Ten practical car apps: worry-free and safe mobility

TCS: Save money when filling up
We start with the app of the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS), which has a lot to offer: traffic jam reports, parking space search or even a fuel price radar! Of course, the app also fulfills one of the most important TCS roles: Help in the event of a breakdown. You have to be a TCS member for this, but other functions are free to use. The practical TCS app is available free of charge for iOS and Android.

Tacho 55 Start: How much is my speedometer ahead?
Car speedometers don't have to go faster, but they can - and usually do. But how much more speed do they show? This can be checked with speedometer apps. Such apps are a dime a dozen, but not all of them are equally good. Speedo 55 Start GPS Black Box would be our recommendation. The smartphone becomes a precise speedometer via GPS; this app also shows distance and average speed, is free (optional upgrades) and only available for iOS. For Android we recommend: Speedometer GPS Speedometer.

EchoSOS: This app saves lives worldwide
Smartphones have built-in emergency call functions that also transmit the location as automatically as possible. However, depending on the country or situation, this only works to a very limited extent. The tried-and-tested EchoSOS app transmits the GPS location to the local emergency services - anywhere in the world! It also displays local emergency numbers and stores emergency contacts and medical information, which is transmitted directly to the emergency services. EchoSOS is also free and available for iOS and Android.

Here WeGo: It doesn't always have to be Google
Google Maps is the most widely used navigation app. But Google is not so keen on data protection. If you attach great importance to your privacy, you should take a look at Here WeGo. This app deletes timestamps after use, does not collect any personal data without consent and anonymizes all information. Globally, it covers slightly less than Google Maps, but still covers almost all countries, and it also shows real-time traffic data. Its trump card is its strong offline functionality. Here WeGo is free and compatible with both iOS and Android.

Waze: live traffic jam warning via crowdsourcing
The Waze app is not only a navigation system but also a traffic jam warning system. This works because its users form a community that reports accidents, traffic jams or roadworks in real time. The app reroutes you accordingly based on the information. Petrol stations with prices are also integrated here. Waze works worldwide and also in Switzerland. Good to know: Waze's radar warning function is deactivated in Switzerland, otherwise the app would not be allowed to be used in this country. Waze is free and available for iOS and Android.

Flush Toilet Finder: What has to go, must go
The Flush Toilet Finder app comes to the rescue for anyone who has to go on the road. Whether in the city, on the highway or abroad: the app lists over 200,000 public toilets worldwide, from free and paid public toilets to barrier-free toilets and toilets in shopping centers, restaurants or train stations. Users of the app can even rate the toilets. This gives an indication of which toilets are particularly clean or well equipped. This app is also free of charge and available for iOS and Android.

eCharge: Against charging anxiety for e-cars
The TCS app's petrol station radar (see left) can also search for charging stations, but the TCS has another app especially for electric car drivers: eCharge. With this app, you can find charging stations throughout Europe, whether fast or normal charging. In addition to prices, the app also displays real-time information about the charging station (free or occupied). You can also pay directly via the app at some charging points, and the app also works for non-TCS members. It is free and available for iOS and Android.

Radio Paradise: A feast for the ears without algorithms
Do you enjoy listening to music in the car and like the principle of listening to the radio because it allows you to discover new music? But are you annoyed by radio stations that constantly play the same hits? Then Radio Paradise is for you. This is an American, non-commercial Internet radio station that, unlike commercial stations, plays music selected by people - without any algorithms. There is something for every taste in the various genre channels. The app is free and available for iOS and Android.

Twint: parking fees now easier to pay
Who hasn't experienced the tedious search for a parking space? Once a parking space has been found, the next problem arises: parking in the city is almost always subject to a charge, but the range of parking payment apps is like a jungle. Twint (in collaboration with Parkingpay) has a function that can be used to pay for parking spaces. You can also call up the prices or opening hours of parking spaces and manage your parking time. Twint is free and works on both iOS and Android.

Swoosh Comics: Against boredom in the back
Long car journeys can be incredibly boring for children. With the Swoosh Comics app, you can combat boredom in the back seat. For 13 francs a month, this app offers access to a large selection of comics in e-book format, including popular titles such as the "Funny Paperback", "Batman" and "Lucky Luke". The content can also be downloaded and used offline, avoiding roaming charges when abroad. The app itself is free, easy to use and runs on both iOS and Android.