Why Should You Read Your Car Owner's Manual

Like smartphones and computers, most modern cars are complex, and most people only use a few of their features. However, unlike the formers, it makes more sense to get familiar with your car by reading the owner's manual and getting to know your vehicle.

Your car owner's manual is one of the most reliable sources when it comes to maintenance, repair, car safety, and how to keep your beloved ride running smoothly for years to come. Here are a few reasons why you should read and consult your car owner's manual.

Better understanding of your car

Buying a new or used car is a considerable investment. Most people need to save up for several years to afford their dream vehicles. Huge purchases, including buying a home, usually come with enormous responsibilities, which also apply to acquiring a car.

Your car owner's manual contains almost every detail you need about your vehicle. From the make and model of your car to what every button does, the manual will tell you that and more. It will show you how to access the engine, the fuel tank, the spare tire, and anything else you need to know to drive your car safely.

Understand your car specifications and other features

Most modern cars come equipped with advanced technology. These include active safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist system, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, airbags, and more.

While automakers typically design these features to be easy to use, it's essential to familiarize yourself with them to get the most out of your car. Your car owner's manual will tell you how a certain safety feature works, how to use it, and how to turn it on and off, if necessary.

Reading the manual before driving the car ensures you make the most of all these great features your vehicle has to offer. It also helps protect the driver, other road users, and the car itself.

Know the location of essential components

As you familiarize yourself with your car's major components, you also need to know where these components are located. This is vital in the case of an emergency breakdown, and you have no help.

Knowing what could be causing the problem and where exactly it can be located in your car can help you resolve the issue promptly. For instance, if there is a sign of a failing brake booster, your car owner's manual can help you locate and fix the issue in time.

Learn how to maintain your car properly

Car maintenance is not just about checking and topping up fluids or rotating the tires. Of course, you need to learn to change engine oil, as failing to use the correct oil or not changing it regularly could lead to serious issues.

However, vehicle maintenance also involves:

• Washing your car with the right materials.
• Paying close attention to the load limit.
• Practicing proper driving habits.

It also involves being able to look out for any signs that could indicate something is wrong with your car.

Your car owner's manual is the best place to learn about maintaining your car. It's full of useful information tailored specifically to your car's exact make and model.

The manual also specifies the repair techniques for proper auto care to ensure you and your mechanic are doing it right. You will be sure you are taking the best care of your vehicle when you stick to what your owner's manual prescribes, ensuring your car delivers optimal performance and safety.

Understand each dashboard symbol and warning lights

Your vehicle's dashboard is designed to give you quick updates about the car's status. It displays warning lights, most of which alert the driver about the vehicle's safety system or an underlying engine issue. However, interpreting various warning lights might be challenging since car dashboard warning lights present differently depending on the vehicle's make and model.

Take your car owner's manual as the key rather than ignoring the rights or struggling to understand them. Your manual will show you all the warning light symbols and also give a brief description of each. A vehicle user manual may also teach you how to fix malfunctioning dashboard lights.

Learn how to perform basic troubleshooting

Getting stranded with your car stalled in the middle of nowhere and having no chance of getting help any time soon can be a tough experience. In such a situation, it's good to know what went wrong and how to fix the issue.

Reading the owner's manual and understanding your car can make it easier to listen and identify things that are out of order. For instance, most modern vehicles come equipped with "limp mode," a safety feature that activates when the car computer detects a problem with the transmission or engine. This function usually slows your vehicle down to a drag and turns off less essential features like the AC.

Knowing about limp mode from your car user manual can help you know when it's activated and what to do next. This also applies to many other minor car issues.

Understand the numbers and codes on your car

Checking the car identification numbers is one of the most crucial tips when buying a used vehicle. You need to check the vehicle identification number (VIN), tire configuration and rating, chassis number, frame number, and more. However, only a few people know about the actual purpose of these numbers and codes and where to find them on or in their cars.

These numbers are essential to your car's identification and provide the standardized configuration of specific vehicle components. One place that you are sure to get these numbers is in your car owner's manual. However, you can also find them on your car's front door pillar, engine bay, or the lower left or right side of the windscreen.

Protect yourself from the malpractices of untrustworthy service centers

There are a lot of unreliable dealerships out there that might end up exploiting you through maintenance malpractices. They will hand a long and hefty list of parts and components that need to be replaced or serviced without your car necessarily requiring those services.

However, you can avoid such exploitation and fraud by becoming familiar with everything that needs to be repaired or replaced during regular servicing. Your car owner's manual can be a great asset for helping you learn a thing or two about your vehicle's maintenance routine.

Learn better driving practices

Nearly every driver has unique driving techniques, which have a significant impact on their vehicle's overall performance. For instance, driving with a heavy foot puts too much stress on your car's mechanics, which mainly impacts fuel efficiency.

Your car owner's manual includes a list of good driving practices that you can follow to enhance your car's efficiency. These practices also make your overall driving experience safer, maximize fuel economy, and extend the life of your vehicle.

Help maintain a service record

Keeping a car maintenance record is vital, especially in the US, where vehicles are required to go for regular checks and evaluations. A well-crafted maintenance record also reassures potential buyers that your car has been well cared for, potentially increasing its resale value.

Your car owner's manual comes with a card where you can record your vehicle's maintenance history. Ensure the dealership that handles your car's maintenance tasks stamps the card every time you take the vehicle for regular servicing.

Know what to do in case of an accident

Car accidents are inevitable. Regardless of how careful you are on the road, you will probably get your vehicle into a mishap at some point, whether minor or major.

Since you might not know what to do at the moment, it's normal to panic and freeze when you get into a car accident. However, when you read your car owner's manual, you can learn about the features that could save your life.

One good example is knowing how to release the child safety lock in case of a malfunction. Most modern cars come with an electronic system that controls child locks. The owner's manual could teach how to release the locks manually to get yourself to safety, especially if the system encounters an error during an accident.

Conclusion

Your car owner's manual isn't an optional reading material. It's a valuable part of your car that holds information about car maintenance, standards and guidelines, operations, car safety, and more. Therefore, before you drive away with a new car, consider going through the owner's manual. Reading the manual helps you become a better car owner and ensures safety for you, your passengers, and others on the road.