It seems there’s an
endless variety of smart phone apps for drivers, form ones sniffing out cheap
gas to those with hang-holding turn-by-turn directions. We’ve found these
six-which are free, or a mere dollar or two-quite useful. But, don’t let ANY
app distract you from driving and jeopardize your safety
Gas Buddy
Every driver can
appreciate saving a few bucks at the pump. The free Gas Buddy app promises to
help you find the best prices in your area, wherever you are. Using your smart
phone’s built-in GPS receiver, GasBuddy pinpoints your location and pulls up
fuel prices at stations in the area, displaying both major brands and
independents by name. The app lists prices for regular, mid-grade, and premium
as well as diesel where available, and indicates how recently the displayed
prices have been updated. When you choose a station GasBuddy will give
turn-by-turn directions.
Compatibility
Free for Android,
Blackberry, and iPhone.
iWrecked
In the harried moments
following 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 hassle later on. Like
similar apps iWrecked guides you on what to do after a crash, from taking
photos of the scene to getting contact information from other drivers. It can
also dial 911 and locate the nearest taxi, tow-truck service, or police
station.
Compatibility
Free for iPhone
DriveSafe.ly
The DriveSafe.ly app
reads e-mail and text messages aloud while you drive and can send a
pre-programmed response message saying you’re unavailable. The free version has
a limit of 25 words per message. The premium version can handle messages of 500
words.
Compatibility
Free or $13.95
annually for Android, Blackberry, iPhone, and Windows Mobile.
iExit Interstate Guide
This handy app can
help take the guesswork out of road trip pit stops by identifying the
restaurants, gas stations, hotels and other services available at each exit.
Make a selection, and the app gives the option of turn-by-turn directions or
calling ahead with one touch. You can search up to 100 exits ahead, or even in
another state when planning a trip.
Features include
filtering by categories such as food or lodging, and by specific brands or
company names. The app also lists rest areas, to help when that 64-oz. soda
needs to be relieved. But because of the dangers of distraction, it is safest
if a passenger uses the app when underway.
Compatibility
Free for Android, $.99
for iPhone.
Waze
This app combines
turn-by-turn navigation with crowd-sourced traffic information, which means
that it gathers speed data from user devices when the app is open, and reports
back to other users how traffics is flowing on any given road. A red line
indicates traffic is stopped; yellow means slow and green is flowing freely.
Users have the option
of adding photos, personal observations, adding photos, personal observations,
and random thoughts to that information, which can be a distraction. But those
features can be disabled. If you stick to the basic navigation and traffic information,
you can’t go wrong for the price.
Compatibility:
Free for Android and
iPhone
RepairPal
RepairPal can give you
estimates on what to expect to pay for repairs, and then find a repair shop and
get estimates. After entering your car’s make, model and other details, you’ll
get a range of estimates in seconds. It can keep vehicle records and give
service reminders, and even help locate emergency assistance if you break down.
Compatibility
Free for Android and
iPhone
