Here are the 10 best apps for car maintenance
Owning a car is a major investment, and the key to protecting that investment is regular, proactive maintenance.
Staying on top of oil changes, tire rotations, and recommended service intervals can be a hassle, but a great car maintenance app can turn a complex chore into a simple, automated process, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
These digital logbooks track your service history, remind you when maintenance is due, and can even help you find reputable repair shops and estimate costs. At ShockTrail, we’re all about using smart tools to manage life’s important assets.
This guide highlights the best car maintenance apps to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly in 2025.
Why a Car Maintenance App is a Modern Necessity
In the past, car owners relied on a messy glove box full of receipts and a sticker on the windshield. A modern maintenance app replaces that chaos with a clean, digital hub for everything related to your car’s health. The best car maintenance apps provide a clear, organized view of your vehicle’s history and future needs.
By sending timely reminders, these apps help prevent small issues from becoming major, expensive repairs. They also create a verifiable service history, which can significantly increase your car’s resale value when it’s time to sell. It’s the simplest way to be a smarter, more responsible car owner.
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Real-World Scenarios: Putting Maintenance Apps to Work
Scenario 1: The Busy Commuter
- The Owner: Maria, who relies on her car for her daily commute and often forgets when her next oil change is due.
- The Goal: To get automatic, no-fuss reminders for routine maintenance.
- The Solution: Maria downloads the CARFAX Car Care app. She enters her license plate, and the app instantly pulls up her car’s make, model, and service history. It automatically tracks her mileage and sends her a push notification when it’s time for her next oil change or tire rotation. The app also alerts her to any open safety recalls for her specific vehicle, giving her an extra layer of peace of mind.
Scenario 2: The Family with Multiple Cars
- The Owners: The Chen family, with two cars and a teenage driver.
- The Goal: To manage the maintenance schedules and expenses for all three of their vehicles in one central place.
- The Solution: They use Fuelly (also known as aCar for Android). They create a profile for each vehicle—their sedan, their SUV, and their son’s used car. The app allows them to track not only maintenance and repairs but also fuel fill-ups and MPG for each car. This helps them budget for their total transportation costs and compare the running costs of their different vehicles.
Scenario 3: The DIY Mechanic
- The Person: David, who enjoys doing his own basic maintenance and repairs.
- The Goal: To find an app that not only logs his work but also provides repair guides and cost estimates for parts.
- The Solution: David subscribes to FIXD. He buys the FIXD sensor, which plugs into his car’s OBD-II port and syncs with the app. When his check engine light comes on, the app tells him the diagnostic code in plain English. It also provides a library of DIY video tutorials for common repairs and helps him find and price the exact parts he needs. This empowers him to do more of his own work confidently. For complex issues, he can still consult trusted sources like **Consumer Reports**.
Comparative Breakdown of Top Car Maintenance Apps
| App | Best For | Key Feature | Pricing Model |
| CARFAX Car Care | Automatic Reminders & Recalls | Automatic tracking by VIN/plate | Free |
| Fuelly | MPG & Multi-Car Tracking | Detailed fuel economy analysis | Free |
| FIXD | DIY & Diagnostics | OBD-II sensor integration | Sensor Purchase + Optional Premium |
| Jerry | All-in-One Car Ownership | Insurance comparison, maintenance | Free |
| Road Boodle | Detailed Record Keeping (iOS) | Clean interface, detailed logs | Freemium |
The 10 Best Apps for Car Maintenance in 2025
- CARFAX Car Care: The best free, set-it-and-forget-it app for most car owners. It automatically tracks your service history, sends reminders, provides recall alerts, and helps you find trusted local shops.
- Fuelly (aCar on Android): The top choice for data-driven owners and those managing multiple vehicles. Its detailed fuel economy tracking is unparalleled and helps you spot potential maintenance issues early.
- FIXD: A must-have for the DIY enthusiast. The combination of its OBD-II sensor and app demystifies the check engine light and empowers you to make informed repair decisions.
- Jerry: An all-in-one “super app” for car owners. It started with insurance comparison but has expanded to include maintenance reminders, repair estimates, and more.
- Drivvo: A comprehensive and user-friendly app for manually logging everything from fuel and maintenance to expenses and income, making it great for business owners or rideshare drivers.
- My Car Maintenance (iOS): A simple, straightforward app for iPhone users who want a clean interface to manually log services and get basic reminders.
- Simply Auto: A feature-rich app that allows for detailed logging of services and fill-ups, with the ability to capture and store receipts digitally.
- Openbay: An app that goes a step further by allowing you to get and compare quotes from local repair shops directly through the platform.
- Road Boodle (formerly Road Trip MPG): A powerful and beautifully designed app for iOS users who love to geek out on data. It provides extensive charts and reports on your car’s expenses and performance.
- Your Car Manufacturer’s App (e.g., myChevrolet, FordPass): Don’t overlook the app made by your car’s manufacturer. These apps can often provide real-time vehicle health status, recall alerts, and make it easy to schedule service at a certified dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do these apps know my car’s maintenance schedule?
Most apps, like CARFAX Car Care, use your vehicle’s VIN or license plate number to look up the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. You can then customize it based on your driving habits.
What is an OBD-II port?
The On-Board Diagnostics II port is a standard port on all cars manufactured since 1996. It’s usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. A diagnostic scanner, like the one from FIXD, plugs into this port to read data and trouble codes from your car’s computer.
Can these apps save me money on repairs?
Yes, in several ways. They help you stay on top of preventative maintenance, which is always cheaper than fixing a major failure. They can help you diagnose a “check engine” light to avoid unnecessary trips to the mechanic. And apps like Openbay can help you get competitive quotes for repairs.
Is it worth logging my fuel fill-ups?
Yes. A sudden, significant drop in your car’s average MPG is often the very first sign of an underlying problem, such as low tire pressure, a faulty sensor, or an engine issue. Tracking your fuel economy is a simple way to monitor your car’s health.
Will keeping a digital service record help my resale value?
Absolutely. Being able to show a potential buyer a complete, organized digital history of every oil change and service performed is a powerful sign that the car has been well-cared for. This can lead to a faster sale and a higher selling price.
What’s the most important maintenance I should track?
While everything is important, the single most critical service is the engine oil and filter change. Following the manufacturer’s recommended interval for this is the best thing you can do to ensure a long life for your engine.
Do I need an app if I have a brand new car?
It’s the perfect time to start. At ShockTrail, we recommend starting a digital log from day one. It helps you keep track of your warranty and ensures you build a perfect service history right from the beginning. Trusted auto advice sites like **Kelley Blue Book (KBB)** echo this recommendation.
Our Responsibility Safeguards
The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional automotive or financial advice. While car maintenance apps are powerful tools, they are not a substitute for the diagnosis and service performed by a qualified, professional mechanic. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and consult a trusted mechanic for any repairs or concerns.
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