5 free apps to slash your driving costs

When you’re planning a long trip, you’ll know there’s a lot to think about. First you have to dig out the right clothes, that bottle of suntan lotion you’ve had since 2010, and let’s not forget the all-important road trip playlist.

Luckily, when it comes to actually planning your journey, there are literally lots of apps for that! Not only can they save you money, they can cut your journey times (and inevitable bickering over directions with your other half) too!

We’ve scoured the web to find 5 apps we think are definitely worth checking out.

1. Waze

Using your phone as your sat nav can be a great money saver because it doesn’t mean spending around £100 on a separate device. Waze (iPhone, Android and Windows) is dubbed the ‘social navigation’ app, and uses real-time information from other drivers to make sure you’re always up to speed on the best routes, traffic and journey times. You can plan ahead for your next trip and avoid those fuel wasting traffic jams, plus the search tool is great for finding the cheapest petrol stations.

They say that knowledge is power, and this is definitely true when it comes to saving on your next trip. By knowing your route, you can avoid adding extra miles on to your journey. You can even contribute yourself by suggesting better routes for other drivers, collectively saving money for the masses!

2. My Cars (Fuel logger++)

Keeping track of how much you spend on your car costs couldn’t be simpler thanks to My Cars (Android). The app helps you keep a close eye on how much money you’ve spent on everything from fuel to car repairs helping keep you on budget.

The built in efficiency program will help save you money by monitoring your spending habits over time and showing you ways to improve them. If you’re a bit forgetful like me, you can also set handy reminders for your next service and never forget when it’s time for a trip to the garage.

3. Driving Curve

How you drive might be just as important as how far you drive when it comes to saving fuel, according to Driving Curve (iPhone and Android). Set this up on your next journey and it’ll measure how your speed, acceleration and driving has affected how much fuel you use. You’ll be given a score based on how efficient you are and tips on being more careful which could save you money at the pumps.

If you’re feeling competitive you can have your score ranked in a worldwide competition, making the whole experience free, fun and cost effective!

4. MotorMate

Saving money on your car doesn’t just have to be about how much you can save on fuel. MotorMate by Confused.com (iPhone and Android) is aimed at saving you money on your car insurance by earning points based on your driving style. The higher your score and the better you drive means you could be offered a discount on your car insurance.

This one is a definite no-brainer and just means remembering to switch the app on during your journeys to start saving.

5. AA Parking

How many times have you driven somewhere, spent forever trying to find somewhere to park and then spent a fortune on one of those city centre car parks? Well you can easily to plan ahead and possibly save a few pounds in the process.

Using the AA parking app (iPhone, Android and Windows phone) can help you find cheap, convenient parking spots in the UK and even direct you to the entrance so you don’t get lost.

Do you have a terrific travel app that you think we should check out? Let us know in the comments!

If you want to read more about money saving apps then  sign up to our monthly newsletter today!

Tags

• Saving money

budgetingfrugalmoney savingthriftytravel costs