Ever wonder where the
cheapest gas is in your area? Or how many miles to the next highway rest stop?
What about how much a car repair will cost? Well, yes, there’s an app for that…and
more. Here are several apps our auto experts have used and found handy for
driving. But please, do your setup and searching while the car is parked so
that they don’t distract you from the road. And if you need to see the screen
while driving, we recommend buying a smart-phone ount that attaches to the
windshield or dash
GasBuddy
This free app helps
you find the best fuel prices at nearby stations. After pinpointing your
location, it displays prices reported by other users for regular, mid-grade,
premium, and diesel at major-brand and independent stations, and shows how
recently the prices have been updated. After you choose a station, it will give
turn-by-turn directions to it. Turn on your GPS receiver for the most accurate
information. The app is compatible with Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone.
RepairPal
After entering you
car’s make, model, and other details, this app can give you estimates on what a
car repair is likely to cost in your area. It can also help you find a repair
shop and get real-world quotes on the work. If you log your vehicle’s
maintenance schedule, it will give you service reminders. It even helps you
locate emergency assistance if you break down on the road. It’s free for
Android and iPhone.
iWrecked
in the harried moments
after a fender bender, it can be difficult to think clearly. But it’s critical
to properly document the event and the parties involved, because capturing that
information can save both money and hassles later. This free iPhone app guides
you through what to do after a crash, such as taking photos of the scene and
getting contact information from other drivers. It can also dial 911 and locate
a taxi, tow service, or police.
DriveSafe.ly
This app is designed
to help you keep up with your e-mail and text messages but minimizes their
distraction. It reads you messages aloud while you drive and car send a
programed response that says you’re unavailable. The free version has a limit
of 25 words per message. The “pro” version ($13.95 annually) can handle
messages of 500 words and allows you to change the gender of the “voice”. It’s
compatible with Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, and windows Mobile.
iExit
you can help take some
of the guesswork out of road-trip pit stops by letting this app identify the
restauants, gas stations, hotels, and other services available at each exit. It
displays the information as you approach an exit, or you can search by a
category or y a specific brand or company name. make a selection, and you can
call the service with one touch. It also locates rest areas. It costs $1.99 for
iPhone and is free for Android.
Apps that’s talk to your car
The automaker are
rolling out apps for many ò their models that allow you to perform various
functions using your phone, such as locking and unlocking door, remote
starting, and monitoring teenage drivers. You can also get maintenance
reminders and schedule service appointments. Apps for some electric cars let
you monitor and control charging. Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s
website to see what’s available for your car.
The Ford Focus Electric app reports
charging progress.
