments by "hotdram" on that page.

 

If its battery operated, the cold will drain the battery faster, but other then that its a computer. And computers prefer cold to heat.

Other then that, I never leave my navi up. They are becoming a high ticket theft item.

 

I wouldn't leave any of it in my car, not the unit, the holder or the power cable. If someone sees any of these, they're breaking in to get it. In Bethesda, Md. they have over 20 cars broken into because of these things in just one night. Even if they saw just the holder, the report also said if they see they marks left from the suction cups on the windows.

 

haha, i just got my magellan roadmate for $120 and was askin the same thing
its really a bitch tho to remove and remount the suction cup, i got mine setup up right underneath the rear view mirror
but the power cord and the unit itself i hide well

 

I'd leave the suction and possibly take the unit in with you. That way you keep the really expensive bit with you.

 

I never had a problem with my MIO yet so I guess it should be fine