1. AAA Mobile

You can call roadside assistance any time with the AAA Mobile app. If you get stuck, call for help by tapping on the Request Roadside Assistance button. Location services on the app will help the assistant locate you quickly and find nearby services.

If you’re already a member of AAA, then it’s a helpful download to have on hand. Whether you’ve locked your keys in your car, run out of gas, or have a dead battery, the AAA app is your key to securing the service you need quickly. Knowing help is on the way—and coming to your exact location, in fact—is a huge reassurance when you’re stuck on the side of the road.

Download: AAA Mobile for iOS | Android (Free)

2. Openroad

Get instant help in the event of a car crash with the Openroad app. After signing in with your phone number, give the app permission to track your location, reach your contacts, and access your phone’s motion sensor to make the process as smooth as possible in case of an emergency. You can link up to three contacts to the app for quick contact.

The app’s algorithms are designed to detect and respond to an accident automatically. If the app detects motion that feels like a car crash, it will send help to your specific location if needed. You’ll receive a call to check on you, as well.

In the event of a crash, pull up the Assistance screen. This provides immediate access to roadside assistance, a crash assistant, and location sharing options. The crash assistant will walk you through the steps to take if you’re ever in a crash, so you don’t forget to take photos of the damage or record the other driver’s information.

You can also opt in to receive a Safety Score, which shows how you rank in comparison to other drivers. Another feature of the app emphasizes focusing on the road to promote distraction-free driving at all times.

Download: Openroad for iOS | Android (Free)

3. SaferCar

Stay on top of safety and recall info by downloading the free SaferCar app from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can enter your car’s VIN or simply search by the year, make, and model to find information. Any recalls will get flagged, and you can learn more about them on the NHTSA website. Additional vehicular accessories, including car seats and tires, are also searchable in the database.

There’s one caveat: you will need to leave the app running in the background for the most up-to-date safety information. That’s because it doesn’t store your vehicle’s information on any external server. That’s a win for privacy and, as it turns out, you probably shouldn’t close apps on your phone.

Download: SaferCar for iOS | Android (Free)

4. Hum: GPS Family Locator

Download the Hum app to have a GPS family locator on hand at all times. To use the app, you will also need the Hum device, which attaches to your car’s OBD (onboard diagnostic) reader. Mandated for all cars manufactured after 1996, an OBD-II port is the onboard computer that helps locate problems with your car.

The Hum app and OBD device help keep track of potential issues with your car’s performance. A low battery warning, for instance, might remind you to swap it out for a new one, saving the hassle of dealing with a dead battery. It’s a handy way to keep tabs on your car’s inner workings and ideally fix problems before they arise.

In addition, GPS features can help locate your car (great for big parking lots), while maintenance reminders ensure those oil changes and tune-ups get done on time.

Download: Hum: GPS Family Locator for iOS | Android (Free)

5. T-Mobile SyncUP Drive

Locate vehicles in real-time with the SyncUP Drive app. This app also requires an OBD-II device to give you up-to-date info about your car’s inner workings. For family monitoring, the app uses GPS to find vehicles you’ve connected in an instant. It also records behaviors such as speeding and fast braking. You can even get an alert if a loved one fails to wear their seat belt.

With this app, you can check your battery and brake fluid levels and receive safety recalls. Plus, the robust SyncUP Drive app is well-reviewed among users, with thousands of mostly positive reviews on both the App Store and Google Play.

Download: T-Mobile SyncUP DRIVE for iOS | Android (Free)

6. Sprint Drive

Real-time monitoring, fuel level alerts, and trip analytics are all part of the Sprint Drive app. To use this app, you will need to purchase a Sprint Drive device and service plan. Once you’re subscribed, the app will check your vehicle’s stats, track the location of your car, and offer alerts if anything needs attention. You can also set specific driving boundaries for your vehicle, which may be useful for parents of newer drivers.

Download: Sprint Drive for iOS | Android (Free)

7. Harman Spark

Download the Harman Spark app to get a personalized driving score, keep an eye on your car’s overall health, and monitor your parked car. You will need to purchase a device that plugs into your car’s OBD II to use the app.

The app’s Driving Score ranges from 0 to 100 and measures your driving habits. Behaviors such as hard braking, fast accelerations, and sharp turns can affect your overall driving score, according to ATT. You can easily monitor your score over time in the app. Meanwhile, the Virtual Mechanic section helps monitor your car’s inner workings and keep up with its maintenance schedule. Potential issues appear in the app as a fault or warning.

Lastly, the WatchIt feature monitors your parked car. You’ll get an alert if any unexpected motion is detected (i.e. someone swipes your car in the parking lot). In the event that your car gets stolen, information from the Harman Spark device and app can potentially help find your car’s current location. The device needs an internet connection to make this work, which means it’s also a way to get Wi-Fi in your car.

Download: Harman Spark for iOS | Android (Free)

8. OnMyWay

Get paid to put your phone down and refrain from texting while driving with the OnMyWay app. You will earn $0.05 in OnMyWay cash for every mile you drive without texting. There’s also a referral program that gives you additional monetary rewards for getting friends to sign up.

The OnMyWay cash you earn can go toward gift cards, travel deals, restaurants, and more. To use the app, you will need to be comfortable sharing some details about your phone and identity. For instance, the app requires access to your phone’s location and movement detection information. You will also need to scan the back of your driver’s license.

Download: OnMyWay for iOS | Android (Free)

Drive With Care Using These Apps

Wherever you travel, these apps can help provide a sense of security and safety. The best driving apps are all about encouraging motorists to feel more confident in both their vehicle’s condition and their own driving skills.