8 Best Apps for Car Owners

Smartphones and tablets have revolutionized the way many of us live. This change was undoubtedly what prompted one manufacturer to coin the marketing phrase, “There’s an app for that.” Apps can help with shopping, exercising, learning--and even driving. Here MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup looks at the 8 best apps for car owners that help with everything from maximizing fuel efficiency and organizing a carpool to locating roadside assistance and using your phone hands-free via voice commands.

1. No one ever thinks they will crash their car, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to being prepared. With the iWrecked app from Vurgood Apps, drivers can record a full accident report, complete with pictures. Its interface makes recording data about the other driver, the damage to both cars, and insurance information easy. Use this free app on either iPhones or Android phones.
2. Repair Pal helps car owners connect with roadside assistance providers, dealerships, and mechanics in the event of a breakdown. In addition, RepairPal gives drivers a sense of how much various repairs might cost. This app works on Android smartphones, iPhones, and on the Web.
3. VehiCal Car Expense Management by Red Cube makes logging business and personal travel an easy task. This free app also tracks parking fees and tolls, repairs, gas costs, and odometer readings. It analyzes data to check for signs of problems like decreased fuel efficiency. It also sends reminders when the time comes for routine service. VehiCal can track expenses for multiple cars but only works with the iPhone.
4. An iPhone app called Carticipate aims to help make more efficient use of our cars. This free social commuting app creates a whole framework designed to reduce emissions and save gas. By signing up for Carticipate, people can quickly and easily find a ride or share their car wherever they go. Car owners can sign up for Carticipate on the iPhone or Facebook.
5. Waze is a free app for Android, iPhone, Blackberry, and Windows Phone 7 that provides turn-by-turn GPS navigation complete with traffic information provided by the wisdom of the crowd. Traveling? Check Waze to learn about accidents, traffic jams, and construction hold-ups that should be avoided.
6. Vlingo is a free app that lets drivers use their phone without looking at it. This voice-commands app gives drivers complete verbal control over their phone, allowing them to send texts, check email, etc. without distraction. This app comes ready for BlackBerry, iPhone, Nokia, and Android.
7. GasBuddy is a free app dedicated to helping drivers find the nearest and cheapest gas. According to the GasBuddy website, drivers can earn points to win prizes. This app can work on Windows Phone 7, Android, and iPhone.
8. Subsonic is a free app that lets users stream music from their home computer and listen to it on their iPhone, Android phone, or Windows phone. With this app, car owners never need to worry about losing contact with their favorite radio station.

These eight apps for car owners can revolutionize the driving experience on and off the road, meaning all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.