The Most Useful Automotive Apps For Your Phone
While having a car is a beneficial part of growing up and a real tool for transportation, there are a lot of problems that can accompany buying a vehicle. Car security, oil changes, and in-car entertainment are only a few challenges that car owners will experience during their term as a vehicle owner/operator. There are many phone applications on the market today that are programmed to help solve virtually every car practice. Compiled are the best Android and IOS applications for car owners to improve their daily car experience.
Time-Saving: Waze
Waze is an excellent app for car drivers who are looking to navigate their way to any destination. Much like typical navigation apps, Waze can avoid toll routes, stop in at the nearest gas station or highway restaurant, however, Waze has a unique feature that makes it a top-notch application for all. Waze is known for having user-generated content in real time which allows users, to upload information and updates they see on the road, for example, if there is substantial traffic, users may signal drivers a few minutes behind (who also have the app) about the delay. With this feature, it is simple for users to avoid police speed traps and outsmart traffic.
Up next is an application that helps aspiring drivers with their first hurdle.
Perfect For Practice: US DMV Driving Tests
Taking a driving test can be nerve-racking, but is a mandatory step in every driver's life. US DMV Driving Tests is an app that provides practice for those about to take their test and need some extra help, or a simple reminder. Configured to match any state-specific conditions or signs, the app provides practice tests with results so that users are aware of possible questions they may face in the real examination. Not only is the app designed to help aspiring car drivers with their tests, but it also includes tests for M-Class licenses and Commercial permits. Appropriate for everyone, this app is a popular download for those about to start their driving career.
The following is an application that provides drivers with a solution for data overcharges during their travels.
Save Data: WIFI Anywhere
WIFI Anywhere is a handy app for those that are on the road a lot. Sure, you have to be near wifi outlets to take advantage of the hotspots, however, for those that do a lot of driving in the city, or travel a lot for work, this app will help during stops and in between trips. Going over data limits can be a pain by driving up phone bills, and although using data in the car can be enjoyable for playing music, podcasts or other uses, they do eat away at available data quickly. WIFI Anywhere also allows users to check their data usage, as well as provides a network speed update for useful knowledge.
Upcoming is an idea that will enable drivers to put road safety first while still enjoying their phone entertainment.
Safe Driving: iCarMode
When looking for apps to enhance the car experience, drivers should consider iCarMode for IOS. Although iCarMode is a paired app, it costs just over two dollars and can make a big difference in the way drivers interact with their phones on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous and can become a hefty ticket for those caught doing it, or cause an accident because of it. Therefore, iCarMode takes care of switching between phone functions while on the road. A simple two pages contain contacts, music, maps and phone accessibility all in a clean, easy-to-use system that makes receiving that call, or switching tunes comfortable and safe for all.
Next on the docket is a simple, yet commonly forgotten application that most drivers should download.
Often Forgotten Car Company Apps
Third party apps can be useful for drivers both on the road and off, but many vehicle owners and operators forget about their cars manufacturer app. Car companies often have applications that are specific to units produced and sold by the business that have unique benefits. For example, Nissan has an app that allows the owner to perform various functions including starting their car remotely, locking and unlocking doors, as well as tracking the vehicle for security purposes. Many of these features are universal in other company apps and prove useful in the long run. One downside to these apps is that set-up may take some time, and may require vehicle information such as VINs. Following is the ideal app for in-car entertainment.
Perfect For Roadtrips: Spotify
Spotify is a great app altogether. For drivers that are tired of listening to the radio on their trips and want to choose their tunes from a wide variety of music, Spotify is the tool for them. Available in IOS and Android, Spotify is simple to use and allows users to compile personal playlists or listen to pre-made lists. Internet access is required to use the app, however, for Spotify Premium users there is an option to download playlists making them available offline, perfect for trips. Not to mention that having a set, preferable, playlist reduces the urge for drivers to use their phones while operating a car actively. Next is another entertainment app that is an alternative to music while driving.
Entertainment Alternative: Podcasts
Not everyone is interested in only listening to music when they are driving; some people prefer talk shows. That being said, radio shows, do not always provide content that is engaging or fits all audience preferences. Therefore, the Podcasts app, available for IOS and adaptations available for Android, is a great way to listen to exciting content that falls into a wide variety of categories. Podcast episodes are often downloadable which is perfect for saving data on the road, and chapters may range anywhere from ten minutes to an hour. Podcasts is an educational and engaging app that many car drivers use daily for entertainment. The application coming up next will ensure car owners are aware of their vehicles maintenance schedule.
Maintenance Made Easy: myCARFAX
Trying to remember when your car is in need of maintenance can be a pain, and often time, confusing. An application for Android called myCARFAX uses data to display maintenance history and alerts to the owner as a convenient and efficient way of tracking when services such as oil changes and battery replacements are needed, also including prices and suggested businesses. A bonus feature of this app is that automobile drivers may receive notices about new car recalls, ensuring they are aware of car issues and more. Available in the Google Play store, myCARFAX is a free application which has been adopted by many users and has nearly five stars in reviews. Every once in a while, a car fender bender is bound to happen; this next application will help defuse the situation.
Precautionary: AutoGuard Dash Cam
Driving can be a lot of fun, however, now and then a fender bender can take place on the road, whether it be a big crash or a tiny bump. Regardless, when incidents happen on the way, there is often a debate around who was at fault and what evidence there is to support a claim. AutoGuard Dash Cam is an application available in the Android store which allows users to convert their phones into a recording device, which can capture car speeds, time and place, as well as constant video documentation for reference and insurance purposes. Having a docking station for the phone is one mandatory addition for this app to work, but these accessories are relatively cheap and could save money in the long run. Following is an intelligent solution for solving the "where's my car?" issue.
Never Get Lost: Honk
When in a new city or neighborhood, it may be difficult for drivers to find their way back to their car, especially if the block is congested and full of commuters. Honk, the IOS application, fixes that problem by providing an in-phone ability to pin your car’s location on a map, picture taking and editing for remembering landmarks, and an ingenious function that tracks how much time is left on a parking meter. Another strong feature of Honk is a system that allows owners the ability to search for nearby ATM’s, cafes and more while walking.