Why reading your vehicle’s owner’s manual is important

Read any good books lately? Here’s a suggestion to add to your list: The owner’s manual for your vehicle. You know, that booklet buried under a pile of takeout menus and parking tickets in the glove compartment. As the auto technicians at Al's One Stop Auto can attest, this volume won’t make it to any bestseller lists, but it will help lengthen the life of your vehicle, and just might get you out of a roadside jam.

Today’s vehicles are becoming more complex all the time, and the owner’s manual can help bridge the information gap. Here are just a few of the reasons to become familiar with this often-overlooked resource:

• Maintenance schedules: Each manufacturer sets its own timelines for what needs to be done at different mileage intervals, such as oil and filter changes, tire rotation and pressure, air filter, etc. It may also offer guidelines to help you determine whether your location and driving habits fall under “normal” or “severe” conditions. 

• Safety features: Understanding your vehicle’s brakes, seatbelts, airbags, and, if applicable, traction control and four-wheel drive is of the utmost importance.

• Warning lights: Do you know what all those green, red and yellow lights on your dashboard are telling you? The manual should provide a brief description of each one.

• Warranty: The terms of your owner’s warranty will be explained in detail so you’ll know what’s covered and for how long. 

• Preparing for emergencies: The manual spells out key details about what to do in a roadside emergency such as using the hazard lights, how to jumpstart the vehicle as well as how to stay safe while you’re stuck.

At Al's One Stop Auto, our auto technicians have the advanced diagnostic technology to keep up with today’s vehicle manufacturer specifications. We’ll make sure that when you drive out of our shop, your vehicle will be performing smoothly, safely and economically. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.