Come on, be honest—how often have you looked at your owner’s manual since you bought your car? According to a study by Bristol Steel Motors, approximately 60% of motorists didn’t read their owner’s manual before driving their car for the first time.
The reality is most owner’s manuals spend the majority of their time tucked away in the glove box, only to be pulled out occasionally for a specific need. The study also found that most people would prefer to visit YouTube videos or ask a family member when it comes to questions about their car; however, you’ll find that your owner’s manual is one of the most trusted sources when it comes to repair, maintenance, and other how-tos for your specific model.
Here are six reasons you should consider reading through your owner’s manual.
Maintenance Schedules
Your owner’s manual is an essential guide that details the maintenance requirements and proper repair techniques needed to keep your car reliable and performing its best. It contains manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules for everything from oil changes and tire rotations to 30/60/90K factory service intervals.
If your car is still under warranty, the owner’s manual can be very helpful for helping you determine when to schedule required maintenance; keeping records of this information can be vital if your vehicle needs major repairs within the warranty period. By following the maintenance schedules in your owner’s manual, you can prevent short- and long-term damage to your car—and save money over time. One important note: In Yuma County the “Severe Service” schedule should be followed due to our hot and dusty climate.
Correct Replacement Parts
It can be frustrating to purchase a replacement part only to discover it’s not compatible with your vehicle. If you’ve ever replaced parts like windshield wipers, headlight bulbs, or fuses, you’re probably aware of just how many are available for different manufacturers, models, and model years. While some auto part stores have fairly easy-to-search systems, referring to your owner’s manual takes all the guesswork out of the equation—especially if you’re not particularly auto-inclined.
If you use the wrong part, whether OEM or aftermarket, it may not fit or function correctly. Even worse, the part might seem like it works initially but ends up harming your vehicle’s performance or causing more severe repairs down the road.
Troubleshooting Issues
Not everyone wants to troubleshoot their vehicles—after all, that’s what we’re here for! But learning how to troubleshoot certain problems can save you time, money, and stress. For example, have you ever been on the road and seen an unfamiliar dashboard warning light turn on? Depending on what the light means, your vehicle might need immediate attention.
Your owner’s manual can help you understand what each warning light icon looks like, what it means, and what to do when it displays. You’ll also find helpful tips on what could be causing an unexpected noise, odor, or vibration. Not only can this give you peace of mind while driving, but it can also help you discuss the issue with your service advisor more confidently. There’s also the matter of budgeting for repairs. Your owner’s manual can help you determine when you might need certain maintenance items at any given time and set some money aside for your appointment.
4. Keeping an Eye on Your Fluids
Do you know what type of transmission fluid your car uses? Should you use synthetic oil in your high-mileage vehicle? Where are all the fluid reservoirs in your vehicle located? How do you know which is which?
These are all questions that can be answered by your owner’s manual. It will specify the types of fluid to use, where the reservoirs and dipsticks are located, and how often you should have each of them changed or flushed. Even if you let your repair shop handle the fluids, it’s always a good idea to check the levels on occasion—especially before heading out on a road trip. Monitoring your fluids lets you know when they need to be topped off (which can prevent repairs) and can help you catch issues like leaks.
Customizing Your Driving Experience
Modern vehicles have numerous custom settings that require manual setup to enhance your driving experience, such as the volume limit of your sound system, delayed lighting, headlight sensitivity, and more. By consulting your owner’s manual, you can easily modify your car’s settings to suit your preferences.
Safety
Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to your vehicle. Your owner’s manual contains valuable information about your car’s safety features, including turn signals, cruise control, airbags, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. Since not every vehicle is equipped with the same Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, it’s important to understand which ones your car has and how they work.
Additionally, your owner’s manual gives guidance on how to safely install accessories like trailer hitches, child seats, and bicycle racks. Following these recommendations can help you avoid overloading your vehicle—which can potentially cause expensive damage or harm other drivers.
What if You Don’t Have an Owner’s Manual Anymore?
If you’ve purchased an older vehicle without a manual—or simply misplaced your manual—Express Auto/RV Care Center can help! We’re happy to look up service intervals, show you around under the hood, or explain how certain features work. As a high quality maintenance & repair company, we provide proper repairs and maintenance for most cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Our shop is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and provides one of the best warranties in the industry: a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty paired with our exclusive satisfaction guarantee. Our friendly team of technicians and service advisors are ASE-Certified, so you can always rest easy knowing your vehicle is in highly-skilled, capable hands. Call us today at (928) 305-0767 or request an appointment online!
Want more great advice on saving money on car repairs? Order Russell McCloud’s book Knowledge is Power by clicking here.