6 Best Apps For Drivers in Australia

Ever found yourself happily cruising along the road, driving to a new destination, only to realise your mobile phone battery has died?

Panic starts to set in. ‘Eeeeek!! How will I find my way around without my GPS?!’ you ask yourself.

What a vibe killer.

This happened to me recently when I was driving to a work conference in Noosa.

As I turned off the main highway towards town, my mobile ran out of charge and all of a sudden I was plunged into a frustrating and frightening world of GPS darkness!

I had to stop at a corner deli and physically ask the shop attendant for directions to an address I didn’t know because it was stored in my now defunct mobile phone!

Ever since the evolution of the analog mobile phone brick to today’s hi-tech smartphone we so readily take for granted, we have relied heavily on technology for not only maps and GPS systems but so many other features and apps that improve our driving experience.

Here are 6 best apps that’ll get you listening, parking, refuelling and buying better.

1. AutoGuru

Now, this may seem biased, but the AutoGuru app has got to be one of the best apps for any car driver or owner.

The AutoGuru app lets you bring up fixed-priced quotes for various repairs and services.

You can even have your car booked into a local mechanic within minutes through the app, all whilst knowing that you’re paying the right price, as you compare and choose from a range of mechanics.

For major repairs, AutoGuru will send these job details to mechanics in your area, who will then quote the job. AutoGuru will send you quotes from three mechanics so you can choose which one you’d like to book with.

The best part? It can all be done from your phone in just a few taps!

Within the AutoGuru app, you can see real customer reviews of each mechanic, just for that added peace of mind and confidence.

Download from the App Store for our Apple users, or the Google Play Store, for our friends with Androids.

The days of having to ring around multiple different mechanics trying to lock down an accurate price are over, the AutoGuru app does it for you!

Cost: free to download, free to get quotes.

2. Waze

Much more than just maps, the Waze app brings together a community of local drivers who report real-time traffic tips, hazards, roadworks, traffic jams and detours as they happen.

This clever app helps you to plan your trip around those delays, saving you time and fuel on your daily commute.

Because Waze maps are constantly being edited and improved, they’re the first to show changes happening in your neighbourhood.

Plus, you can find the cheapest fuel stations on your route, based on community-shared fuel prices.

So the app saves you money on fuel, helps you outsmart traffic and gets the best route to work and back on the daily. Nicely done.

Cost: free to download & use

3. My 7-Eleven

When it comes to finding and securing a cheaper fuel price, it doesn’t get much easier than with the My 7-Eleven app.

Simply click on the Fuel Lock tab, choose your fuel type, and the app brings up service stations with the best-priced fuel in your local area.

Then lock in the fuel price and redeem it at any 7-Eleven fuel store in Australia within 7 days.

Oh, and as a Fuel App user, you get access to offers and perks, like free Krispy Kreme doughnuts and other discounted products in-store.

The only downside is that the fuel price lock is only available through the 7-Eleven Mobil network.

Cost: free to download & sign up

4. Spotify

Why be restricted to listening to traditional radio stations on your drive? Spotify is the most popular music streaming service which can be enjoyed through your phone, PC and now your car.

Some cars offer Spotify direct to your dashboard, but if your car doesn’t, you can use Bluetooth or an auxiliary jack to hook it up through your phone.

The app lets you listen to any artist or album as long as you have an internet connection (through your device).

You can build your own playlists or tap into readymade playlists that music fans and experts have compiled.

It’s the perfect music medium to discover new tracks and artists!

Paid subscribers get access to offline listening and commercial-free music.

Cost: free or monthly subscription

5. Petrol Spy

Did you know you can see fuel prices mapped in your area in real time? This app is a game-changer and can help you save some serious cash at the pump by comparing the cheapest fuel near you. 

With its GPS smarts and crowd-sourced data submitted by other fellow drivers, finally, a fuel app made in Australia for Australia. 

No more overpaying for petrol! Plus, finding the nearest and cheapest service station is a piece of cake with its user-friendly map interface.

So, next time you're hitting the road, make sure you've got Petrol Spy in your pocket. It's easy to use, no matter your tech know-how. 

With this app by your side, you'll be making every trip budget-friendly and your wallet will thank you later.

Cost: free

6. Divvy Parking

If you are tired of always panic parking when you’re driving around in the CBD - meet Divvy. This app will show you the most relevant results based on your location, distance to your destination, and parking type.

Imagine having access to parking spots all over Australia, wherever you need them, whenever you need them. With Divvy, it's as easy as swiping right (but for parking).

Users can quickly access information about parking spots within seconds such as address, price, accepted vehicle size, or if the parking spot is indoor or outdoor.

The best part, you can easily secure and pre-pay for your parking through the app. All you have to do is drive there. Gone are the days of stressful parking!

Cost: free to download

With so many cool and helpful apps available to make your motoring experience awesome, you don’t want to run out of phone battery at the most crucial time. Get yourself a USB car charger, so you’re always powered up and ready for all situations on your drive.

Happy travels.