Last time I called my MINI service rep to ask about an engine light on my Cooper, he said there are more than 100 things that could cause the light. If I’d taken the time to dig out my manual, it would probably have listed all of those but I’m not sure how I would know which was the culprit.

The light came on last night so I opened my Automatic app, clicked on the alert icon and learned the problem was “incomplete combustion in cylinder 4.” It also gave me easy-to-follow instructions for clearing the light and nearby mechanics.

This feature alone is worth the price of Automatic ($99). But the device/app has made me a better driver. Fewer jack-rabbit starts; less hard breaking; and I’m keeping my highway speed at 70mph.