Five Reasons to Read your Car Manual

When you buy a brand new car, it’s reasonable if reading the owner’s manual isn’t at the top of your to-do list. There are things that appear to be more pressing that require your attention, and that’s fine.

However, we’re here to tell you that your car’s owner’s handbook contains a wealth of information that you’ll need in the future. When something goes wrong with your car, knowing what’s inside can save you a lot of time and money.

This is true whether you’re driving a basic car like the Toyota Vios or a tech-laden crossover like the Ford Territory. After all, the owner’s manual is not a piece of optional reading. Let’s take a look at five of the most compelling reasons to read your owner’s manual.

• You must be familiar with your car inside and out.

Purchasing a car is a significant financial commitment. Many people save for years to be able to afford their dream cars. Big purchases generally come with a lot of responsibility, and buying a car is no exception.

The manual will tell you all you need to know about your car, from what each button performs to what each warning light means. It will show you how to open the hood, the fuel door, the spare tire, and anything else you need to know about owning and driving your car safely.

• You need to be familiar with your car’s features.

Many modern vehicles are fitted with cutting-edge technology. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and other active safety systems were not available in most automobiles just fifteen years ago.

While these functions are designed to be simple to use, it is a good idea to become familiar with them in order to get the most out of your car. The owner’s manual will explain how a feature works, how to utilize it, and how to disable it if it is available. You never know, you might discover a piece of technology you didn’t even realize your car has.

• You must be able to perform basic troubleshooting.

When your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, it can be difficult to get back on the road. When this happens, it’s important to understand what went wrong and how it happened. Reading the manual and getting to know your car from top to bottom should make it easier to spot and hear items that aren’t working properly.

Newer cars, for example, come with “limp mode,” a safety function that kicks in when the vehicle’s computer detects a problem with the engine or transmission. You’d know when the limp mode is activated if you knew about it from your handbook.

• You must understand how to properly maintain your car.

Many car owners leave the maintenance to the mechanics, but knowing how to keep your vehicle in great shape might save you a lot of time, money, and effort. Your car’s owner’s manual will inform you which fluids are ideal for it. 

If your car has a tire pressure monitoring system, the owner’s manual will explain how to operate it correctly. Some vehicles now have oil change reminders, and the owner’s manual will tell you how to access them and, if necessary, reset them.

• You must be aware of what to do in the event of an accident.

Except for death, taxes, and the inevitability of vehicle accidents, nothing is definite. No matter how many measures you take, your car will almost certainly be involved in a minor or major accident at some point.

When you’re in a car accident, it’s all too simple to panic and freeze because you don’t know what to do. If you read your owner’s handbook, though, you’ll be aware of features that could save your life. 

All these are important aspects of your car that you should learn about and implement. Read the manual thoroughly to help you become a better and more responsible owner who is concerned about the safety of those around you.

Visit our Global Dominion, Inc. regularly for more car safety and maintenance tips.