Modern cars often come equipped with built-in computer systems that track maintenance schedules and send service reminders. But if your vehicle lacks this feature, or if you prefer a more versatile and hands-on way to manage car upkeep, a car maintenance app could be the perfect solution.
While some apps require a purchase, there are plenty of excellent free options that can help you stay on top of routine maintenance with ease. Many of these apps also integrate additional features like fuel analysis and detailed service histories, and if you’re into performance upgrades like Chip Tuning, they can help you track and optimize your car’s performance after modifications.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best free car maintenance apps that drivers rely on daily to simplify upkeep and avoid costly mechanical issues.
1. CarFAX Car Care
CarFAX Car Care earns top marks for its comprehensive maintenance-tracking features. Available on both iOS and Android, this app allows you to monitor up to eight vehicles, providing reminders for upcoming services, cost estimates for repairs, and a catalog of past service records. It even alerts you to crucial safety recalls. With everything you need to maintain your car and protect its value in one place, CarFAX Car Care is a standout choice.
2. Openbay
A rising star in the car maintenance app market, Openbay offers unique scheduling features that connect users to a nationwide network of auto repair shops. Along with essential features like service reminders and past maintenance tracking, Openbay lets you book repair appointments directly and access cost estimates for services. Free on both iOS and Android, this app is gaining popularity for its convenience and innovation.
3. Simply Auto
Simply Auto sets itself apart with its unique ability to track fuel efficiency based on octane—a rare yet incredibly practical feature. This free app offers all the essential tools of a maintenance tracker, along with GPS-powered mileage recording, perfect for tax deductions or reimbursements. Electric vehicle (EV) owners will especially benefit from its kilowatt-hour (kWh) tracking, making Simply Auto a versatile solution for drivers of all types.
Car monitoring and management apps are reaching new heights, even enabling features like Chip Tuning to be controlled directly from your smartphone.
4. Fuelly
Exclusively for iPhone users, Fuelly is a sleek and user-friendly app with a solid 4.5-star rating. It excels at tracking fuel costs and consumption while also offering service reminders and basic vehicle information management. As its name suggests, Fuelly is perfect for drivers focused on monitoring fuel efficiency and costs.
5. aCar
For Android users, aCar is the go-to alternative to Fuelly. This highly rated app allows you to manage and log everything from routine maintenance and fuel mileage to accident reports and trip expenses. It’s ideal for those managing multiple vehicles, and it’s free to download from the Google Play Store.
6. FIXD
If you want to go beyond simple service reminders, FIXD is worth a closer look. Available for free on iOS and Android, FIXD deciphers fault codes, explains what repairs are needed and why, and provides estimates for repair costs. It also tracks maintenance schedules and stores service records for multiple vehicles. For those curious about their car’s health, FIXD delivers clear insights that go deeper than basic maintenance.
7. Drivvo
Drivvo boasts one of the highest ratings among car maintenance apps (4.6 stars) and has been downloaded over 1.5 million times. Its clean and intuitive interface makes it a favorite for tracking multi-vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, and service records. While the free version is robust, a pro version adds cloud syncing for a minimal annual fee, making it a flexible and reliable choice.