How to Use the Apple Watch With Your Car

The Apple Watch can be a powerful tool when it comes to your car. Several car manufacturers and ambitious third parties have created apps for the Apple Watch that interact with your vehicle. Want to use one with your car? Here are a few of the best.

Remote for Tesla App

The Remote for Tesla app was made by a third-party developer, but it offers features you might expect from an app put out by Tesla. With the app, you can:

• Start the car from your wrist.
• Summon your car to you when you're not near it.
• View "breadcrumb tracking" to determine where the car has recently been.
• Lock and unlock the car.
• Adjust the HVAC system.
• Honk the horn.
• Flash the lights.
• Start and stop charging the vehicle.

Tesla also has its own Tesla app; however, it is currently not compatible with the Apple Watch. So, if you want to control your Tesla with an Apple Watch, you have to branch out into a third-party version. Watch app for Tesla is another well-reviewed third-party app.

MyHyundai With Bluelink App

Hyundai's Apple Watch offering isn't limited to the company's high-end vehicles. With the MyHyundai with Bluelink app, you can control any Hyundai vehicle equipped with Bluelink and made after 2013. Hyundai also offers a similar app for Android users who use a Wear (formerly Android Wear) smartwatch. Most of the app's features require an active Bluelink Remote Package subscription.

Touch or voice-activated features include:

• Remote start
• Remote engine stop (when in remote engine start mode)
• Unlock or lock doors remotely
• Remote activation of horn and lights
• Car finder
• Vehicle status
• Parking meter

Volvo Cars App

The Volvo Cars app (formerly Volvo on Call) offers similar functionality to the other apps. The app works with vehicles made in 2012 or later and offers features including:

• Remote start
• Vehicle dashboard statuses, such as fuel or battery level and trip meters
• Lock and unlock remotely
• Vehicle location on a map
• Horn and blink indicators to find the car
• Pre-cool or pre-heat the car cabin
• Check fuel level and range
• Check battery range (on T8 cars)

Porsche Car Connect App

The Porsche Car Connect app is available for most Porsche models made in 2014 or later and equipped with a Porsche Car Connect unit. The Apple Watch features include:

• Vehicle status
• Vehicle locator
• Valet alert
• Safety notifications
• Trip stats
• Location of the car on a map
• Climate controls
• Remote entry
• Tire pressures
• Windows and doors checks
• Fuel efficiency
• Odometer reading
• Horn or light activation