6 mobile apps for a better driving experience
We'll get to the apps in a moment. But first, some relevant perspective:
Jerry: Elaine, have you ever flown first-class?
Elaine: No.
Jerry: All right then. See, you don't know what you're missing. I've flown first-class. I can't go back to coach. I can't, I won't.
In case it wasn't obvious, that dialogue comes from an episode of Seinfeld. Jerry was speaking specifically of luxury flights but his logic can be applied to just about anything. Once you know how good an enhanced experience is, it's hard to go back to the lesser precursor.
That's probably how you'll feel if you download the apps we're about to discuss below. After getting a taste of what they're all about, an app-free drive will start to feel downright Neanderthalic.
1. Google Maps
It's an obvious one, sure, but it's obvious for a reason. Google Maps is a reliable, precise, and sharp method of charting out a route in the car, created by the best in the business. What really sets it apart from competitors is its integration with other information systems, which is made possible by the fact that it is part of the Google family. Users get easy access to all sorts of information about local businesses and can check them out remotely with street views. There are even some offline maps that can be accessed outside of Internet zones.
2. Waze
Google Maps offers certain features that overlap with Waze, but when it comes to navigation based around real-time factors, Waze is the absolute best. It automatically reroutes users on the road depending on in-the-moment traffic conditions, and makes them aware of nearby police and speed camera alerts. The cherry on top? A customizable oral road directions system that includes celebrity voices. Or low data usage, if celebs aren't your thing.
3. Gas Buddy
Do you ever fill up on the go, only to pass a gas station minutes later with cheaper prices? GasBuddy users certainly don't. What they do, is the logical thing. They use GasBuddy, the most accurate and up-to-date gas tracking app available, to find the station that gives them the best deal. Beyond the knowledge benefit, GasBuddy also incentivizes user participation by allowing them to enter into gas gift card draws by contributing to the app/website's community. It's a win-win!
4. iOnRoad
Humans are not perfect. Especially when it comes to driver safety. iOnRoad is an app that helps us compensate for some of those imperfections by giving us warnings and alerts about the impending dangers on the road. From giving potential collision notifications to providing tailgating alerts to pointing out off road factors, iOnRoad can make a ride significantly safer if a driver is heeding its alerts. That's the advantage it can offer, thanks to the combination of built-in sensors and phone camera observation.
5. Find My Car
Losing track of a parked car is generally an irksome experience. With the exception of this likable New Yorker who lost track of his vehicle after parking it to attend a Metallica show in Toronto—and proceeded to put out a call for help that turned into a feel-good news story after it succeeded—searching tirelessly for a car breeds no fine memories whatsoever. Luckily, we have Find My Car, the GPS-utilizing app that will hold on to the location of your car and bail you out when your memory fails. Go without it at your own risk.
6. iWrecked
There's a lot of information to record and communicate in the event of a driving emergency. While some insurers offer apps that assist with that process, iWrecked is a one-size-fits-all alternative that does the trick as well. Its easy-to-navigate interface allows drivers to quickly put together a detailed accident log (both with text and photos) and directs them to other relevant resources. In an emergency when you're panicked and not necessarily thinking with optimal clearheadedness, you'll be thankful for iWrecked.