When driving anywhere there is so much to remember and keep track of including fuel consumption, location, phone calls, other drivers, unusual car sounds, and so much more. This can be stressful and frustrating but thanks to technology every day car drivers can use apps that will make all of these issues less difficult.
What Are the Best Apps for Car Maintenance?
There are so many car apps on the market including ones for professionals, speed lovers, and even mechanics. What about apps for the ever day driver who commutes to work or runs lots of errands? You will be happy to know there are just as many apps for drivers like you. Here are the 10 best apps for cars and every day drivers:
Waze
Waze is a very popular community app that lets you help other drivers on the road and they help you as well. As you drive, you can input information you see, such as low gas prices, accidents, police cars, and more. Other drivers will see this information you provided on the GPS map and can take advantage of it. You can do the same by seeing information others post along your route. It is better than usual GPS apps because many times roads are closed or one-day streets and the GPS doesn’t know it, but people on the road or in the neighborhood do know it and will provide that information for others.
DashDroid
DashDroid is an Android app that automates your phone while you drive. It helps keep you and other safe on the road. You should never use your phone while driving but sometimes that isn’t so easy to do, especially if someone keeps trying to contact you or you need to use the GPS on the phone. DashDroid automatically detects when you are driving and will then bring up the four top apps you preset to use, turn on Bluetooth, block calls/texts, and even reply to calls/texts with an automated response so people know you are driving. Stay safe while on the road but still keep your phone at hand with DashDroid.
Torque
Torque is designed for mechanics and car enthusiasts but every day drivers that want to save some money on repairs can take advantage of this app, too. You hook your phone up to the car through a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to read diagnostics and other information. It will provide codes if the check engine light is on. While you do have to pay for the adapter, you will save money finding out what is wrong with the vehicle by yourself instead of shopping around at mechanics who will just do the same thing to test the car.
Car Minder Plus
If you own a car, it is your responsibility to get regular checkups or change the oil after so many miles, but are you one of those people that forgets all the time? The information is in the car care book but how often do you look at it? Car Minder Plus is an app that keeps that information at hand for you. You have to put in the information from the car manual but then the app will do the rest and alert you when you need to do something for the vehicle. Every time you get a check or some repair, quickly add that to the app to receive even more alerts.
Openbay
Openbay allows you to search a network of auto shops to find one in your area with the best reviews or that can fix what’s wrong with your vehicle the best or cheapest. Openbay has a network of vetted mechanics so you know the businesses are legit and safe. You can even set a max amount of money to spend and Openbay holds the money until the repairs are complete. That way you don’t accidentally spend the money before hand and you can’t be overcharged for extra work you didn’t get a quote for. Openbay also keeps track of the repairs and how long before they are done.
Carcorder
Having a dash cam is helpful when driving because you have proof on hand if there is an accident and need to call your insurance provider. Unfortunately, dash cams can be expensive. Instead of buying a dash cam, turn your phone into one using Carcorder. The app allows you to use your phone’s camera to record video as you drive. You can set how long to record or have it automatically start recording at a certain time or speed. It will even send an alert to a set phone number if you are in an accident so that help will arrive right away.
GasBuddy
GasBuddy is the app version of the website of the same name. The site lists gas prices from all over the country so you always know where to find the cheapest gas. The app does the same thing but more conveniently on your phone. You can even read reviews about gas stations so you don’t end up using a filthy bathroom or getting rude employees. For fun, you can play games and complete challenges that award you with gas point cards to save even more money while on the road.
Inrix
Inrix is similar to Waze but without the community effort. It is a fancier version of Google Maps in that it will show you your route and give you an estimated time of arrival. You can then see if there are accidents or construction along the way that will slow down your trip. You can then reroute the GPS path and go your own way to your destination. Inrix makes travelling and commuting easier.
All of these apps will make driving safer and easier. You won’t worry about traffic or car break downs thanks to technology available right on your phone. Try out all of the apps to get the most out of your car.
Driving can be dangerous and costly what with people text and driving or the cost of gas and new parts when the car breaks down. Did you know there are apps that can help with these problems and that most of them are free to use? Check out the best apps for cars and make your travels easier.
