Perhaps more interestingly, Automatic can also suss out the reason behind a check engine light along with an appropriate course of action.

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Welch likens early screening to the check engine light on a car, occasionally picking up abnormalities that don't affect the vehicle's performance.

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The check engine light of my 2003 Mazda MPV turned on over 6-months ago, and I never had the time to actually get it checked, even less fixed!

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Economists would say the rising prices are like the check engine light coming on on the dashboard, and to lift the gas tax would just put a piece of black tape over the warning light.

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For example, if 20 percent of check engine light problems reported came from a certain vehicle but it made up only 10 percent of the vehicle population it would have an index of 2.00 (20 percent divided by 10 percent).

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Many of these gadgets can be used to turn off a check engine light, which can be a money-saver if you avoid a trip to the garage simply because the gas cap was loose, a common cause of check engine alerts.

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Hollander compares it to a "check engine" light that keeps flashing on the dash for no reason.

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When that annoying "check engine" light appears on your dashboard, for instance, the service manager sees it, too, on his computer.

FORBES: Auto Pilot

OK, not that last one, but the program is certainly more differentiating and engaging than a check-engine light, or a postcard from your dealer.

FORBES: BTW. Bttry is LO! PLZ DNT 4get 2 chg 2day! :- ) THNX