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Thanks to Android Auto, your phone can be one of your most useful road trip tools, managing your navigation, your entertainment on the road, and more.
Apps like Google Maps and Spotify get a lot of attention, but they’re far from the only apps you need for your next road trip. Some of these will save you money, some will save you time, some will make your driving easier, but all of them will make you wonder how you ever got around without them.
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Here’s a look at four of the best Android Auto apps for your next trip, plus a bonus recommendation that isn’t compatible with Android Auto but is worth downloading.
MyRadar: You probably have your favorite weather app, and it can provide you with good, reliable forecasts. But nothing slows down a road trip like stormy weather, and MyRadar is one of my favorite picks to keep an eye on dark clouds ahead.
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This app gives you real-time radar information that lets you see where storms are, and where they’re headed, helping you decide if it’s a good time to go to lunch or if the storm will pass.
Fuel: Not only is this a useful app for tracking your fuel costs and mileage, but it’s especially useful for road trips because it shows nearby gas stations and current prices. This app also allows you to enter maintenance, making it perfect for driving anywhere, not just road trips.
Scanner radio: Have you found yourself stuck in an unexplained traffic jam? Scanner Radio lets you access live, local police, emergency, and fire feeds. You can find out exactly what’s going on miles ahead and decide if you need to turn around and take another route or if you’re ready to pull out.
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For example, if you are stuck in traffic and hear that a highway is closing, you can quickly make other plans. It almost has an unmistakable CB radio feel if you let it play in the background, and it’s surprisingly useful in extreme weather.
PlugShare and Better Routeplanner (for EVs only): You’re probably familiar with PlugShare if you’re an EV owner, but if you’re not, it’s a directory of amazing chargers around the world. You can filter by plug type or network, read user reviews to see if the chargers work, and more.
Better Routeplanner helps you plan your route based on EV charger availability, ensuring you’re never stuck.
Exit: I had to throw in one bonus app that doesn’t support Android Auto, but it’s my favorite road trip app. The iExit is a favorite for truckers and RVers, but it’s also on the way to family road trips. The app shows you what’s available for upcoming departures, including hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and more.
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Instead of blindly exiting or waiting for signs indicating the next exit, you can see information about all the upcoming exits. You can search (up to the next 100 exits, actually) to find a specific business, but the app knows which street you’re on and where you’re going and automatically shows you the next exit. It’s useful when you’re ready to eat but aren’t sure what’s coming beyond the next exit.
