The Automatic Link dongle is quite a handy piece of tech. After you easily install it, it will monitor fuel consumption, it will track your trips, it will help you remember where you parked, it will tell you why the “check engine” light came on, it will automatically contact help if you crash.

The Automatic Link dongle works in tandem with the Automatic app. There used to be a time when the Automatic app was available to iOS users only. Not anymore! The Automatic App for Android has recently been rolled out to the public. It is available on Google Play here.

The Automatic Link is a small dongle that can be easily installed.



You see, you just have to plug it into the port near the steering wheel, the port your mechanic always uses when you service your car.



Once installed, the Automatic Link dongle can be connected to your iPhone or Android. The dongle will transmit important data to your mobile so you can easily review it.

Automatic, via the dongle and the app, puts the following functionality at your disposal:

• Save gas – your driving style is monitored and you will be encouraged to change your driving habits so you can save gas. Audible alerts warn you when you break too hard, accelerate too fast, or speed over 70 miles per hour.
• Trip tracking – every trip you take will be tracked automatically; you can view the distance you traveled and how much gas you used.
• Engine light – when the “check engine” light comes on, the app tells you precisely what’s wrong. It can do this because Automatic Link connects to your car’s onboard computer.
• Parking – you don’t have to remember where you parked because Automatic always remembers where your car is parked.
• Crash – Automatic can detect severe crashes and automatically notify local authorities.

There is one other Automatic feature that must be mentioned – an Android-exclusive feature called Do Not Disturb. When you get in your car, Automatic silences your Android. Texts, notifications, and phone calls are silenced while you drive your car. An automatic reply can be sent via text message to anyone who calls you while you’re driving.

The Automatic app is available on the App Store here and on the Play Store here.

Additional info on Automatic is available here.