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An app for road emergencies

Name: Honk. What it does: The app helps travelers who have car trouble use their mobile phones or tablets to connect to any of more than 35,000 roadside assistance providers. Available around-the-clock daily.

Name:

Honk.

What it does: The app helps travelers who have car trouble use their mobile phones or tablets to connect to any of more than 35,000 roadside assistance providers. Available around-the-clock daily.

Available: In the App Store; requires iOS 8 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. In the Google Play Store, requires Android 4.0.3 and up.

Cost: The app is free, but there is a charge for service.

What's hot: It's a viable alternative for drivers who can't afford an annual membership or who don't often use the plan and are tempted to cancel it. The app's website - www.honkforhelp.com - has travel tips, such as "7 Tips for Neck and Back Pain While Traveling,"

"15 Best Road Trip Destinations on Instagram" and "10 Healthy Snacks to Bring With You on a Road Trip."

What's not: It would be nice to know the price of a service before summoning assistance. The app quoted a price of $75, including tax and tip, to jump a battery in a 2009 Prius on the freeway in Carlsbad, Calif. However, a line said, "Book now, while rate is available." Uncertainty like that adds anxiety to an already stressed customer.