Summer driving season is on, but gas prices are still sky high. Here are some smartphone apps I showed on ABC’s World News Now that will help you find less expensive gas stations, and save some money at the pump. Full details on each app below the video.
[You can watch this video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwo5c7z2LrU.]
GAS-SAVING APPS
GasBuddy (iPhone, iPod touch, Android and BlackBerry) Free
Want to find the cheapest gas around you, or where you’re headed? GasBuddy is comprised of a community of users working together to update local gas prices. It’s a free app you can use to look up gas stations to compare their prices. Sort by distance, type of gas, or get a map view with directions.
Gas Buddy relies on users to upload current prices, and is updated by over 5 million users posting gas prices in their area. If you join the community and start updating, you can win earn points and potentially earn a giveaway, like, a gas card!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gasbuddy-find-cheap-gas-prices/id406719683?mt=8
AAA TripTik (iPhone, iPod touch and Android) Free
You’re on the road and need to fill up on gas. As you near a station, you wonder if the place a couple blocks away has better prices, this free app will help you find that out. In addition to gas prices, you can use it to see AAA approved hotels, restaurants and auto repair locations. Preference settings let users display prices for just their preferred grade of gasoline, or sort stations alphabetically or by distance. AAA membership is not required for the free app.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aaa-triptik-mobile/id368758830?mt=8
Route4Me (iPad, and iPhone) Free
If you have a list of errands to do, don’t waste gas zigzagging across town. Route4Me gives you directions based on the shortest distance, planning the most optimal route. Save time and gas money by optimizing your routes. Downside is only 10 stops so good for car-pooling Moms running errands, but maybe not for a salesman who has a lot of clients to visit in one day.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/route4me/id349853799?mt=8
Waze (iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and BlackBerry) Free
Waze says it wants to make commuting fun. Not so sure anyone can do that, but they do have a network of 3 million active users worldwide aggregating traffic data and road conditions. Waze is social; simply by driving with the free app open on your device, you passively contribute traffic data (based on your phone’s GPS) that waze aggregates and pushes to its live map, helping you reduce driving time and gas use. You can also take a more active role by sharing road reports on accidents, police traps, or any other hazards along the way, helping to give other users in the area a ‘heads-up’ about what’s to come, or what to avoid. Waze will automatically re-rout based on live road conditions, with voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation. Waze also integrates with social media so look for traffic tweets.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id323229106?mt=8
State Farm Driver Feedback (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch) Free
Are you a stop-and-go driver? Did you know that’s not good for gas consumption? State Farm Driver Feedback, released by the insurance company, uses your iPhone’s built-in accelerometer and GPS to monitor and score your driving, showing you how slight tweaks can cut down on fuel consumption. They call it a teaching tool, hoping drivers, especially teens, will go over their trip results to find ways to improve. You can have the scores emailed or texted to you. The app scores you on acceleration, braking and cornering, and as your scoring improves you will likely see your gas mileage increase and extend the life span of your brakes and tires. State Farm says the scores are private and only viewable on your mobile device; it does not have access to your scores and using the app will not impact your auto insurance rates.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/driver-feedback/id432357729?mt=8&uo=4
Leave a Reply