While most of us are still searching for pricey aftermarket systems to remotely start/stop the engine of their vehicles, or track their whereabouts, manufacturers are increasingly getting it, and outfitting the cars with smart OEM systems that offer all these features by default, and we don't mean available as buttons on the remote only.
Most car makers now have an app to go with their newest models, which offer a bevy of options - from trip logging to keyless entry, and everything in-between. We look at a few options that are available to you with your newly-minted smart car of sorts, and that are accessible right from your smartphone's screen.
Remote start/stop
This is maybe our favorite feature that a lot of new cars come equipped with. Being able to start your engine from a distance is the difference between freezing to nuggets while trying to scrape your vehicle's frosty windows in the winter, and casually lighting up the engine through the window of your warm home with a coffee mug in one hand while you prep to go out. Ditto for coming to the crowded beach with no shade to park the car under, and starting the engine from the sand when its time to go, cooling things down with the A/C left on.
Keyless entry (lock/unlock)
Kids locked up in the car and can't find the key? No worries, just press a virtual button on the car app, and free the little rascals, but don't forget to ask something in return, or they'll start thinking that life is fair.
Car location
Forgot where you parked? Need to track your daughter's whereabouts after she borrowed your car to go study with friends? It's all right there on your phone screen, complete with route and miles traveled.
Real-time info and diagnostics
Not that you can't access most of these with a $10 OBD transmitter, but the ability to see vital stats on your phone supplied directly by the manufacturer, and from a much larger distance, can't be beat. The new apps offer you to have your fuel level and efficiency, oil life, the tire pressure and odo readings at a glance.
We've rounded up a list of what the connected apps of some the most popular brands in the US offer in terms of features, and bare in mind that a lot of these options would only work with a newer vehicle model, as the smart/connected car trend is just taking over the auto industry:
Remote start/stop
Lock/unlock
Vehicle location
Real-time diagnostics
Misc.
Ford Remote Access
yes
yes
yes
no
$49 annual subscription fee
myChevrolet
yes
yes
yes
yes
Remote horn and lights to help locate your Chevrolet
Toyota Owners
no
no
yes
yes
Roadside assistance
HondaLink
yes
yes
yes
no
Service scheduling
Nissan Connect
yes
yes
yes
no
Curfew, speed, boundary and maintenance alerts
MyHyundai
yes
yes
yes
yes
Service scheduling
myGMC
yes
yes
yes
yes
Roadside assistance, Wi-Fi hotspot
Mazda Remote
yes
yes
yes
no
Climate control activation, panic alarm
BMW Connected
no
no
yes
no
Trip logging
Mercedes me
yes
yes
yes
no
Roadside assistance, lease financials
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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.
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