Back in the day, you used to need the classified section, Auto Trader magazine, or the yearly auto show at your nearby convention center to get your car fill. But now, car lovers have many apps to fill their appetite. You don’t need to wait for special events and new editions of automobiles. These days, you can find cars right in your backyard, connect with like-minded people, and keep up-to-date on all the latest models all from your mobile device. The following are some must-have apps for car lovers.
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DriveSafe.ly
Drivesafe.ly’s name says it all. This is an app that you can use to read your text messages out loud. You have no excuse, with this app, to be fiddling with your phone while driving, so as you drivesafe.ly, you’ll not only be able to stay on top of your texts, but arrive safely to that important appointment or date. It can also read emails, Facebook statuses and messages, and Twitter updates.
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RepairPal
Is your car a work in progress? Something you put TLC into? Maybe you have a fussy or bad car. This app is great for those who have older cars, or cars that need repairs. You can log all your repairs in the app and get quotes, from your area, on fixing the problem du jour. RepairPal also offers roadside assistance, minus the auto club member fees. It’s nice to know, even if for now your car is in perfect condition.
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Waze
Waze is a GPS app which has quite a following and the reviews to back it up. There are over 50 million regular users who turn to the app on their commutes. Waze keeps track of everything from directions; traffic density; upcoming hazards; route changes; and detailed voice-guided map navigation. A lot of the data is community-based, so you can add things you come across to help others in the same vicinity. You can earn points, add friends through Facebook, see gas prices wherever you are, and it’ll remember your most frequent destinations and route to get there.
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IOnRoad
This app is for iOS and is a real technical marvel. It gives you real-time monitoring of the vehicles around you, letting you stay on top of the movements of other drivers by analyzing whether or not you’re in a hazardous situation. You can get audio and visual feedback, alerting you to lane changes and potential accident risks. This essential app helps you keep an eye on the road and evaluate how safe you are with the drivers around you. You can also see your distance, fuel efficiency and other basic things, like time of day and weather, right from the main screen.
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Carbuzz News App
This app, available for Android and iOS, is essential for keeping up-to-date on car news. From rumors of new models and lines to announcements and reveals, this is the online source that keeps you in the loop. With rich and colorful photos, you can get previews and reviews of new cars, as well as the latest and greatest features in the world of automobiles.
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TripAlyzer
If you’re more into the technical side of driving, then this is an app for you. It analyses just about everything to do with your driving, from fuel efficiency, miles per gallon, distance, speed, direction and the amount of gas used when filling up the tank. You can even get your carbon dioxide score to make sure your car is running at peak performance and is as environmentally clean as it should be.
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BMW Parking Assistant
This is a handy little app by BMW. Not only does it keep track of things like how much meter time you have, and map out the distance to and from your car to where you’re going, but it lets you record and remembers where you parked. So no more forgetting what level you parked on, or dashing out to the street to make sure you beat the parking meter. This app will remember where you parked and you can make notes of your surroundings if you have any trouble.
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Car Logo Quiz App
The premise is as simple as the name makes it sound. This match game has different logos, and players must match the right ones with the right car company. From major brands to obscure and specialized ones, this game should keep any car lover busy and learning. Test your knowledge and brush up on the brands you don’t know.
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Geico Insurance App
Are you a member of the Gecko-led insurance company? If so, this app is for you. Not only can you track and make bill payments, but you can review your insurance policy right on your device, as well as schedule and organize repairs, right through the app. This saves you the time and hassle of trying to find the right mechanic for your car and it has you knowing your deductible before you even step foot on the lot.
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My Max Speed 2.0
This route-tracking app records all the details about your drive and maximum speed, distance traveled, and the route you took. It’s simple and to the point, but there’s also a side advantage to the app which is very beneficial. Parents can log their kids’ driving, and see if they’re driving safely and staying out of trouble. Simply record their journey as they take off for the night and keep an eye on how the night turns out from your own mobile device.
What are the must-have car apps?
You can still go to car shows to check out the latest and greatest in vehicles and gadgets, but you don’t need to. You can find car news, apps that make your drive safer and more efficient, mechanics, repair centers, and more all from your mobile device. Whether you’re a city driver who uses their car to get to work and run errands, or a seasoned car addict who loves going on frequent road trips, you should find an app on this list that will make your ride that much more enjoyable.
