The first few weeks after getting my brand new auto, I kept taking my car for test drives. If you’re a new driver, then this is probably going to be your newfound hobby for a while—exploring your strengths and weaknesses as a driver, and determining the capabilities of your new “baby”—this includes driving around for hours at a time just cruisin’ around the city streets. Well, come to think of it, with the current problem with fuel prices (with them skyrocketing, and our bank accounts depleting), you may want to check for your vehicle’s overall condition right in the comforts of your own home.
You can do this by going through your owner’s manual—you know, the booklet the dealer gave you right after you made your purchase. If you still have no clue as to what manual I’m referring to, you might want to check your glove compartment—that’s where most drivers tend to stash this booklet away until the time they decide to resell or trade in their autos.
I know, you’re probably not the least bit enthusiastic about sitting down and actually reading your owner’s manual, but there are a lot of things that you can learn from this information-packed booklet. While you may have little or no problems with your auto after using it for a month or so, believe me when I tell you that small auto symptoms will appear the longer you use your car, and if not acted on immediately, these symptoms turn into full-blown problems. Save yourself from the major headache and the financial woes by getting to know your vehicle’s numerous components and learning to spot small auto problems before they turn your vehicle into a complete accident magnet. That being said, what can you find inside a good owner’s manual?
Well, if you’ve been provided with a good owners manual then it should contain the following information:
Your Auto’s Warranty Coverage and Information: It’s always best to start reviewing this as soon as you get your auto. This way you can determine if you need added protection for you and your auto or if the current coverage you have is good enough. (Don’t wait for an accident to get to know your auto’s specifics)
Details Regarding Your Auto: Standard and Special Features Included: Do you know everything there is to know about your vehicle? Find out all the features included in your vehicle’s model to make the most out of what you have—after all, you paid for it.
Maintenance Tips and Techniques: I keep saying this because I can’t seem to stress this enough: your vehicle won’t be running perfectly forever. I actually learned this the hard way when my vehicle’s battery first gave out. Use the tips and recommendations included in your owner’s manual. It should show you how frequently you need to replace or refill certain auto parts and the right types of oil, antifreeze and other mixtures your auto needs.
Heed the Warnings! Auto manuals are usually filled with warnings like “use model --- for your replacement ---, not this type ---“. These warnings are there for a reason. Using the wrong replacement parts will not only affect your auto’s performance, it could also lead to safety issues.
The Right Replacement Parts: Owner’s manuals contain the different part numbers of the most frequently-changed components in a vehicle: like the bulbs, fuses, tires and headlights. These booklets contain info on the right type of auto parts needed by your vehicle should you choose to replace these auto parts yourself.
Blank Pages You Can Fill Out on Maintenance and Service Information: this statement is pretty much self-explanatory, so I’m just going to remind you to use the spaces to record when you last changed your oil, had a tune-up, etc. This should serve as a reminder as to when you need to have an oil change or any other type of maintenance check.
YOUR AUTO MANUAL AS A GUIDE
After carefully reviewing your owner’s manual, you’re probably asking yourself “so, what now?”. Well, the next logical step is to use the booklet as your guide in getting to know your vehicle’s numerous components. In short, don’t be afraid to take a look under your vehicle’s hood.
A number of today’s manuals actually contain diagrams designed to help the reader identify the different parts found under the vehicle’s hood, like the engine, carburetor, radiator, air filter and oil stick. These manuals can also provide you with step-by-step information on how you can check your ATF or automatic transmission fluid and brake fluid levels.
After scrutinizing the contents under your auto’s hood, check your vehicle’s tires, trunk and dashboard to find out more about the different auto systems installed in your vehicle. For example, the exhaust system is usually found on the rear portion of your auto, under the vehicle’s body. It’s the auto system that’s connected to your vehicle’s tailpipe and is responsible for releasing your vehicle’s emissions and directing it away from your car’s cabin.
You don’t have to memorize everything written in your manual at one go. Take it one day at a time, and get to know your vehicle and its different parts thoroughly to prevent complete vehicle breakdown brought by poor auto maintenance.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO USE YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL?
There’s no better time than now (or as soon as possible). The longer you delay your maintenance checks the higher the chance that you’ll have to replace more auto parts and conduct heavier repairs on damaged vehicle components.
WHY YOU NEED TO FIND ALTERNATIVE BUT COMPATIBLE REPLACEMENT PARTS:
While your auto manual may specify parts manufacturers when it comes to headlight replacement parts etc., it also provides you with a more cost-effective alternative: going to a parts provider or auto parts shop with the exact part numbers you need. Sometimes even the simplest act of choosing a different parts manufacturer for your replacement auto component can mean the difference between paying an exorbitant amount and saving more than 50% of what you expected to pay for. Think about it.
