Top 10 Apps Every Car Owner Should Use

A dash cam can be a lifesaver in legal disputes or accidents, and the Smart Dash Cam app turns your smartphone into a powerful video recorder while driving. Unlike expensive camera setups, this app offers high-quality footage capture using your existing device, providing protection and accountability on the road.

It features loop recording, background operation, and options to upload footage to the cloud. The interface is simple and non-intrusive, allowing you to set it and forget it. For those who want an extra layer of safety without investing in new hardware, it’s a cost-effective dash cam alternative.

From capturing scenic road trips to protecting against fraudulent claims, Smart Dash Cam ensures you always have a second pair of eyes while driving. It’s particularly useful in high-traffic areas or for ride-share drivers who want to document their routes.

For those who dread seeing that dreaded warning symbol, FIXD is the solution. This app pairs with a small sensor that plugs into your vehicle’s OBD-II port, allowing you to read and interpret diagnostic codes and engine warnings from your smartphone. It’s one of the most popular car diagnostic tools available for consumers.

FIXD translates error codes into plain language and gives recommendations for next steps. It also tracks maintenance schedules and notifies you of upcoming service needs. This transparency helps drivers avoid being overcharged or blindsided at the repair shop.

The app supports multiple vehicles, making it useful for families or DIY car enthusiasts. Whether you drive a used car or a new model, FIXD gives you the power to understand your vehicle’s health in real-time.

If you need a car temporarily or want to rent out your own, Turo is a game-changer. This peer-to-peer car sharing platform lets users book or list vehicles directly, offering a more personal and cost-effective alternative to traditional rental companies. It’s perfect for car owners looking to earn passive income or travelers needing a local ride.

Turo includes features like delivery, insurance options, and detailed car listings. Users can choose from economy vehicles to luxury models depending on their budget and needs. The app simplifies communication and logistics, allowing renters and hosts to coordinate easily.

Whether you're taking a weekend trip or traveling to a new city, Turo gives you the flexibility to select a vehicle that suits your style. And for owners, it’s a smart way to monetize an underused car with little effort.

The AAA Mobile app is an extension of the well-known American Automobile Association’s services, combining roadside assistance, trip planning, and discounts all in one. If you're already a AAA member, this app becomes even more useful with integrated towing, battery service, and fuel delivery at your fingertips.

In addition to emergency services, the app offers access to TripTik for route planning, hotel and restaurant discounts, and gas price comparisons. It's a multi-functional travel app built specifically for drivers, especially those who embark on road trips or drive in remote areas.

What makes AAA Mobile essential is its reliability and nationwide service network. Whether you're facing a flat tire on a quiet backroad or need directions on a cross-country drive, this app delivers peace of mind with a tap.

For drivers who want to keep a close eye on spending, Drivvo is the perfect app. It tracks fuel usage, service costs, repairs, and overall vehicle expenses in a user-friendly dashboard. With support for multiple vehicles, it’s also ideal for families, small businesses, or anyone managing a personal or fleet of cars.

Drivvo lets you log gas fill-ups, maintenance visits, tolls, and more. The app then produces charts and reports that highlight trends, making it easy to see where your money is going. For those who use their car for work or deliveries, this can be essential for budgeting and tax deductions.

By offering reminders for oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections, Drivvo also doubles as a vehicle maintenance app with robust financial tracking. It supports multiple currencies and mileage units, making it a global solution for conscientious drivers.

If you’ve ever spent half an hour circling city blocks for parking, SpotHero will feel like a lifesaver. This app allows you to find and reserve discounted parking spots in garages, lots, and private spaces in advance. It’s designed for urban commuters, event-goers, and travelers navigating crowded cities.

SpotHero partners with thousands of garages and lots across the United States and Canada. It shows real-time pricing, location, and availability, giving drivers control over where and when they park. Users can even filter spots by height clearance, electric charging, and in-and-out privileges.

By reserving your parking spot ahead of time, you avoid price gouging and stressful last-minute decisions. SpotHero is particularly effective for downtown areas, near stadiums, or during peak travel seasons. It’s an ideal parking solution for urban drivers who value time and convenience.

With electric vehicles becoming increasingly common, PlugShare stands out as the best app for locating EV charging stations across North America and beyond. This community-based platform includes over 600,000 charging locations and real-time updates from fellow EV drivers. It’s a must-have for EV owners looking for reliable charging information on the go.

PlugShare offers essential filters like connector type, charging speed, pricing, and network provider, helping users plan charging stops with precision. Its interactive map makes it easy to view availability and user ratings, reducing anxiety on long trips or in unfamiliar areas.

For new EV adopters or long-time electric drivers, PlugShare takes the guesswork out of finding a charger. It’s especially helpful when traveling cross-country or through areas with sparse infrastructure. With accurate listings and real-time feedback, it’s an indispensable EV companion app.

Keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial for vehicle longevity, and myCARFAX makes this task incredibly simple. This app connects your vehicle's history using its VIN and allows you to track oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, and more. It’s one of the best car maintenance apps for busy vehicle owners who want to avoid missing important service milestones.

What sets myCARFAX apart is its integration with participating repair shops, allowing for automatic service updates and reminders. This helps ensure your car stays in top shape without the hassle of spreadsheets or manual tracking. You can also view your vehicle’s estimated value, helping you plan future trade-ins or sales.

If you own multiple vehicles or are managing family transportation, the app supports multiple VINs. Whether you drive a new model or an aging commuter car, myCARFAX keeps you informed and proactive, extending your car’s lifespan and maintaining resale value.

Waze is more than just a GPS navigation app—it's a real-time, community-powered traffic tool that helps drivers avoid congestion, accidents, and delays. Owned by Google but distinct from Google Maps, Waze leverages user-submitted data to deliver the fastest and most accurate driving routes.

Its standout feature is its real-time alerts about road hazards, police presence, potholes, and construction zones. The app constantly updates based on current driving conditions, making it ideal for urban commuting and time-sensitive travel. For drivers in cities with unpredictable traffic patterns, Waze is an indispensable tool for avoiding gridlock.

The app also supports voice-guided navigation, integrates with music streaming services, and allows for customized routes. For ride-share drivers, delivery workers, and anyone who values time on the road, Waze offers a superior navigation experience with features that go beyond standard maps.

GasBuddy has become a go-to solution for drivers looking to save money on fuel. With fluctuating gas prices and economic uncertainty, having a tool that helps you locate the cheapest fuel nearby is invaluable. The app uses crowd-sourced data to show up-to-date gas prices at stations near your location, making it one of the most useful apps for car owners focused on saving money.

GasBuddy also provides users with price trends, daily deals, and tips for maximizing fuel economy. Its “Pay with GasBuddy” feature even allows users to link a payment method for extra savings per gallon. For anyone driving long distances or commuting daily, this app can deliver consistent savings throughout the year.

The app is particularly beneficial in cities or regions with high gas price variation. Frequent drivers who plan routes or rely on their car for work can benefit greatly from real-time fuel cost tracking. GasBuddy ensures that every fuel stop is a smart financial decision, positioning itself as an essential cost-saving app for vehicle owners.