This Android Auto app I use everyday is an absolute game-changer

Summary

SpotHero is on Android Auto for quick parking searches, bookings, and amendments.
Save money by comparing parking prices and pre-booking through the app.
Restrictions apply to certain vehicles.

It’s hard to imagine doing anything without technology these days. Even modern cars allow us to mirror our smartphones via Android Auto as standard, or have some way to

add Android Auto to your car
. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. In fact, some

Android Auto apps
can save you a lot of time and money, like SpotHero.

SpotHero is a parking app that lists thousands of spaces in parking lots, garages, event venues, and airports. You can find and compare car park prices before you travel, and save money by pre-booking — all from your car’s infotainment system. Here’s why I think this app is a game-changer.

SpotHero

SpotHero helps you find, compare and pre-book discounted parking spaces wherever you go.

Android Auto interface navigating to restaurants.

How I control Android Auto and CarPlay without taking my hands off the wheel

You can control your car’s infotainment system with your voice, regardless of whether you’re an Apple or Android loyalist.

SpotHero is now on Android Auto

Search and book parking from your dashboard

SpotHero now integrates with the latest version of Android Auto, and it takes the stress out of travel. Whether you’re looking for parking at a concert, or made an impulsive decision to visit the city, you can search for nearby parking spots in your car. While it’s safer to have a passenger do this, the app is designed for drivers, so it has a clean, easy-to-use interface.

As long as you’re signed in to your account on your mobile, and have set up a payment method, you can search and reserve a space on the go. Then a built-in navigation system will guide you to the space, saving more time than Waze’s quick navigation function.

How SpotHero helps you save on parking

Compare parking prices before you travel

If you’re like me, you probably don’t have time (or can’t be bothered) comparing hundreds of different parking prices to find the cheapest. Honestly, I usually don’t even check before I travel — I show up and have to fork out for the last remaining space. With SpotHero, I can search and compare lots of spaces within the app. Plus, SpotHero partners with lots of parking lots, garages, and venues to bring exclusive discounts on pre-bookings.

While physical spaces are not held by SpotHero, it works closely with partners to monitor availability to ensure lots are not overbooked. There shouldn’t be any nasty surprises, but the customer service heroes are always on hand to help resolve any issues.

6 Android Auto settings you didn’t know you needed to change

Just a few quick phone tweaks can make all your drives smoother.

Amend or cancel your reservation with ease

Plans change, so can your booking

Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s fine. SpotHero bookings are flexible, so you can amend your booking up until the session start time. Running late? Simply adjust the start time from your dashboard (subject to availability). If you’re having lots of fun and don’t want to rush back to your car, you can also extend live sessions from your mobile phone.

That said, entry and exit times are fixed. Arriving too early or leaving late after your session ends might incur penalties from the operator of the car park.

Most partners on SpotHero do not allow multiple entries and exits on bookings. We advise checking with the operator if you need this.

Automate and track parking expenses

SpotHero offers business profiles

If you drive to work or travel frequently, SpotHero for business makes managing expenses simple. You can integrate it with your company’s expense software to automatically export receipts to simplify reimbursements. You can book from hourly to monthly parking, depending on your needs. Even if you’re self-employed, it’s a great way to keep your parking receipts in one place. That’s one less thing to worry about during tax season.

Google Maps Android Auto settings screen.

My favorite Android Auto apps for navigation

There are so many ways to get around town with Android Auto, and you have the pick of the litter when it comes to map apps.

Who can use SpotHero?

No large or commercial vehicles allowed

Since this app lists spaces in parking lots to large venues, there are a few vehicle restrictions to make it accessible to the majority of drivers. SpotHero is designed for personal vehicles, i.e., passenger cars and SUVs. However, vehicles over 65-inches in height or 181-inches long may be subject to additional charges, either via the app or directly to the site on arrival. Certain types of vehicles will be denied entirely.