I recently purchased a Garmin nuvi(r) 1310(T) from Halfords in Manchester and was advised to get a "free" update after registering my unit, as it could be 1-2 years old. On checking there were no "free" updates. I would have thought the "first" update would be "free" with subsequent updates chargeable ? Please advise

If you register the unit you will get free software updates and one free map update. The software updates have fixes for how it operates. There are also free gadgets, voices that you can download only if you register. It also activates your warranty. Also if you register the unit and set the security pin lock code and you forget the code or someone steals it Garmin may help you. I will attach a link below to register.
Thanks for using FixYa

https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/registrationGettingStarted.htm?productType=auto&categoryType=AUTO

Garmin provides free online map updates (if available) within 90 days after purchase. A purchase is recorded when the Garmin Nuvi detects a certain travel speed or when the Nuvi is registered at MyGarmin.com

To qualify for free Map updates, register the Garmin Nuvi at MyGarmin.com using serial number and owner name.

A map update is a large download - which can take considerable amounts of time. When updating a Garmin map with a PC one needs at least 5Gb of free space at the C drive.

If the Garmin Nuvi is sold with "life-time updates" for maps & traffic - updates are available for download at MyGarmin.com once they are available.

A "life-time update" is coupled to the serial number of the Garmin unit. If the serial number does not match the box with "life-time updates" on it - it could be the Garmin Nuvi came from another box without "life-time updates".

Without "life-time updates" - maps are available for free within 60 days after purchase. A "purchase" is registered by the Garmin device if it detects a certain speed or when it's registered at MyGarmin.com - meaning the 60 day countdown starts. Without a "life-time update" for traffic - a traffic subscription must be bought for a country & timeframe. (ie a year).

The manufacturer offers updates at their website. Here is the link for the update page: http://www8.garmin.com/updatemaps/

You'll need to plug your Nuvi into your PC (it uses a mini-USB to USB data cable), and the website detects which unit you have and which updates are available for it. You'll have to download "MyGarmin Agent" and/or Garmin's Communicator Plugin first, if you don't already have them installed on your computer. It's a good idea to have a MicroSD card plugged into your Nuvi before connecting it to your PC (The Nuvi and the memory card each show up as removable drives in My Computer). Otherwise, if the unit is too low on memory when you attempt to update, you'll either have to get a MicroSD card to expand the available memory, or deal with reduced map data coverage.

Unfortunately, I don't believe the updates are going to be free for you -- Garmin has very specific conditions in order to qualify for an update at no charge. Don't quote me on that, though.... Not knowing all the specifics on your unit or it's purchase, I can't say for sure. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

Good luck

Contact Garmin Customer Support.
They will assist you as your unit should be under warranty.

North America - Consumer Products
Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 6 PM, Friday 8 AM - 5 PM Central Time (closed holidays)
US: 913-397-8200
US Toll Free: 1-800-800-1020
Canada: 1-866-429-9296

Just go to http://www.garmin.com There will be a registeration link. Yes I think that you will get a free mapupdate with your registeration at least they used to do that. You will need your unit serial number and model.

First of all, you have to register your unit to Garmin, then you will receive a link including updating map information.

Unfortunately, it's not free.