With $3-plus gas prices as the new normal, traffic showing no signs of slowing while parking shortages are on the rise, driving can be as expensive and stressful as ever. Fortunately a number of handy car apps can save you time, money and maintenance. And they’re all free. Here are the top five: 

GasBuddy: True to its name, GasBuddy searches out the cheapest gas stations in your vicinity based on your location or by plugging in city/zip/postal code. This app relies on its user community to chime in on discrepancies and station details, all in the spirit of banding together to combat high gas prices. As with airline miles and credit cards, you can earn points and awards by participating (read: win free gas). The app cannot always distinguish between cash and credit prices, however, as many gas stations charge additional fees if you use a credit card. 

MetroMile: MetroMile monitors your driving stats in order to make better road decisions. You can figure out the best times for the fastest commutes and plan gas-efficient routes, check engine status, and receive reminders of where you parked. For this app to work, however, you’ll have to order a Metronome, a gizmo that plugs into your car’s diagnostic port under the dashboard (available in California, Oregon, and Washington to drivers of post-1996 vehicles, free of charge). Some reviews claim the stats are unreliable, so this app may be a work in progress. On its site, MetroMile sells insurance based on the number of miles driven, aimed at drivers who log in less than 10,000 miles a year. The app is available only on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

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