Have you ever parked your car and forgot where you parked it, and spend the next 10-20 minutes trying locate it? This happens to everybody (some more than others) at one time or another – we are always in a rush to get somewhere that we hurriedly drive to a location, quickly look for a parking spot, grab it, and off we go to our final destination. We finish our business, come out to go back to our car and it’s like, ‘where in the heck did I park that darn car?’ We were in such a rush to get to that store, we did not pay attention to where we parked the car.
This is where a Car Locator App can come in real handy, as long as you remember to save your car’s location before you leave the vehicle. They all work about the same by utilizing your GPS – some are very simple and free, but get the job done and others are more sophisticated and may even cost a couple of bucks. However, if used correctly, you will never have trouble locating your vehicle again. We chose ten out of the very many that are offered, so take a look and see if this type of App could be helpful for you.
We also threw in a few Apps to help you find a spot to park so you can use the location App to find your car. Some will even allow you to reserve a spot – these are great if they work in your city.
ParkMe Parking
ParkMe – Is an App devoted to finding you a place to park in the first place. It is the world’s largest and most accurate database of parking information for over 500 cities around the world. Helps you find the cheapest and closet parking around the city. See real-time information on exactly how many spots are still open in the facilities – works in select markets only. They update cities, rates, parking every day.
Smartpark
Smartpark – This is the simplest of the Apps and is basically a “parking genius.” It remembers where you parked your car and when your meter expires. It is great for frequent drivers that use a lot of parking meters in the city…really helps you keep track of your time.
ParkWhiz – Find & Book Parking
ParkWiz – It’s only limitation is that it only works with over 2,000 locations nationwide. It can find you a guaranteed spot, compare the lowest prices, and book a spot in advance that will save you up to 60-percent off the regular price. If you live in an area that is covered by this App, then you will really enjoy using ParkWiz.
Car Compass
Car Compass – This App is for those really forgetful people who may be in such a hurry that they forget to record their locations in the App. This App automatically records and marks your parking spot when your smartphone breaks its Bluetooth connection with the vehicle. This App also works with a Wi-Fi connection in case the GPS signal is blocked by a parking garage. A Map shows location of the car and an arrow will point in the direction of your vehicle.
Car Finder and location notes
Car Finder and location notes – Records the position of your car by opening the App and you can tap into Google turn-by-turn navigation to locate your vehicle on the way back. This App is one of the few that will handle 11 languages.
MyCar Locator Free
My Car Locator – this is the free version versus the $1.29 version, which I can only assume just does away with any ads, as no other differences are noted. It uses your GPS to remember where you parked your vehicle and with the push of one button, it will guide you back. Arrows point you in the proper direction, remembers how long you have been parked, and provides walking directions back to your car. Works best outside, as it is highly unlikely to receive a GPS signal in a parking garage, especially under ground.
Car Finder AR
Car Finder AR – It will automatically keeps track of where you park, using augmented reality, 3D Google Maps and radar to find your parked car. The App provides both driving and walking instructions to your car. You can manage up to three cars and use a Home widget if you would like.
Find My Car
Find My Car – is a free app that does show a few ads, however, if you donate $1.21 from within the app, it will become ad-free. It is a simpler App, but still effective in locating your wheels. It saves your GPS location when you park and the uses Google Maps to find your way back to your vehicle. It includes a compass for guidance and will send out a SMS text message with you location so your friends can meet up with you.
Carrr Matey
Carrr Matey – does the usual car location function, but this App does it with the flair of a Pirate themed interface. For all those large parking garages or lots, it allows you note your level, letter, space number and color. The App links to Google Maps to pinpoint your exact location. Function and Fun all in one App.
Car Locator
Car Locator – This was the 1st Place winner in Verizon’s Power App Contest. You park your car, save your location, and when you are ready to return to your car, Car Locator will help you find it. It has a Radar and Map Split-Screen view, built-in parking timer so you will remember if you need to feed the meter, a Home screen widget for quick access, and keeps a location history and favorite locations. This App even packs a Live Wallpaper that always points in the direction of your car! The App costs $3.99, but may be the best money you ever spent looking for your vehicle.