Just like our phones, our cars can do more today than they ever could before: it’s not just four wheels and an engine anymore but four wheels, an engine, a communications device, a navigation system and much, much more.
There’s an app for absolutely everything these days, so why not for your car too? Whether you’re an ardent tech-fiend or your car’s just getting on a bit and doesn’t support many of the new integrated app functions, here are eight of the best car apps you need to download right now.
Waze
Available on: iOS and Android
As an alternative to an aftermarket sat-nav, the Waze app can’t really be beaten. Providing turn-by-turn navigation and automatic traffic diverting in the event of congestion, it’s also completely free to download.
Not just that, but it features live traffic updates crowdsourced from other Waze users, which means you can keep on top of accidents, traffic jams and speed cameras in your local area as they appear in real time.
Carcorder
Available on: iOS
Dashcams are an increasingly popular accessory for drivers, with the ability to record your journeys giving security, hard evidence and peace of mind in the event you’re involved in an accident.
They can be pricey though, which is where Carcorder comes in. The app turns your iPhone into a dashcam and allows users to switch between different resolutions and even record locations via GPS. It lacks the functionality of a full dashcam, but for just £1.49 on the App Store it’s not bad.
iCarMode/Dashdroid
Available on: iOS/Android
For older cars that may lack modern infotainment systems and smartphone integration, iCarMode and Dashdroid are two apps which make it simple for drivers to turn their phones into mini infotainment screens.
Both display key phone functions as large and easily readable buttons on the screen, and users can create custom shortcuts for messaging, music streaming and other apps. iCarMode costs £1.31, while Dashdroid is free.
PetrolPricesPro
Available on: iOS and Android
Knowing where to get cheap fuel can make a world of difference when it comes to your car’s running costs, and this handy app helps find the best price for both petrol and diesel near you.
Unlike some other fuel-price apps, PetrolPricesPro is updated every weekday with pricing information for big fuel stations to supermarkets and smaller outlets too and information on how those prices compare to the national average.
GloveBox
Available on: iOS
Now that the paper tax disc has gone, it can be harder to keep on top of your motoring info, but the Glovebox app works as an easy to use directory in which you can keep all your information in one place.
Glovebox can keep your tax, insurance and MOT details, along with other useful info, and you can set reminders to alert you when something significant is due, like a servicing. Glovebox costs just 69p on the App Store.
Spotify
Available on: iOS and Android
Why stick with the traditional radio when you can listen to any song you want, anywhere and at any time? Streaming services can just as easily be enjoyed in your car, and of the multitude of apps, Spotify is probably the best.
Some cars even now offer it directly in your dashboard, but for everybody else it’s available for free on both iOS and Android. Hate adverts? It also offers a subscription service for ad-free, offline listening.
Roadtrippers
Available on: iOS and Android
Roadtrippers, which is available for free on both iOS and Android, takes the stress out of organising roadtrips by offering a place to take care of all the planning all at once.
It calculates the quickest route to your end destination and also suggests points of interests, hotels and places to eat. You can then share it with your friends, who can edit the route and make their own suggestions.
grdian
Available on: iOS and Android
An emergency response app for smartphones, technically grdian is aimed primarily at cyclists, but it also provides a valuable service for drivers too. As its slogan says: “This app can save your life”.
The app automatically calls emergency services in the event it detects a sudden stop or crash, and informs operators about your location via GPS. It also keeps an operator on the line for you to talk to, and can even contact family members for you.
