How many here are old enough to recall road trips are highly dependent on a foldable paper map to know where you’re going?
Those days are gone because the phone is your best driving companion thanks to the mobile apps in it.
Fortunately, for you kids having the luxury of reading this article on a smartphone or a mobile device, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.
Thanks to the advancement of technology, there are a plethora of apps out there, and picking out the apps that are worth your phone storage can be time-consuming. This is why we’ve created a helpful guide on mobile apps must-have in Malaysia if you own a car.
Keep Your Car In Tip-Top Shape With The MyGarage Feature On The CARSOME App!
When was the last time you sent your car for a proper service? The MyGarage feature on the CARSOME App can help you manage all your cars at home, even for your family.
The app is simple to navigate around. All you need to do is register and input your car’s information on the app. Once done, your phone will set reminders at every interval for service.
By the way, did you know you can browse, buy, and sell cars on the CARSOME app too?
Read more: How to Maintain & Service Your Car All On the CARSOME App
Steer Your Way Through Traffic with These Best Navigation Apps
Malaysian roads can pose a challenge for many drivers because the roads are always changing or under construction, and the signs aren’t always clear. One wrong turn can result in a significantly longer journey, especially in bustling cities like Kuala Lumpur. Navigation apps take away the hassle of making these wrong turns and reroute you quickly if you make one.
Waze
Waze is an app that relies on users for information and since most Malaysians are on it, you get real-time help. This navigation app goes beyond just navigating, it also offers traffic updates, finds the fastest routes to avoid traffic, as well as flags police roadblocks, traffic cameras, and even potholes ahead of time.
While that’s just scratching the surface, you can also share your real-time location with your friends and find the nearest restaurants, petrol stations, plus rest stops while driving. Plus, with their cool voice packs, you can have Harith Iskandar or Batman navigating the roads for you.
Google Maps
Another popular alternative in Malaysia is Google Maps. This app is a free online map from Google that is accessible both on a browser and a mobile app. You can use it to get step-by-step directions, avoid traffic with an alternative route, and alert you when there is a stall by the roadside.
On top of the normal navigation guide, you can also use Google Maps to find information quickly, such as the name of a location, retail operating hours, and the website link. Google Maps is not limited to just drivers, because it can be used for pedestrians too as it shows you a safer route to walk to your destination.
PLUS Highway App
Here’s an app that will come in clutch during the balik kampung rush. While there are plenty of features for you to toy around, you should pay attention to the live CCTV feed and road incidents feature.
Let’s start with the basics first. You start by inputting your travels from point A to B. Then, the app will calculate your distance, toll fare, and even the amount of intersections and R&R you’ll come across.
This is where the app truly shines – you can use the route planner at the bottom tab to access the live CCTV feed feature (limited to city areas) to view the current traffic status.
A snippet of the route planned from Damansara to Seremban, with a live feed of the Federal Highway.
In addition, the app also provides live updates on any traffic accidents, roadblocks, and constructions. This will make your planning much easier.
Renew Your Licence & Road Tax On The Go!
Is your road tax and license still valid? If not, there is still time to renew them all on the MyJPJ app!
The MyJPJ app is officially developed by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) to digitalize the process of renewing them. Gone were the days of waiting in line at the office like everyone else.
Read more: How to Fully Utilize The MyJPJ App
Stress-Free Parking with Useful Parking Apps
Finding parking, especially in malls and crowded areas, can be time-consuming, and if that’s not enough, getting summoned or even losing your autopay tickets are the biggest headaches. But now that everything has been migrated online, you don’t have to worry about running to your car every hour to replace your parking tickets as it can be done easily on your mobile applications.
Parking apps like Flexi Parking, Wilayah Parking, MCash, and EZ Smart Park are some of the must-have parking apps if you are in Kuala Lumpur. You can find out more about these apps and other parking apps for other states here.
Avoid Panicking with Emergency Car Servicing Apps
Car maintenance is usually the most important aspect of owning a car. If you find the whole process of locating and going to the workshop a hassle, there are mobile apps that can bring these workshops to you. Even if your car breaks down and leaves you stranded on the side of the road, these are the apps you need for any kind of servicing emergency.
Carput
Carput is an emergency roadside assistance app that allows you to request help in case your car breaks down. This on-demand roadside assistance app helps by connecting you to a Carput roadside professional who will rush over in 45 minutes or less. Carput can help you with a variety of car issues with services including battery delivery, jumpstarting your battery, flat tire replacement, petrol delivery, and offering towing services for when your car needs a trip to the workshop.
Serv
Serv is an on-demand car servicing platform that helps you maintain your car by connecting you with nearby mechanics. The app includes services such as spare part replacements, as well as engine and transmission oil changes. You can even request a report on your car’s current health. Just like any other service app, you can access all the information on Serv including the name of the mechanic, the estimated time of arrival, price quotes, and even reviews on the mechanic you choose. This app currently operates only in Klang Valley, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya.
Pomen
Pomen is a 24-hour seven-days-a-week car assistance app that provides safe and reliable roadside assistance. The entire process on the app is transparent with features such as real-time tracking, flat-rate pricing, no hidden additional costs, and free membership. One of the key features of this app is that you can register family members on your profile, who can keep tabs on your status when you encounter g car troubles. Pomen is currently only available in Klang Valley, Ipoh, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor.
Drive an Electric Car? Here is the Best Car Charging App You Need ChargEV
If you own an electric car, knowing where your nearest charging stations is important if you don’t want your car to run out of power and leave you stranded by the roadside. ChargEV is a mobile app that provides the location of the nearest EV charging stations, the charging speed and the price.
The popularity of EV cars is growing rapidly in Malaysia with more than 300 ChargEV stations installed around Malaysia. ChargEV is compatible with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Tesla, Nissan, BMW, and Volvo.
Download E-Hailing Apps if You Need a Ride
E-hailing apps are the next best thing compared to taxis or public transportation. If you think these apps are only for those without a car, think again. Instead, these apps can save you so much time and money when it comes to moving around in high-traffic areas. For example, if you want to grab a quick bite or a ride to the airport, or even if you don’t want to be stuck in a tiring traffic jam, let someone else drive you with these e-hailing apps.
Grab
Grab is a common, everyday app used in Malaysia that first started as a service that offers rides, lifts, and on-demand taxi services with flat rate fees based on the car, the city, as well as the wait times.
If you’ve been cheated or rejected by local taxis, Grab allows you to book a ride from your mobile application by inputting your location and destination. Then, you wait for your ride and pay for it through the app or by cash – everything is stated up front in the app, including the driver’s name, the card information, and the fees. Now, you can even order food, and groceries and do deliveries via this Grab.
MyCar
MyCar is pretty similar to Grab and is sometimes a cheaper alternative as well. While Grab might charge you three times more during rush hours, peak hours, and heavy downpours, MyCar’s charges are always fixed. One of the downsides that some might face when ordering a MyCar ride is the long waiting time as this app does not have that many drivers around.
Do remember to charge your battery before you leave or carry along a power bank with you, as some of these mobile apps are known to drain your battery. We hope these apps will be able to help you drive with ease and confidence.
Also Read: Road and Safety Sign Boards in Malaysia
For any other used car services and news, do check Carsome out! You can sell your used car at Carsome for the best price, fast payment, and no paperwork hassle. Check the website today to know more.
