Released in 2006

Why get lost?

Satellite navigation systems are becoming better, cheaper and easier to fit. They are now essential accessories for drivers. Instead of fighting with a map (or your passenger), you input your desired location to the 'sat nav' and are guided there by a combination of audio and visual instructions. Some systems warn you of road works, traffic queues and speed cameras. Others include locations of parks, airports, hotels and so on. They work in the UK, Europe and many other parts of the world.

We said they are becoming easier to fit and that's true. However, to get the best from a sat nav, there are some installation tips to bear in mind. These are detailed in the Haynes ICE manual - the definitive guide to in-car entertainment. This is one of many manuals from Haynes which complement its world-famous car, van and motorcycle servicing and repair manuals.

Written from hands-on experience of installing in-car entertainment systems, security systems, mobile video and navigation systems, the Haynes ICE manual has practical step-by-step explanations, linked to numerous photos, which will help you get the job done right.

To show you what we mean, below are 10 handy tips if you are fitting a navigation system.

Notes to Editors:

The information on this website is supplied courtesy of Haynes Publishing, please credit accordingly if you intend to use it. For further information, please contact Rebecca Nicholls on Tel: 01452 260063 or email: pr@haynes.co.uk

The Haynes ICE manual costs £19.99. Haynes Car Owners Workshop Manuals retail at £18.99 (hardback) and are available from all good car accessory retailers and bookshops including: Halfords, Motor World and WH Smith. A comprehensive stockist locator can be found at www.haynes.co.uk.

10 handy tips when fitting a navigation system  

1. The more sophisticated systems often have a separate computer, which can be mounted in the boot or glovebox. Bear in mind you may need to insert different CDs or DVDs in order to navigate in different parts of the UK or elsewhere in the world.
2. Do not mount the computer near extreme heat or a where it may get damp. It must be mounted horizontally (within about five degrees, or as instructed by the manufacturer).
3. Mounting the monitor correctly is vital. It should be easily visible when driving but not distracting. Try to avoid reflections on its screen and be careful that it does not cause reflections at night.
4. If the monitor has a touch screen or buttons in its housing, it needs to be mounted where your hand can reach it easily.
5. Some heavy monitors or flimsy mounting brackets may cause the monitor to vibrate annoyingly on rough roads - you may need to provide extra support such as a piece of polystyrene foam.
6. Sat nav systems which incorporate a radio/CD and fit in place of the original equipment will need to connected to your vehicle's wiring loom. Other systems often plug in to the cigar lighter - be careful that the cable does not get in the way of controls.
7. With systems that have a separate aerial, positioning it correctly is vital. The roof or the boot lid is the best place for the aerial. However, it can sometimes be mounted inside the car - stuck to the base of the windscreen, for example.
8. Do not mount the aerial under a metal surface, dense plastic or cardboard. Some window tinting material or heat-resistant glass may cause poor reception.
9. Do not shorten the aerial lead - coil excess cable into large loops and secure it with cable ties.
10.   Monitors that clip into a bracket are targets for thieves. Do not leave the monitor (or the bracket) on show when your vehicle is unattended.

These useful tips are just the sorts of vital information you will find in Haynes manuals. Each contains contain sections on maintenance - simple weekly checks to keep you on the road; servicing - complete, fully illustrated step-by-step guides; fault finding - information helping you to pinpoint specific problems easily; brakes - safety checks and repairs for the home mechanic; plus Haynes Hints - valuable short cuts to make many tasks easier.