4. Mounting the nuvi 265WT in the Car

Figure 18: Garmin nuvi 265WT, Mounted in the Car

Like other Garmin nuvi GPS devices, mounting the 265WT in the car is a quick and simple matter that doesn't require any professional installation. Attach the windshield mount to the glass, connect the power cable, dock the GPS, and you're ready to start navigating.

It's now legal in every state except Minnesota to mount a GPS in the vehicle's windshield. Most people will likely choose to attach the GPS in the lower-center portion of the windshield, as pictured above, although it's equally acceptable mount the GPS in the lower or upper left corner of the windshield. Note that if you live in California, technically you're only allowed to mount a GPS in the left or right corners (although this law doesn't seem to be enforced, based on reader feedback and personal experiences).

Figure 19: Attaching the Suction Cup Mount to the Windshield

Locate the area on the windshield where you want to mount the GPS, then press the suction cup mount against the glass and lower the locking lever into place to secure the mount to the windshield.

Figure 20: Attaching the Cradle to the Windshield Mount

The cradle has a socket in the rear that snaps onto the ball of the suction cup mount. Connecting the cradle to the mount is simply a matter of pressing firmly on the cradle until the ball snaps into the socket on the back of the cradle. To remove the cradle, twist the cradle to the right or left until it snaps off the mount.

This ball-and-socket style mount is easy to use, holds up well to wear and tear, and holds the unit firmly in place while driving.

Figure 21: Windshield Mount and Cradle, Attached to the Glass

Figure 22: Connect the 12v Power Adapter

Plug in the power adapter/traffic receiver into your vehicle's cigarette lighter adapter.

Figure 23: Connecting the Vehicle Power Cable to the nuvi 265WT

Connect the mini-USB end of the vehicle power cable to the back of the nuvi

Figure 24: Docking the nuvi 265WT

Fit the bottom of the nuvi into the cradle, and tilt the GPS back towards the windshield until it snaps into place.

Figure 25: nuvi 265WT, Mounted in the Car

Garmin's supplied windshield mount is excellent, and makes it easy to quickly dock and adjust the angle of the GPS.

Figure 26: nuvi 265WT, Mounted in the Car

A single cable powers the nuvi and provides traffic updates. The large rectangle box in the cable is a little unsightly, but it's still better than having a separate FM Traffic wire.