As if purchasing a car wasn’t expensive enough, the cost of owning and maintaining one can involve a sky-high budget as well. Between repairs, insurance, fuel, and maintenance, you may find that you have very little left over each month. In addition to app-based in-car infotainment systems devised to help you maximize efficiency like those mentioned in this article, there are also a number of downloadable automotive apps. The following examples can not only make life on the road more convenient, but they can also help you cut corners.
Image Source: Pixabay
MyCars
One of the first steps to saving money on the road is setting a realistic budget and sticking to it. MyCars is free to download for Android devices, allowing you to track your outgoings using a variety of logging tools. You can track factors including your maintenance visits and fuel usage. You can manage more than one vehicle on a single app and receive reminders when it’s time for servicing to keep your car in top working order.
WhatGas
There are many apps that can help you compare fuel prices in nearby stations, but one of the easiest and most accurate to use is the WhatGas app. It uses consistently updated user-submitted data, covering LPG, diesel, and unleaded fuel in your area. This way, if you find out that there’s a cheaper station only a few miles down the road, you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal.
AutoGuardBlackbox
If you’ve ever had to file an insurance claim you know that it can be a frustrating process. Protect yourself by downloading the AutoGuardBlackbox app, which allows you to record your driving with both pictures and videos. This gives you an accurate record for insurance disputes. Yet at the same time you can use this information to become a more efficient driver. Track your patterns and see where there’s room for improvement by recording your acceleration, altitude, speed, and other statistics.
Trapster
Speeding tickets are no joke, so find out where there are speed cameras by downloading the free Trapster app. It uses Wi-Fi or GPS to track users and send them audio alerts of any impending ticket threats. There are currently more than 20 million users across the globe using Trapster to stay aware of any speed traps and cameras. You can use this information to plan alternative routes.
MetroMile
One way to lower your insurance premiums is to shop around and compare multiple quotes. Drivers can also opt to use the pay-by-the-mile insurance service called Metro Mile. This new startup is based in San Francisco but is rapidly expanding, and is designed for drivers who don’t top 10,000 miles in a year. Their app helps monitor your car’s stats to help you improve efficiency and lower bills.
By taking advantage of today’s technology, you can find more conveniently located gas stations, lower your insurance, and even avoid speeding tickets. These apps are useful not only on longer road trips but also for day to day use, helping to cut the overwhelming cost of car ownership.
