useful things to keep in your car = apps and artifacts

Best Android apps for drivers, car owners, and car enthusiasts

Knowledge is Power - Smartphone Apps

8 apps to keep your car rolling
We assume one of the useful things you have with you is a smart phone. Having the right apps installed could make it even more useful. Three important issues before getting started:

1. First, many of these apps require that your phone's GPS be turned on, which can quickly drain your battery. Bring a car charger or keep a portable battery charger handy.
2. invest in a dashboard or windshield mount.
3. Finally, keep in mind that several of these apps pull GPS data from a community of users to present you with real-time information such as road conditions and gas prices. While that method typically works great in dense urban areas, it can result in a thin data set for people who often drive in less populated areas. 

Android Apps:

1. MyCar Locator Free - Android Apps on Google Play where did I leave my car?
1. MyCar Locator uses your GPS to remember where you park with the push of just one button and guides you back to your car easily. Never again forget where you have parked!
   Also great for remembering the location of your hotel, camping spot, trail head, boat ramp, bus stop or any other location you would like to easily return to later.
2. GasBuddy - Find Cheap Gas - Android Apps on Google Play where's the nearest gas station?
1. FEATURES:
   - Find cheapest gas near you
   - Find cheapest gas by city/zip/postal code
   - Report gas prices to help other people find cheap gas
   - Chance of winning $100 of gas every day!
   - Earn points for reporting gas prices
   - Earn awards for posting gas prices
   - Save money every time you fill up at the cheapest stations
3. iOnRoad Augmented Driving Lite - Android Apps on Google Play avoid accidents
1. FORWARD COLLISION WARNING
   Mount your device and iOnRoad will recognize traffic ahead and warn of potential collisions. iOnRoad warns you of collisions with audio and visual alerts, even when running in the background!
   HEADWAY MONITORING WARNING
   Use your cam to monitor your headway distance for ongoing feedback in a HUD-like display.
4. AAA Mobile - Android Apps on Google Play particularly if you are a member.
1. KEY FEATURES INCLUDE:
   Maps & Discounts
   • Find more than 59,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants
   • Book your next hotel or rental car
   • Save with member discounts at over 164,000 locations
   • Share saved trips across desktop and mobile devices*
   • Find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, AAA office locations, and cheapest gas prices near you
   Roadside Assistance*
   • Request a tow with Roadside Assistance
   • Get instant battery replacement quotes (not available in all areas)
   *You must be a current AAA member to use these features.
5. Auto Accident App - Android Apps on Google Play get the info you need in an accident
1. Features of Auto Accident App include:
   
   • Instant, on-the-scene accident assistance from trained live operators – 24x7.
   • An Accident Wizard that walks you, step-by-step, through gathering the right information you need to file a claim.
   • One touch access to information you must provide to the other driver and emergency personnel (insurance ID, license plate, automobile make and model, medical insurance info. etc.).
   • Comprehensive accident reports with photo, audio recording and much more. 
   • One touch access to accident-related service providers in the immediate area, including injury attorneys, health care providers, tow truck companies, auto repair shops, and much more.
6. Police traps and Speed cams - Android Apps on Google Play - avoid getting a ticket
1. a scanner that shows police traps, police radar, speed cams, speed traps, parking attendants, speed cameras, accidents and other traffic disturbances in your area added by application users.Loaded with over 150.000 speed cams and speed traps.
7. Maps - Android Apps on Google Play - don't get lost
1. Find the best spots in town and the information you need to get there.• Comprehensive, accurate maps in 220 countries and territories
   • Voice-guided GPS navigation for driving, biking, and walking
   • Transit directions and maps for over 15,000 towns and cities
   • Live traffic conditions, incident reports, and automatic rerouting to find the best route
   • Detailed information on more than 100 million places
   • Street View and indoor imagery for restaurants, museums, and more
8. Beat the Traffic - Android Apps on Google Play - don't get stuck in traffic
9. aCar - Car Management, Mileage - Android Apps on Google Play - maintain your car
10. Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car) - Android Apps on Google Play - detect problems early

Artifacts and Tools

30 Essential Things You Should Keep in Your Car

25 Things You Should Always Have In Your Car - The Simple Dollar Glove Compartments - Ten Things to Keep in the Car in Case of Emergency - Kelley Blue Book
Thirty-seven things you should always keep in your car - CSMonitor.com

For roadside emergencies and repairs:

1. Tire changing supplies
2. Tire Sealant
3. Jumper cables
4. Owner's manual
5. Tire pressure gauge
6. Duct tape
7. Gas can
8. Windshield wiper fluid
9. pair of work gloves
10. Fire extinguisher 

For health and safety while stranded:

1. First aid kit
2. Flashlight or mini-lantern
3. Multi-tool
4. Emergency food 
5. Water bottles 
6. Weather radio
7. Reflective triangles
8. Printed maps 
9. Mylar blanket 
10. Pail/bucket 

Especially in the winter:

1. Snow shovel
2. extra winter coat
3. A traction helper
4. Ice scraper and snow brush
5. Red bandanna
6. A barbecue lighter, an empty can, and tea light candles 
7. Comfortable walking shoes 

Because it just makes life easier:

1. A car-adapted phone charger 
2. A solar phone charger
3. Paper towels
4. Tissues
5. Notebook and pen
6. Umbrella
7. A roll of quarters
8. Reusable tote bags
9. Plastic grocery bags
10. Blanket

Previously:

• spendergast: 9 must-have tools for your car - CSMonitor.com