If you’re new to Android Auto, you might think that Google Maps and Spotify are all you really need. But there are a handful of other programs that can enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re doing your daily commute or embarking on a long road trip, these Android Auto apps will make the journey a lot easier.
Waze
A simpler and more useful alternative to Google Maps
Although Android Auto is built for Google Maps, Waze is actually a better option. Its cartoony maps are cleaner and easier to see at a glance, and it provides better real-time information about what’s happening on the roads around you.
Waze users are encouraged to report various things they encounter on their travels. These can range from bad weather and heavy traffic to more niche but still important things like potholes in the road. These then show up on your map, and you can route your way around them.
Pocket Casts
Listen to podcasts as you drive
Pocket Casts is my favorite Android podcast app, and it works great on Android Auto, too. The app has a balance of features, giving you all you need to use it while you drive, but without distractions.
So, you can access your subscribed podcasts, see the latest episodes, and have basic controls such as playback speed. But all the other features remain on your phone, so you won’t be tempted to search for new shows or unsubscribe from existing ones when you’re on the road.
Pocket Casts lets you stream or limit yourself to only downloaded episodes, and you can access offline files, too.
Audible
A long drive is the perfect time for a long book
It’s not uncommon for audiobooks on Audible to run to 10, 15, 20 hours, or more. Your daily commute or any other long drive is the ideal time to enjoy them.
Like Pocket Casts, Audible keeps the distractions to a minimum. There is a basic Discover feature that surfaces popular podcasts and free listens, but proper searching and buying is something you need to do on your phone. The app is better when focused on the content you’ve already bought or subscribed to. Load up your library, pick a title, and it’ll keep you entertained for hours.
Weather & Radar
A more advanced weather forecast
Some of the most popular weather apps can work with Android Auto. Google’s own app is decent for giving you a quick forecast, but if you want a better look at what conditions you’re heading into, then Weather & Radar is the way to go.
As well as showing you a normal forecast, the app has several radar views so you can see the conditions throughout your local area. The options are for a general weather view, plus rain, temperature, and wind. It’s great for long drives where you want to know if you’ll encounter heavy rain or other difficult conditions somewhere along your route.
Fuelio
Find cheap fuel wherever you are
Fuelio is one of the most useful Android Auto apps. Its premise is simple. It takes your location and then shows you all the gas stations nearby. It sorts them by location, so you can find the nearest, as well as by price and user rating. Then, when you choose one, it can automatically give you directions.
Jump onto the app on your phone, and you can set up specific details about your car, and there are trip log and fuel management trackers as well. But even if you don’t need the extras, the app is still pretty much essential if you never want to get caught short again.
PlugShare
A power app for EV users
If you drive an electric car instead, then a charging station finder is what you need. PlugShare has a very similar layout to Fuelio, showing you a map with nearby stations. Pick one, and you can navigate to it with a single tap.
You can filter the results by plug type or whether payment is needed, and if you create an account, there are a lot more features in the phone app. You don’t need to use any of this, though. You can simply keep the app on hand, so you’ve always got a list of charging locations when you need it.
SpotHero
Looking for somewhere to park? This app will help
The worst part about driving is not the driving, it’s the parking. SpotHero won’t magically find you a place on the road, but it does let you book a parking space ahead of time when you know you’ll need it.
If you park in the same place regularly for work, you can use the app to compare prices for nearby locations. Alternatively, you can use it to find spaces for events you’re heading to, for popular tourist destinations, or for things like airport parking. You control the app through your phone, and when you make a reservation, it’ll show up in Android Auto for you to navigate to.
Get more from Android Auto
Google doesn’t allow every app to be made available for Android Auto, and with good reason. You don’t want too many distractions while you’re driving. And that’s the purpose of the apps listed here. They’ll keep you entertained and make your trip easier without ever grabbing your attention unnecessarily.