In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our demands on our cars are ever-increasing. No longer are they purely for transport; they must make the journey as efficient (and entertaining) as possible.
Whether you're a daily commuter or a busy parent juggling a packed schedule, having the right apps on your car's infotainment system can make a big difference.
To help guide you in the right direction, we've listed the top five apps that will keep you entertained, informed, and safe.
We discuss:
Getting stuck in traffic is no fun and can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Well, don't worry people, here's where Waze comes in. Waze relies on the masses for accurate updates, with users inputting information regarding traffic, construction, police activities, and even road conditions.
Waze is like having a co-pilot who knows the best shortcuts!
It's free, available on iOS and Android, and compatible with in-car smartphone connectivity.
A dash cam is the go-to device for car security, however, they can be a little expensive. For some of the most advanced ones, you're looking at at least £250. Here's where the Ultimate Dash Cam app comes into play.
A free-to-download app, it transforms your phone into a dash cam, providing a great alternative. If you've got a phone mount on your windscreen, simply load up the app and turn it on record.
It's worth noting that it's not compatible with smartphone connectivity and only runs through your smartphone.
Spotify is an essential in-car app for even the smallest journeys. It makes it easy to listen to your favourite songs and podcasts while in your car.
If your car comes with a multi-function steering wheel, you should be able to control the choice of song and how loud it is through it.
It's free to create an account and is compatible with smartphone mirroring.
Bear with us for this one. Obviously, you can't be watching Netflix while keeping your eyes on the road, but what about your passengers?
With many new cars with large infotainment screens and built-in entertainment systems, apps like Netflix are a great way to keep the family occupied on a long journey.
If you drive an electric car, you can also sit back and watch your favourite show while your vehicle is charging… not bad, ey?
If you're more of an audiobook person, Audible is a great app that can enhance your driving experience. Compatible with Android Auto, it's a breeze to use on any car with smartphone connectivity.
There's no denying that driving can sometimes be a chore, but with these five apps, you can contribute to making it that bit easier.
Whether you're a commuter, a weekend adventurer, or a busy parent, having the right tools for the job can help you navigate the roads with ease.
Looking for more in-car tech content? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has produced a range of blogs, such as The Latest In-Car Entertainment Technology and What is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. We provide various services, from our Fast Lease service to our Used Car Leasing deals.
For more information, check out our latest leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.