We live in a world where mobile phone usage is an integral part of our lives and not just for communicating. Be it for fitness, books, dating or even driving, there is an app for almost everything in 2021.
By downloading the right apps, your phone can become the perfect driving companion. We’ve put together a list of our top 10 IOS and Android apps to enhance your driving experience!
- WAZE
Waze has quickly become one of the most popular mobile navigation apps to use for car users, and not just for its navigation abilities.
Waze is a community-driven app that calculates fast routes by collecting information directly from its users. It does this by monitoring user movements, but also includes traffic information that can be reported live by users, so it doesn’t just rely on local authorities for the info. The theory is that this helps Waze to produce faster routes and quicker re-calculating of journeys if data shows a planned route is going slowly.
The Waze app is free to download, and more than 100 million people are believed to be using it across the globe, making it one of the most popular apps on the planet.
- SMART DASH CAM
Is there any need to buy a dashcam anymore? Turn your phone into a full-featured car video recorder at a fraction of the cost of the standalone device. The Smart Dash Cam app automatically captures every driving moment using auto-loop technology and collision detection. You can feel at ease having a dependable “silent witness” by your side.
- MILEIQ
Do you cover a lot of miles on business and have trouble tracking them all for expense claims? Using your phone’s clock and GPS to automatically track each of your journeys with MileIQ, the app logs start and stop times as well as total miles driven, and you can even define the reimbursement rate per mile.
Categorise business or personal trips with a simple swipe, export to a spreadsheet and job done!
- PETROL PRICES
Buying fuel can be one of motoring’s biggest expenditures so it’s always good to know which garage has cheaper fuel. But how can you stay on top of this when fuel prices are constantly changing?
Petrol Prices is a handy app that notifies you of the cheapest petrol garages near your location. Sign up for alerts and you’ll get notified of the cheapest option per week, helping you to keep your fuel costs as low as possible!
- SPOTIFY
Probably the best-known app on this list – Spotify! Listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks on the go whilst driving.
Is there anything better than a long journey with all your favourite songs in a playlist?
- CAR MANUFACTURER APPS
Do you hate those cold February mornings scraping the ice off your windscreen? How good would it be to turn your heated windscreen on before you leave the house from the comfort of your nice warm home? Well, the dream is now a reality!
Most modern vehicles have companion apps that sync with your car to see a whole range of important information such as fuel range, recent trips, battery range, etc.
Some even allow things like remote start for your car over the old key fob method – Each manufacturer has a unique set of features.
- JUSTPARK
Heading somewhere familiar and unsure about where to park? It can be a stressful experience. JustPark is the solution – allowing you to find and reserve parking spaces easily and available on both IOS and Android.
Not only can you search and pay for a space in-app, but you can choose from a variety of options including both car parks and private driveways.
Have some space on your drive? If you’re looking to earn a little bit of extra money, you can even list your parking space on the app – perfect if you live in a desirable location and have a spare space or two.
- PLUGSHARE
Have you joined the electric car revolution yet? If not, you most likely will be within the next 10 years and this app could be a blessing for you.
PlugShare is a handy new app, available on both IOS and Android, that shows you the nearest charging stations for electric cars – particularly handy if you’re new to all things electric.
So, if you notice your battery starting to run out, just check out PlugShare for the closest charging point to you!
- FIND MY PARKED CAR
We’ve all been there – A busy car park and whoops, you forgot where you parked your car in this huge car park!
The Find My Car App relieves you of the panic by using simple GPS location services. The app allows you to save the location of your car – it even gives you the option to take a picture of your parking spot, set an alarm for when your ticket runs out and more!
- ARE WE NEARLY THERE YET?
With staycations on the rise due to the pandemic, you may have some long journeys ahead for the next few years!
This app helps to keep children entertained on long journeys. It includes games like ‘I Spy’ and interesting trivia on your route, and if they get bored of those, there are also loads of games and jokes to keep them happy.
