Android Auto has been a big upgrade in my driving experience.

Having recently purchased a compatible car after driving a tech-challenged Toyota Camry since 2012, I've found the navigation, connection speed, and overall functionality make going from point A to point B much more enjoyable.

Still, something was missing that could have unlocked the full potential of my new Android Auto-compatible vehicle.

Three apps could take this car infotainment system to the next level, and you can do the same right now.

Messaging made easy

The most-used messaging app is available in Android Auto. With more than 3 billion users worldwide, having a car that is equipped to message them is a game-changer.

Even better, the WhatsApp app in Android Auto integrates seamlessly with the onboard voice assistant, so you can compose messages to send to friends and family without looking at your phone while on the road.

As a US driver, WhatsApp isn't common for everyone in my contacts. Most Americans aren't as adept with WhatsApp as people in nearly every other country, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have clear use cases.

This one is particularly important for me and my driving experience, as WhatsApp is the go-to messaging app that my wife and I use to communicate because she is an iPhone user.

Since she's been giving me guff for texting and driving every once in a while, the ease and accuracy of the voice-to-text functionality is a welcome solution for both of us.

SpotHero

No more expensive parking garages for me

If you're a suburban or rural driver, the SpotHero app may not be necessary for your Android Auto setup, with parking spots and lots being free and plentiful throughout the area.

However, in the city of Chicago, where I live, parking is hard to come by. As a result, last-ditch options like parking garages are exorbitantly expensive, especially if you don't plan ahead and are in a high-traffic area.

That's why apps like SpotHero are a dream. They provide access to more affordable parking options throughout the city.

The Android Auto app makes it even easier. It allows you to check and confirm your parking appointments, and you can rebook previous spots with a few clicks.

You can't book a new parking spot in the SpotHero app, but when you book on your phone and refresh the app, the new spots pop up right away, so you can get into your spot without issue.

GameSnacks

A parent's dream

There's nothing worse than being parked in the car with nothing to do. Whether you're in line at school drop-off or stranded waiting for a tow, the boredom can be too much sometimes.

With the GameSnacks app on Android Auto, that boredom will be a thing of the past. It gives you access to more than a hundred mobile-style games, like Fruit Chopper, 2048 Cube Merge, and Garden Bloom, that you can play on your in-vehicle display.

For example, I was on dad duty while a technician came to make a second key for the car. I had to be in the car to prove I owned it, and I had to watch my little one, so it was the perfect time to play games.

We got in 10 rounds of Diamond Rush while our friend made our new key, and by the end, she was begging to stay in the car a bit longer instead of going inside for lunch.

How to add apps to Android Auto

Doesn't get much easier than that

If you've been clicking through your Android Auto setup trying to find a way to add apps to your vehicle, you're probably frustrated. That's because you can't download apps directly on Android Auto.

To add apps to Android Auto, download them to your phone. Then, go to Android Auto settings, scroll down to Customize launcher, and choose which available apps you want in your vehicle.

Most will be available by default, but it never hurts to check.

The future of Android Auto

Updates are coming

Android Auto's March update added a lot of great functionality, but the best is still yet to come.

Recent update notes from Google point to even more advanced upgrades to the car infotainment system, including deeper Gemini voice assistant functionality, smart screen widgets, and enhanced media controls.

All that to say, Android Auto's best days may still be ahead of us.