Let’s face it—owning a car is as much about the little annoyances as it is about the freedom of the open road. From keeping up with oil changes and tire rotations to finding a parking spot in a crowded city, there’s a lot that goes into keeping your ride in top shape.
But hey, it’s 2024, and we’ve got apps for just about everything these days, right? Whether you’re looking to streamline your car’s maintenance schedule, find the cheapest gas, or score the perfect parking spot, there’s an app for that. Let’s dive into some of the best apps every car owner should have on their phone.
1. Maintenance Trackers: Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
My Car Maintenance & Fuel Tracker
This app is a must-have for anyone who wants to stay on top of their car’s health without having to remember every little detail. It tracks everything from oil changes to tire rotations, reminding you when it’s time for your next service. Plus, it lets you log fuel expenses, so you can see exactly how much that road trip cost you in gas.
AUTOsist
AUTOsist is another great tool for keeping track of your vehicle’s maintenance. It offers digital storage for all your car’s records—think repair receipts, insurance info, and service history—so you never have to worry about losing a piece of paper again. Plus, it’s super easy to set reminders for upcoming maintenance tasks.
2. Gas Price Finders: Save at the Pump
GasBuddy
Gas prices got you down? GasBuddy is here to help. This app shows you the cheapest gas stations near your location, so you’re always getting the best deal when you fill up. It even has a fuel rewards program to help you save even more.
Waze
While Waze is primarily a navigation app, it also features real-time gas prices along your route. It’s perfect for those long road trips when you need to plan your fuel stops without going too far off course.
3. Parking Finders: Never Hunt for a Spot Again
ParkMobile
Tired of driving in circles looking for a parking spot? ParkMobile has got you covered. This app lets you find and reserve parking spots in advance, and you can even pay right through the app. No more fumbling for change at the meter!
SpotHero
SpotHero is another lifesaver when it comes to parking in busy areas. It connects you with available parking spots in garages and lots, often at discounted rates. Just book a spot through the app, and you’re good to go.
4. Roadside Assistance: Help When You Need It
HONK
Whether you’ve got a flat tire, ran out of gas, or need a tow, HONK is like having a roadside assistance service right in your pocket. The app connects you with local service providers and gives you real-time updates on their arrival. It’s like Uber, but for when your car needs a lift.
AAA Mobile
If you’re a AAA member, the AAA Mobile app is a must-have. It offers everything from roadside assistance requests to discounts and deals on car-related services. Plus, it’s got a handy trip planning feature for those long drives.
5. Navigation and Traffic: Get There Faster
Google Maps
Google Maps is the go-to app for reliable navigation and real-time traffic updates. Whether you’re driving across town or across the country, it’ll get you there with the least amount of hassle. Plus, it integrates with many other apps to help you find gas, food, and even parking along your route.
Waze
Waze deserves another shoutout here for its real-time traffic alerts. It’s community-driven, so you get updates from other drivers about accidents, road closures, and speed traps. It’s like having a friend in the passenger seat who knows all the shortcuts.
6. Vehicle Valuation: Know What Your Car is Worth
Kelley Blue Book
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your car’s value, the Kelley Blue Book app is the gold standard. It gives you an accurate estimate based on your vehicle’s make, model, year, and condition. Plus, it’s packed with useful tips for buying and selling cars.
Edmunds
Edmunds is another great resource for car valuations. The app offers price comparisons, reviews, and expert advice on buying new or used cars. It’s a must-have if you’re in the market for a new ride.
7. Driving Behavior and Safety: Drive Smarter
Automatic
This app connects to your car’s OBD-II port and gives you detailed insights into your driving habits, fuel efficiency, and even diagnostic trouble codes if something goes wrong. It’s like having a mini mechanic onboard that helps you drive smarter and save money in the long run.
MileIQ
If you use your car for work, MileIQ is a lifesaver. It automatically tracks your mileage and logs it for easy expense reporting or tax deductions. It’s perfect for freelancers, salespeople, or anyone who needs to keep track of their driving for business purposes.
8. Car Buying and Selling: Simplify the Process
Carvana
Carvana makes buying and selling a car as easy as ordering a pizza. You can browse through thousands of cars, purchase one online, and have it delivered right to your doorstep. If you’re selling, they’ll give you an instant offer and even pick up the car from your location.
Vroom
Similar to Carvana, Vroom offers a hassle-free way to buy or sell a car online. The app allows you to browse through a large inventory of vehicles, with detailed photos and descriptions. Plus, they offer financing options directly through the app.
9. Ride-Sharing and Carpooling: Save on Commutes
Waze Carpool
If you’re looking to save on commuting costs, Waze Carpool connects drivers and riders heading in the same direction. It’s a great way to reduce the wear and tear on your car, lower fuel costs, and meet some new people along the way.
Lyft
While primarily a ride-sharing app, Lyft also offers a feature called Lyft Rentals, where you can rent a car directly through the app. It’s handy if you’re traveling or just need a different vehicle for a short period without the hassle of traditional car rental agencies.
10. Electric Vehicle (EV) Owners: Charge Up
PlugShare
For EV owners, PlugShare is a must-have. It helps you find charging stations near you, whether you’re planning a long trip or just need a quick top-up. The app also has user reviews, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint is one of the largest networks of EV charging stations, and their app makes it easy to find and use these chargers. It even integrates with your vehicle to show you charging status and station availability in real-time.
11. Entertainment on the Go: Keep Passengers Happy
Audible
Long drives can get a little dull, but Audible keeps things interesting with a vast library of audiobooks and podcasts. Whether you’re into thrillers, history, or self-improvement, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the road.
Spotify
Spotify is essential for music lovers on the go. Create playlists, discover new artists, or listen to your favorite podcasts—all while driving. The app’s interface is also optimized for car displays, making it easy to control while you’re behind the wheel.
Owning a car doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially when you’ve got the right tools at your fingertips. These apps can make your life on the road a whole lot easier, whether you’re keeping up with maintenance, saving on gas, finding a parking spot, or getting roadside assistance. So, go ahead—download a few of these, and drive with confidence, knowing you’ve got everything under control.
