If you don’t have a new car, there are still plenty of ways to get the latest in-car info to make driving life more convenient and informed. The following four apps help save money and time while enhancing the in-car experience. But please don’t app and drive.
1. Openbay
Is your car in need of maintenance or repair? Openbay helps you to gather competitive, binding quotes from local mechanics. Choose a shop based on distance, ratings and price, then schedule and pay for service. Users receive an average of four quotes, with prices ranging up to 50 percent, all without having to haggle. As a bonus, Openbay maintains all your car’s service records online.
Cost: Free download from app store on your iOS; Android is coming soon.
2. Dash
Dash connects your smartphone to your car (models 1996 and after) with an onboard diagnostic device (OBD) that ranges from $10 to $99. The device is user-friendly — you simply plug it in underneath the steering wheel.
The device feeds the driver with real-time feedback on everything from road conditions to driving behavior and when and where to get cheap gas. If the “check engine” light illuminates, dash will decode the error so you’re not left guessing.
Cost: The app is free but first you need to buy the device ($10 to $99) on the website and download the free app to your iOS or Android.
3. BestParking
This clever parking search engine provides you with the cheapest and most convenient parking facilities in 105 cities and 115 airports in North America. BestParking saves you money and time by comparing hourly, daily and monthly rates of 12,000 parking facilities in North America. It’s also easy to use — the maps and graphics are super clear.
Cost: Free download on iOS or Android.
4. AroundMe
AroundMe allows you to search for the nearest restaurants, banks and gas stations. You can also access a movie schedule at a nearby theater, book a hotel or find the nearest hospital.
Cost: Free download on iOS or Android.
Reich is a freelance reporter for Tribune Newspapers.