This is the one car gadget I can’t imagine driving without
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AmazonI try enough gadgets that it’s rare for me to keep using something consistently months after a review goes up.
A year ago I started using the Automatic Pro, an adapter that fits in a car’s diagnostic port (most cars made after 1996 have one) to send relevant data to your phone, and I never stopped using it.
I drive pretty regularly, and I couldn’t imagine not having the Automatic Pro plugged in and ready now.
You can read my initial review for a more in-depth look at the setup process (it’s easy), but within five minutes of plugging it in, you’ll be ready to go. I haven’t had a single compatibility or consistency issue since I started using the Automatic Pro, so I can say from experience you’ll only have to set it up once.
The biggest benefit of having this dongle in your car is getting information about your car in real time. The Automatic Pro knows when and where I parked because of its constant 3G connection, so I’ll always know if my car was moved or turned on.
This has given me tremendous peace of mind, especially when I’m spending time in an unfamiliar area. Should my car get stolen, I’ll know exactly where it’s going and ends up so I can tell the police.
That constant connection has also led to one of the most useful Automatic Pro features: finding my car. Within 10 seconds of opening the app I can see exactly where I parked on an easy-to-read map. As someone who has to park somewhere new on a weekly basis, it’s a convenience I never want to give up.
Another feature I use regularly is the "trips" feature within Automatic’s app. It shows me a map of where I’ve driven, and tells me how long it took me to get there, the trip’s fuel efficiency, and how much gas money I spent getting there. Reviewing longer trips helps me set travel budgets (both time and money) and makes me more thoughtful throughout the planning process. Plus, if I end up making a random stop because a roadside attraction catches my eye, I’ll know exactly where to go the next time I’m in town.
Having all of this data easily accessible makes me a more aware and informed driver, which is more than I was expecting from a car gadget. I’m not a big automotive expert, but the Automatic Pro gives me the insights of one without much effort.
Automatic Pro 3G Connected Car Adapter, $129.99, available at Amazon
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