When Apple trademarked the catchphrase, “There’s an app for that,” it was exaggerating. Back then, there weren’t nearly enough apps to meet every imaginable. But with the current global app count at around 9 million, it’s more likely that there’s an app for any purpose imaginable. Yes, that includes your car. Here’s a look at 16 must-have apps for car owners.
Google Maps
Google Maps is a godsend if your vehicle doesn’t have an in-dash navigation system. It’s free and easy to use, offers clear turn-by-turn directions, allows for route planning, and will alert you if there’s an upcoming speed check or road closure. And that’s just scratching the surface.
Waze
Waze is an app for in-car navigation. In addition to offering turn-by-turn navigation, Waze provides updates on road hazards and traffic jams, recommendations on nearby restaurants and stores, tips about gas stations offering cheap fuel, and more. It’s worth the download.
Spotify
Do you enjoy listening to music, documentaries, or podcasts while driving? If so, Spotify is one app you should have on your phone. You can make personalized playlists, download podcasts and music, and enjoy good audio quality. Listening to Spotify content through your vehicle’s speakers will create a pleasant listening experience for you and your passengers.
GasBuddy
If you want to find the cheapest fuel in town, download the GasBuddy app. A big benefit of using the app is finding nearby gas stations that offer the cheapest prices. According to the company’s website, you can save as much as 25 cents per gallon on every fill-up at the gas station. You can also earn points that can be used to get discounts on other stuff.
BestParking
Do you hate looking for parking when driving downtown or elsewhere? It can be stressful. But after downloading the BestParking app, you can slay those frustrations. Use the app to find parking spaces offering the cheapest rates and book the one you want. Easy-peasy.
FIXD
FIXD is an OBDII scanner you can use to identify error codes on your dashboard. It doesn’t just show the error codes, as some more basic OBDII scanners do. It also suggests possible causes and even provides a price range for the repair. It’s a must for DIYers.
Roadtrippers
Do you like going on road trips? If so, the Roadtrippers app is worth taking along for the ride. You can plan all aspects of your excursion — the route, where you’ll stop for food and restroom breaks, where you’ll stop for shopping and other things, and more. The TrustPilot site says Roadtrippers is the top web-based and mobile app for road trip planning.
Turo
Turo does for car rentals what Airbnb does for accommodation rentals. If you need to rent a car for the weekend, the standard fare available at a car rental agency might not cut it. You can even rent something spicier, like a Ferrari, Porsche, or Cybertruck, through the Turo app.
Drivvo
Drivvo makes it easier to stay on top of car expenses. You can monitor fuel costs, mileage, fuel efficiency, and more. The information can help maximize fuel economy since you can adjust your driving habits. The Drivvo app offers car maintenance records and reminders. You can also use it to track down cheap fuel prices.
Cars.com
If you’re in the market for a new or used car or just like looking at vehicles for sale, the Cars.com app is a great option for your smartphone. You can use the app’s price quote option to contact car dealers through the app.
RentalCars.com
If you ever need to rent a vehicle, you’ll want an app like RentalCars.com. The app allows you to book the car you want without having to call a car rental company to reserve one.
Smart Dash Cam
Dash cams can save your bacon if you’re involved in an accident and there’s doubt about who the at-fault is. The Smart Dash Cam app will transform your smartphone into a dash cam. It’ll record footage that could dispel any he-said-she-said disagreements.
Find My Parked Car
Have you ever had trouble finding your car in a parking lot? Many drivers have. But the Find My Parked Car app can put those worries behind you. It taps into GPS location services that’ll allow you to save the location of your vehicle so you can find it quickly.
Radarbot Speed Camera Detector
When going on a long trip, the last thing you need is to be pulled over by the police for speeding. The Radarbot Speed Camera Detector app will reduce the odds of that happening. It features speed camera detection and offers real-time traffic alerts.
AutoGuru
The AutoGuru app is one way to save on car maintenance and repairs. It compares quotes for work you want done by mechanics in your neck of the woods. You can also base your decision on customer reviews to ensure you select the right service provider.
Torque Car Pro
Torque Car Pro is an app that you should consider if you want to be proactive with vehicle maintenance. The diagnostic tool is a Bluetooth adapter that connects to the OBDII system. You can use the app to stay on top of things so that issues are nipped in the bud before they get out of control.
Consider These Apps If You Own a Car
If you need help with anything car-related, remember there are apps for that. Check out the 16 apps above. You can find them on your favorite app store.
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