Car compass

[Grouch]

Are any pocket or wrist compasses capable of accurate readings in a car or do cars generate too strong of a magnetic field? Do the "floating ball" or simple digital types of compasses sold in auto stores work?

 

[Cougar Allen]

There is one spot in the exact magnetic center of the car where a simple uncompensated compass will work. Of course it's likely to be inconvenient.

You can get an auto compass with compensating magnets built into the case and mount it merely near the center of the car and adjust the screws to compensate.

 

[macdo]

Just remember to re-swing the compass if your car is hit by lightning.

Seriously - I had a cheap one work well in an Explorer. By well I mean within 20 degrees or so which was enough to give me the hint whether I was heading North or South on any particular route.

 

[Raymond1000]

I tried one in my truck. When the truck was aimed North, the compass said North East. When I drove around the block, the compass said I was driving North East the whole time. I tossed it.

 

[BlueyM]

Not sure if this will meet your needs, but a GPS is not affected by a vehicle's magnetic field and will give very accurate compass headings when mounted on the windshield or fitted with an external antenna.

Keep a standard compass in your truck as a back up, you only need to be about 10 feet away to get accurate bearings.

 

[xbxb]

I bought a digital one for about 20 bucks at Auto Zone ( I think). It works great.