Improve your driving life with these three apps

You can get to grips with so many handy and useful apps through your smartphones today. Take research by Statista as a case in point, which revealed that 197 billion mobile app downloads were recorded during 2017 alone. As the population across the globe stands at close to 7.7 billion people at the moment, this means that each individual on Earth downloads around 25 apps per year.

Of course, you’ll only be wanting useful and potentially life-changing apps on your devices. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Vindis, which can provide you with a competitive Audi service plan among many other outstanding servicing options, to advise on a trio of apps every driver should be making use of right now…

Download the JustPark app to take the stress out of parking

Finding a parking spot can be such a stressful experience and one you’ll be hoping to avoid especially after travelling long distances. Help is fortunately at hand in the form of the JustPark app.

This is a service which has been praised at both Richard Branson’s 2015 VOOM event and the 2017 British Parking Awards. The app itself is made up a database of 1.4 million parking spaces, off-street parking options (think car parks, private spaces and even driveways) and on-street parking possibilities (that’s stretches with parking meters and free parking zones).

You can use the JustPark app for much more than locating parking spots, however. For instance, you can also reserve a guaranteed space and pay for the spot via the app using either a card, PayPal or either Apple or Android Pay services. You’ll even be provided with easy-to-follow instructions and directions to the space once it’s reserved.

Download the HERE WeGo app to make it easier to drive through city centres

Have you ever driven to a city centre which you’ve never visited before and then realised that your smartphone suddenly has no internet connection? We’ve all been in this nightmare situation, but the HERE WeGo app should mean that you never need to go through it again.

You can use the app to download offline maps of the UK as well as those covering countries across the world, such as Italy, Spain, France and the US. This means that you can be navigated to your destination even when you haven’t got an internet connection.

Don’t think that this is only an app which has its uses when you’re driving either. This is because it’ll inform you of carsharing opportunities nearby whenever you need it and can call a local taxi too so that you never need to worry about being stranded in an unfamiliar city.

Download either the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay app to enhance your driving experience

Next up is a pair of smart driving companions which have been designed with many similar functions. However, the choice of which one you download will depend on the type of smartphone you have.

Use a smartphone which functions using the Android operating system? Then check out Android Auto. This smart driving companion essentially means that while you’re behind the wheel, you only need to mutter ‘OK Google’ in order to…

• Set up real-time GPS navigation and be informed about traffic alerts.
• Check your calendar for any occasions that you have scheduled.
• Set reminders.
• Get up-to-date news.
• Setting up a do not disturb message on your phone.
• Make or answer phone calls handsfree.
• Access so many of your media apps, such as those containing your favourite music playlists, audiobooks and podcasts.

In possession of a smartphone which uses iOS instead? We recommend you take a look at Apple CarPlay. Featuring Siri voice control, here’s just a few things you can do once you open the app:

• Search for attractions while driving by simply asking for directions by the following means: "Siri, where’s the closest petrol station?".
• Have the app predict where you need to be by analysing addresses on your recent emails, text messages, contacts and calendars.
• Make calls and listen to voicemail handsfree.
• Have Siri read and reply to text messages, as well as send messages in new conversations too.
• Gain access to content via your iTunes, Apple Music or other audio apps accounts, as well as even request for Siri to become your personal DJ for the duration of a road trip.

I've worked in online marketing for a number of years, and pen articles on a variety of subjects.