Whether you’re driving to work, the local coffee shop or on a weekend getaway, the journey to your destination is one of the most influential aspects in that experience. Having the right tools for the road ahead will only help make the journey that much smoother. We’ve come up with a mobile app toolbox that will enhance your drive and conquer the unexpected. 

Geoloqi (Price: Free)

   Geoloqi allows your contacts to track    you    as you drive through google maps. Meeting    a friend for lunch? Update your friend with      your real-time location through geoloqi so if    you’re running late, your friend won’t have to call or text you to ask where you are. Instead, he or she can track your current location are and your expected arrival time. 

Available for iOS & Android. 

GasBuddy (Price: Free)

 GasBuddy is one of the most easy to use      and useful apps to have on your mobile.      GasBuddy locates the nearest gas stations  to you by price and distance for each type of  gas. You can even look up the additional features of each gas station such as restrooms and a convenience store. Once you’ve selected the gas station of choice, GasBuddy integrates with your mobile’s GPS.

Available for iOS, Android, Blackberry & Windows

Stitcher Radio (Price: Free for basic plan)

  If you’re used to traditional talk, news,       comedy, sports radio or a frequent           podcast listener while driving, this is the   app for you. Stitcher Radio allows you to   listen and create playlists of your favorite shows from over 6,000 different shows, so you no longer have to worry about finding the right station while steering. Stitcher will update the episodes of the shows in your playlists with the most up to date episode, as soon as they are available. 

Available for iOS, Android & WebOS

Text’nDrive (Price: Free for basic plan)

  Text’nDrive is a hands-free approach to     texting and emailing while driving. Hear       your texts and emails as they come in         and  respond to them immediately by         speech, so you can focus on the road ahead. Text’nDrive has an SMS auto-reply message feature in which a customized response text message will be sent, letting those that text you know that you are driving and cannot respond.    

Available for iOS, Android & Blackberry

Trip Journal (Price: $2.99)  

  Reminisce on your latest road trip with Trip   Journal, an app that allows you to record       every aspect of your trip and share it with       friends and family. Instead of having to post   individual pictures with comments to your friends and family, post your Trip Journal on Facebook.  With Google Earth integration, you can map your route and make location-based: notes, photos and videos. 

Available for iOS, Android & Symbian

Yelp (Price: Free) 

  Based off of the popular peer-review               website, the Yelp app lists business               information and peer reviews on categories   such as restaurants, salons and nightlife.       Each listing has peer reviews so you’ll get the inside scoop on what to order and the quality of service. One great aspect about the mobile app are the deals in your area; purchase deals at participating businesses in your area through the app and save on meals and services.   

Available for iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows & Palm 

Beat the Traffic (Price: Free)

  Find out all of the latest traffic information in   your area, so you can adjust your route           accordingly. The app features real-time           information on traffic conditions and traffic       collisions and how they affect the roads including which lanes are closed and the current speed for that location. 

Available for iOS, Android & Blackberry

As the spring weather begins to come around, many people begin to plan their spring and summer road trips with friends and family. When it comes time to pack the car, gather the kids, and get ready to hit the road, do not forget to go through a brief Pre-Trip Checklist. We have gathered a brief list of items to check before you take off on your journey. 

1) Get your oil changed before your trip

Modern oil, and modern cars can go much longer between changes then in the old days. Most factory specifications are 10,000 km or more between changes. But if it's been more than 5,000 go get it done before the trip. That way not only do you know it is full of oil, but the engine will run cooler, and you will get better fuel economy with fresh oil in the motor. 

2) Check and top off all the other fluids

Most places these days do this at no extra charge on top of an oil change. That being said, be sure to mention that you want them to do it, even if it costs a few dollars more. If you run out of gear oil, or run low on coolant it can lead to expensive problems while you should be relaxing.

3) Check the tires

Make sure your tires are fully inflated before you go. Not only will you get better mileage, but an under-inflated tire, plus an increased load, plus lots of highway travel can cause the tire to wear out very fast and fail.

While you are checking the air pressure, look for bulges and cuts in the side walls, often times cause by hitting pot holes or curbs. Don't chance it, if you have a bulge or a cut, get a new tire before the trip. Most tires these days get dry and cracked, or beat up before the tread goes bald. Make sure you have plenty of tread. 

4) Check the spare

Make sure your spare has air in it, and make sure you have your jack and lug wrench. In town a can of "Fix a Flat"  but if you are in the middle of nowhere you're going to want that extra tire. 

5) Bring your cell phone charger

The weaker signal your phone gets, the more power it takes to send and receive calls. The last thing you want if you become stranded, is having no way of contacting any help.

6) Check the belt

Cars today have just one long belt that runs all the accessories. If it breaks not only will you lose the AC, but also the power steering, and most importantly, the charging system. 

7) Hoses

Like the belts and tires make sure they don't look cracked and dry, or swollen or bulging. 

Seem like a lot to remember? Stop by your local Dilawri dealer before your trip and we will be happy to make sure your car is ready to go before that big trip. Happy travels!