Apps: Save money on gas, avoid jams

Are you all tapped out every time you have to go to the pump? Thankfully, there are dozens of terrific mobile apps that can do everything from locating the cheapest nearby gas station to helping you avoid traffic jams.

GasBuddy

(iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, BlackBerry, Windows; free)

The best app for locating cheap gas is GasBuddy. Once you download the free app, it will use your location to find nearby gas stations and then list the possibilities according to price or proximity. You can also enter in a city, state or ZIP code to find prices in other areas. Gas prices are reported by members of an extensive GasBuddy community -- the app has been downloaded 15 million times, and the company says there are 500,000 active users. Reporting gas price information is a snap, and those who do can accumulate points to put toward entries in a weekly $250 prepaid gas-card giveaway.

AAA TripTik Mobile

(iPhone, iPod Touch, Android; free)

You don't have to be a member of AAA to enjoy the services of this free app, which not only helps you locate gas stations near you but also identifies AAA-affiliated auto repair shops, restaurants and hotels. The app also provides voice-guided turn-by-turn directions to chosen locations. If you are an AAA member in need of roadside assistance, you can call for service directly through the app. Like GasBuddy, AAA TripTik Mobile can either base directions on your current location or map to whatever city/address/ZIP code you provide.

Gas Cubby

(iPhone, iPod Touch; $2.99)

It would be so nice if gas were the only expense that car ownership required. But there are myriad costs that come along with owning a car, from oil changes to wheel rotations, to changing wiper blades. Gas Cubby is a great app for anyone who wants to track all of these expenses in one place and monitor spending habits over time. The app can also alert you to schedule that regular maintenance check.

Waze Social GPS

& Live Traffic

(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, BlackBerry; free)

Traffic jams drain time, and time is gas money. Waze is a revolutionary app that helps you avoid traffic by sharing reports from other members of the Waze community. The app works best for recurring commutes and can lead you on alternate routes around congested areas. The app's turn-by-turn voice directions are very accurate and might even get you to think twice about investing in costly GPS navigation services.

Bike Repair

(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android; $3.99)

Ultimately, the most effective way to save money on gas is to not drive at all. But if you are going to bike everywhere, you should make sure your two-wheeler is in good working condition. Bike Repair explains more than 70 different bike problems and can teach you repairs through its step-by-step explanations and photo guides.

-- Appolicious.com,

Tribune Media Services

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GasBuddy

iPhone, iPod Touch -- http://www.appolicious.com/tech/apps/505240-gasbuddy-find-cheap-gas-prices-gasbuddy-organization-inc

Android -- http://www.androidapps.com/apps/360092-gasbuddy-find-cheap-gas-gasbuddy-com

AAA TripTik Mobile

iPhone, iPod Touch -- http://www.appolicious.com/tech/apps/220252-aaa-triptik-mobile-american-automobile-association

Android -- http://www.androidapps.com/apps/690388-aaa-triptik-mobile-aaa_national

Waze Social GPS & Live Traffic

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad -- http://www.appolicious.com/tech/apps/68486-waze-social-gps-traffic-waze

Android -- http://www.androidapps.com/apps/313046-waze-social-gps-live-traffic-waze

Gas Cubby

iPhone, iPod Touch - http://www.appolicious.com/finance/apps/58632-gas-cubby-fuel-economy-mpg-mileage-calculator-and-car-maintenance-service-log-the-application-cubby-llc

Bike Repair

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad -- http://www.appolicious.com/sports/apps/272822-bike-repair-atomic-softwares?tracking_id=search_results%3Aa119a251-5f32-012f-b766-40409525c8c6

Android -- http://www.androidapps.com/sports/apps/422707-bike-repair-atomic-softwares?tracking_id=search_results%3Ab7d58160-5f32-012f-d2fe-40404140b3c0