Whether you’re heading out on the highway for a long road trip vacation or just driving close to home, there are some really useful apps for driving. You never know when that extra bit of insight or a useful tool will come in handy. There are several driving apps available that cater to various needs, including navigation, traffic updates, parking assistance, and more. These driving apps are among the best for being prepared, making the drive more fun and safe, and handling a broad range of driving maladies. I also cover the best apps for road trip planning.
What’s worse than your car breaking down on the road? Try breaking down at night, during a snowstorm, without cellphone reception. Fortunately, whatever your scenario, both the iPhone and Android markets now offer a host of apps that can get you through any behind-the-wheel emergency. Many apps contain useful information that can save you in a pinch, even without access to your data network or phone service.
Driving Apps For Safety And Convenience
Your Insurance Company’s App
Most major insurance companies offer apps, including State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Nationwide and The Hartford. In some states, data stored within the app may be all you need to show to a police officer during a traffic stop. Most of the apps also include perks, such as estimations of your vehicle’s trade-in and resale value and one-button access to roadside assistance.
Waze
If you’re heading into an area where you expect to hit traffic delays, you’ll want Waze on your side. It can help you navigate the big cities, avoid traffic jams and construction areas, and offer alternate routes to avoid traffic with real-time updates. Plus, it’s free. My husband loves using this app because they show nearby speed traps based on your current locaton.
Fuelly: MPG & Service Tracker
All kinds of factors can affect your gas mileage; being aware of how much gas you’re burning can save you loads of money. The Fuelly app keeps track of your mileage between fill-ups, charting gas cost and miles per gallon. It’s better to know that your vehicle isn’t performing up to snuff, allowing you to remedy the problem and save money.
Gas Buddy
Nobody likes to overpay for gas when a cheaper fill-up might be an exit away. The Gas Buddy app levels the competition, charting gas prices near you and showing when it’s better to wait a few more miles to pull over. Users also earn reward-earning points by reporting gas prices.
GasBuddy can not only help you find nearby gas stations, it can help you find the best price for gas near where you are, saving you a few bucks at the pumps. Easily compare prices and find the cheapest gas stations with this free app.
If you have an electric car, one of the best apps for driving for you may be PlugShare. It is one of the top EV charging information apps and will help you find the best place to charge near you.
RepairPal
Even if you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, there may be times where you need to fix a problem yourself. RepairPal is designed for the complete repair rookie, guiding you through simple tasks like changing a flat tire, jump-starting a battery or diagnosing a problem. It also offers estimates for repair jobs for any vehicle by make and model, giving you the power to negotiate with a mechanic.
ParkWhiz or SpotHero
These apps help users find and reserve parking spots in various cities, allowing users to compare prices, locations, and book parking in advance.
Best Road Trip Apps
If you’re heading out on the open road for some quality time away with family or friends, there are a few apps you should download to your phone first. There are apps for road trip planning, finding a place to stay, getting traffic reports, locating gas stations, knowing what gas and food options are available at upcoming exits, and of course, creating your road trip playlist.
Before you head out on your road trip, download these apps for diving to make your trip both enjoyable and hassle-free. These road trip planner apps are sure to come in handy.
Roadtrippers
This is one of the best, and most popular, family road trip apps available. Roadtrippers can help you plan your trip (including up to 150 stops with the premium version), share your itinerary with friends and family, discover roadside attractions, national parks, and hotels. The app is free, but for a serious roadtripper, the premium version, Roadtrippers Plus, is $29.99 a year.
It is great for planning long road trips to popular destination or remote areas. This road trip planning tool can help you have new adventures without losing too much control.
Google Maps
Widely used for navigation, real-time traffic updates, directions, and business reviews. It offers voice-guided GPS navigation and detailed information about various places. Another great way to use this mobile app is search before you go and download offline maps in case your destination is way in the boonies without cellphone reception.
This is one of the most trusted apps for navigation with good reason. It can tell you how long it will take you to arrive at your destination, both in time and mileage, give you alternate routes, let you know when there’s traffic ahead, and help you find nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels. It’s free to use with your Google account. I use this app almost daily to find the best routes to avoid traffic.
HERE WeGo
Known for offline maps and navigation, HERE WeGo provides voice-guided navigation, public transit information, and offline maps for various countries and regions.
iExit
This interstate exit guide will help you figure out the best exits to pull off for food, hotels, and gas. You can also find restrooms and places to shop. Simply find the exits near where you are and it will tell you everything they offer. And the iExit app is free.
Hotel Tonight
Even if you’ve planned a camping road trip, you may want to crash in a hotel for a night for a comfortable bed and a hot shower. HotelTonight can will not only help you find nearby hotel rooms; it will also compare prices. Looking for great places in the United States to stay tonight? They have day-of-deals to help you out. You can easily book a discounted room in minutes through the app.
Spotify
Every road trip needs a playlist. With Spotify you can select the artists you like and it will find all of their music for you as well as similar artists you might like and help you create a playlist. You can also listen to podcasts and curated playlists. Spotify Premium is $9.99 a month and allows you to listen ad-free and download your playlists for offline listening.
Oh, and for your best road trip, be sure you have a weather app handy too so you can get the weather forecast for your trip!
Do you enjoy planning your own road trips? Do you drive a lot? These apps for driving will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Don’t leave home without them! Are there any you would travel apps you would add to this list for the perfect road trip?
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