4 Android Auto apps that make driving a lot more fun

Tanner Marlar is a career-long journalist covering the automotive techincal industry. From the best and worst infotainment systems to ground-breaking innovations in the automotive space, Tanner has all the information you need. In his spare time, Tanner runs his own photography business, capturing motorsport memories at tracks across the country. 

As the battle for real estate on all of our screens rages on, one often overlooked screen is the display in your car. However, Android Auto makes sure that this isn't the case. Over the years, I've used both Android and Apple devices, and when it comes to in-car experiences, Android Auto consistently outshines CarPlay.

One of the best things about Android Auto is the wide variety of apps offered on the platform, but not all apps are created equally. Whether it's a handy companion on my next road trip or my daily music streaming app, these four apps completely define my Android Auto experience, and they're not all pre-installed, either.

MyRadar clears every weather app by a wide margin

Weather apps should do more than tell the temperature

As the name implies, the MyRadar Android Auto app allows users to clearly view any hazardous weather that might occur during their road trip. Using its own satellite constellation, the MyRadar app provides some of the most up-to-date and accurate weather forecasting and live viewing on the market.

While most weather apps do little more than forecast the temperature and give a loose prediction regarding precipitation ahead, MyRadar can offer that and much more, including wind patterns, wildfire alerts, earthquakes, and tropical storms. This live satellite viewing technology allows MyRadar users to view the real-time weather anywhere they might drive at any given moment. It's truly a step forward in a range of apps that could benefit from as much innovation as possible.

Fuelio is the best Type A app on the market

I never have to search through old mileage logs anymore

Like most Gen Zers at this point, I don't get a W-2 for the majority of my work in the U.S. Most of the time, I'm 1099'd, and that means that keeping up with things like vehicle mileage is paramount come April. Fuelio helps me do just that, as it pulls mileage logs and helps keep my reports accurate and easily accessible.

Fuelio isn't a one-trick pony, though. The app compares gas prices around me in just a couple of taps, making it easier to decide which station is worth stopping at on road trips, rather than shooting from the hip and finding the next gas station off a shady interstate exit. This is why I say it's the best Type A app I've ever seen -- it allows me to easily access all the records that I need and makes planning my fuel stops a breeze. What's not to like?"

Varsity Network never lets me miss a game

As a fan of two different college teams, this app makes my sports listening easy

I will never stop recommending the Varsity Network app to people, so take Nick Saban's advice, and quit asking. I've been fortunate enough in my time to attend two different US universities, both of which have successful athletic departments. College sports reign supreme where I'm from, and I truly don't ever want to miss a game if I can help it.

Through Learfield's partnership with the app, radio broadcasts of most college games are available for completely free, no matter if it's men's or women's basketball, baseball, softball, or football. If Learfield broadcasts it, it can be found on the Varsity Network app, including weekly coaches shows and podcasts. I haven't missed a game since downloading it, because it's that easy to use. Did I mention it's all free?

Hate all you want, but YouTube Music is the best audio streaming app

Be honest, do you really like Spotify or Apple Music that much?

If you can stand a bit of grief from your friends and buck the Spotify trend, YouTube Music has arguably the best user experience on the market. It's a shame that YouTube was late to the music streaming game, but after spending some time with the app, I truly prefer it over Spotify and Apple Music.

You can instantly switch between music videos or audio-only productions, making for the perfect background for any get-togethers with friends and family. Let's not act like people aren't fighting over the Roku remote, shall we? On top of that, YouTube Music integrates perfectly within the Google ecosystem, so if you live with many smart home devices (like my fianceé and I do), the transition truly is seamless.