| All Garmin traffic GPS are in a group Garmin calls | | | | bring up a page that lists all the current Garmin |
| "FM traffic compatible". This means these GPS | | | | automotive GPS models. |
| can accept FM traffic data from an FM traffic | | | | On the top left of this page are several links, one |
| receiver and show it on the GPS display. A | | | | of which will be "Traffic Receivers". Click this link |
| subgroup of this larger group is titled "FM traffic | | | | and all of the Garmin traffic receivers will be |
| included" which means that the GPS is sold with | | | | displayed. Note that there are also some satellite |
| an integrated traffic receiver and subscription to | | | | receivers shown, but we will not address those in |
| the traffic service included in the purchase price. | | | | this article. |
| Now that we have the definitions out of the way, | | | | The basic differences between these traffic |
| let's clear up one point that may surprise you. | | | | receivers are the traffic service that they provide |
| None of these Garmin GPS actually have the FM | | | | and the type of plug on the cord that plugs into |
| receiver built inside the GPS. The FM receiver is | | | | the GPS. To find the FM traffic receiver for your |
| actually built into the cigarette lighter power plug | | | | Garmin Traffic GPS, click on the link to a specific |
| that powers the GPS. The cord that powers the | | | | receiver (Example: GTM(TM) 25 with lifetime |
| GPS also carries the data from the FM traffic | | | | traffic). When the page loads, you will see some |
| receiver located in the power plug to the GPS. | | | | tabs across the page toward the bottom of the |
| On all current Garmin units, you can tell if the GPS | | | | screen. When you click on the "Products" tab, a |
| has FM traffic included in the purchase price if the | | | | page will display all the Garmin GPS that are |
| model number has the letter "T" in the last | | | | compatible with the FM traffic receiver. |
| character position. Example: Garmin Nuvi 1490T. | | | | Check to see if your GPS is included and verify |
| If you purchase a GPS that includes traffic, you | | | | that the FM traffic service covers your area. The |
| will have an easy time installing it since the GPS | | | | traffic service is provided by either Clear Channel |
| and the FM receiver are matched when they | | | | Traffic Message Channel or NAVTEQ Traffic. |
| arrive together in the box. | | | | Other subscriptions may be available under the |
| If you purchased an FM Traffic compatible unit | | | | "Accessories" tab (if displayed). |
| without the FM receiver (and associated | | | | You should now have the information you need |
| subscription to the traffic service), you will need | | | | to make an intelligent decision about how to add |
| to do some research if you want to add the | | | | traffic capability to your Garmin traffic GPS. |
| traffic service to your GPS. | | | | Good luck and good driving. Steer clear of traffic |
| The best place to find the information you need | | | | with your Garmin traffic GPS. |
| for this is on the Garmin website. Go to the | | | | See the resource information below for more |
| Garmin home page. You will see a link on the top | | | | information about using the Garmin and Amazon |
| left of the page, "On the Road". Move your cursor | | | | websites to find the correct FM receiver for your |
| over this link and a drop down box with appear. | | | | Garmin traffic GPS. |
| Click the link "Automotive" in this box. This will | | | | |