Modern vehicles come with the latest technology and a dashboard full of useful gadgets. Most already have an integrated GPS system to guide you and Bluetooth hands-free calling system for keeping in touch. These gadgets make driving less stressful and also play their role in improving road safety. But there are also many apps on the market that can completely transform the way you drive for the better. Here are six great apps for the everyday driver.
1. TomTom
Everybody can remember a time when you needed a bulky GPS unit if you needed direction towards a specific destination. Nowadays, we have TomTom, which combines car navigation technology and world-class traffic information to provide accurate road maps. You can use this app for free for the first 75km, but if you want unlimited use, you’ll need to subscribe for a monthly subscription. Speed camera warnings are also provided, which gives the app an edge over the free solutions like Google Maps.
2. Waze
If you want an app that is entirely free to use, you can choose Waze. The app offers community-driven features, and promotes crowd sourcing to keep drivers informed about accidents, traffic jams and police traps in your locality. Turn-by-turn voice navigation is provided and you can also get automatic rerouting.
3. Carcorder
Nowadays, dashcams have become a very popular accessories for vehicles. Recording your journey can be a thrilling experience, especially for those who like to share their exploits on sites like YouTube. Apart from allowing you to capture fantastic footage, apps like Carcorder allow you to save evidence if you’re involved in a car accident, which can be a literal godsend if you have to deal with insurance.
The way the app works is simple. All you have to do is download the app to your smartphone and mount in on the dashboard to turn it into a dashcam. You can switch between different resolution and trace your location. The app also informs you when you drive too fast, which is another definite plus.
4. iOnRoad
A Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system is an advanced safety technology that monitors your car’s speed, the speed of the car in front, and the distance between the cars. iOnRoad comes with a colour coded chart that indicates if you’re approaching too close to the car in front. This wonderful app ensures that you avoid tailgating by accident. The app also comes with speed sign detection.
5. iCarMode
The app lets you use your dashboard-mounted iPhone safely. Its display features big buttons that make it easy for you to call, activate your music player, or check for nearby places. It also features custom app shortcuts for TuneIn Radio, Audible and Spotify. For an older car, this app can be an alternative for a built-in dashboard system.
6. GasBuddy
Buying cheaper petrol can go a long way in lowering your vehicle’s running costs. With GasBuddy, you’ll be able to locate the cheapest petrol near you. You can search using your current location or through your city or postcode, which means that you know what’s in front of you.
Installing the above apps in your vehicle can help you get the most out of your car trips. But besides these apps, there are also useful sites like Toptests that offer resources for drivers who want to improve their skills (you can check out their free driving theory tests at Toptests.co.uk). Resources for drivers are endless nowadays, and using one or all of these apps will greatly enhance your driving experience.