The advent of smartphone technology has brought about a revolution that’s changed every aspect of your life. With this sudden influx of convenience, it’s only natural that you should think about using your smartphone in even more ways. One of these aspects is driving. With a number of apps, you’ll make your drive not only easier, but also less stressful. Here are just a few of the latest apps that will turn your taxing commute into sheer bliss.
1. GasBuddy
Have you ever purchased gas only to find another station down the road selling it for a dime cheaper? If so, you aren’t alone. Luckily, GasBuddy takes care of this frustrating little problem. Using user-uploaded data, GasBuddy shows a list and map of every gas station in your area. From there, you can sort them by company, proximity, and price. GasBuddy also offers prizes and incentives for users that send their updates, making it a win-win whether you’re a contributor or just a user. GasBuddy is a free app, and it’s available on both Android and iOS.
2. Trapster
If you have a bit of lead foot, Trapster is a free app that helps you avoid speed traps along your journey. Using your phone’s built-in speedometer, it shows you how fast you’re going, the actual speed limit, and any places where state troopers and local cops are looking to bust you for speeding. It also has information on red light cameras and speed cameras. For traversing unfamiliar territory, Trapster is a must-have. Currently, it’s available for both iOS and Android platforms.
3. greenMeter
For drivers willing to fork out the $5.99 for this app, greenMeter is essential in building your driving efficiency. Using an easy-to-read meter, it shows you just how much your acceleration is killing your fuel economy. From there, it shows you your energy cost based on fuel consumption, money, and carbon emissions. This app is only available on iOS-based systems.
4. RepairPal
In an ideal world, RepairPal wouldn’t have much use, but with some mechanics looking to rip you off, it provides great insight into the world of car repairs. By logging into the app and inputting information about your car, RepairPal provides you with the average cost of the repairs in your area. Once you have a general idea of how much your repair costs, you won’t have to worry about getting taken to the cleaners. RepairPal is a free app, and it’s available for both Android and iOS.
5. PlugShare
PlugShare is perhaps the app of the future when it comes to driving apps, yet it’s limited to a small market until electric vehicles become more popular. Even so, PlugShare is a mandatory app for those with an electric car, as it maps more than 40,000 charging stations across the country. If you’ve ever stressed about your car running out of juice, PlugShare puts your worries to rest. This app is free and available for iOS and Android.
Even if you’re a bit of a technological laggard, don’t get left behind in the driving app world. Instead, download these apps and you’ll never get left in the dust.
Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia (CC BY 2.0)
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