Should You Follow the Owner’s Manual for Your Car’s Maintenance?
When you think of curling up with a good book, your Car Owner’s Manual probably isn’t what you had in mind. Unless you’re a “car person” that little book in your glove box is far more intimidating than entertaining.
After all, you know how to turn the key in the ignition and pump the gas. As far as you’re concerned, the rest is your mechanic’s problem. Right?
Well, not exactly.
Did you know that something as simple as using the wrong type of fuel could potentially cause you to void your warranty? This is the kind of helpful information found in your owner’s manual.
Truth is, your car’s manual is so much more than just “fine print”. It is a wealth of information about preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. Knowing the contents of your manual can save you time, energy, and often a great deal of money.
What Your Owner’s Manual Can Tell You
Your owner’s manual is vast resource of knowledge, from basic set-up instructions to troubleshooting. And while it doesn’t cover everything, it does help you decipher the details.
For example, your owner’s manual explains:
Set Up – simple things like your clock, radio, and keyless entry
Preventive Maintenance – how to change filters, check fluids, and tire pressure
Specifications – like what oil to use and what windshield wipers fit
Troubleshooting – dead batteries, flat tires, warning lights, odd smells and noises
Warranty Coverage – knowing the details of your coverage educates your decisions when it comes to your mechanic’s recommendations. While most procedures may be covered, some parts and repairs may actual void your warranty. It pays to know.
Regular Maintenance to Prevent Problems
It is all too easy to ignore routine auto maintenance. But ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your vehicle’s safety. In fact, the longer you wait to deal with small details, the more likely you are to cause big damage.
Preventive maintenance
Keeps your car running smoothly
Familiarizes you with your vehicle
Prevents long-term damage
Potentially saves you thousands of dollars
Makes your drive safer, whether commuting in the city or driving out of town
Regular Inspection
Your owner’s manual can help you do your own inspection. Like a pilot who is required to do a pre-flight check before flying, a regular once-over on your car will help you catch small problems before they become big issues.
A once-a-month inspection should check things like:
Tire Pressure – correct tire pressure extends the life of your tires and gives you better gas mileage.
Tire Tread – Nobody wants a blowout. Your manual shows how to check that your tires are in good shape.
Lights – ensure headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and blinkers are all working properly.
Fluids – your manual will show you how to check the levels of your oil, wiper fluid, antifreeze, power steering, coolant, and transmission fluid.
Belts – keep an eye out for worn and damaged belts. Again, your manual will offer recommendations for replacing belts in a timely manner.
Battery – the contacts should be clean
Windshield Wipers – should operate without smearing
Filters – cabin air and engine air
Spark Plugs – compromised spark plugs can prevent your engine from running efficiently.
Warning Lights and Other Problems
The most common time people pull out the owner’s manual is when the car is experiencing a problem, and rightfully so. At some point we all find ourselves stranded and help may not be readily available. Your manual can help you make sense of the most common emergencies, like dealing with a flat tire or a dead battery. It can also help you understand what may be wrong based on specific warning lights.
Find Your Owner’s Manual Online
Now you better understand that your vehicle’s manual is more than just a dust-collector for your glove box. But what if your manual is missing or your need to reference it while the mechanic has your car?
One way is to do an online search for your car’s year, make and model. Often you’ll be able to view the manual. Other times you may have to register with the website in order to access the manual. This may even involve typing in the VIN number.
Another way to find your owner’s manual online is to check websites like justgivemethedamnmanual.com. Sites like this keep backlogs of manuals and happily share them with car owners.
These are just some of the high points of your owner’s manual, but they are important ones you should know. Taking a few minutes to learn what your manual has to offer will help you be less intimidated when maintenance needs or problems arise and give you peace of mind when you hit the road.
