When you get a brand-new car or a used car new to you, the first thing you want to do is drive! Show off that Chevy Malibu or KIA Telluride to friends, enjoy the luxury, the speed, and how good it makes you look. But before you spend too much time driving, the best thing you can do is to read the Owner’s Manual that is specifically about your vehicle model and learn everything you need to know. For instance, can you change a flat tire if stranded or do you know where to locate your engine’s part number?
Especially for a car novice, there is a wealth of information in that little book that not only tells you how to operate all the car’s bells and whistles and maintain it so it will last for years, but also safe driving tips and what to do in a number of driving emergencies. The Owner’s Manual is a must-read for anyone serious about getting to know their new car and beginner drivers will get a well-rounded education that will increase their confidence behind the wheel and as a car owner.
Sections of the Owner’s Manual
As an example, a KIA Owner’s Manual will be our guide. Keep in mind that contents may be organized differently by different automakers while containing the same types of information. The KIA Table of Contents includes:
· Introduction
· Your vehicle at a glance
· Safety features of your vehicle
· Features of your vehicle
· Driving your vehicle
· What to do in an emergency
· Maintenance
· Consumer information
· Specifications
· Index
You can see that pretty much anything you need to know is there. There’s no need to do extensive Google searches to find (sometimes conflicting) answers, go directly to the manual for just about any question regarding your car. It will be faster and much more accurate!
Properly meet your new car
Today’s cars have a wide range of features and settings that vary from automaker to automaker and model to model of the “same” car. Your Owner’s Manual will explain the features of your specific car. It guides you through any setups so you can customize its operation to your needs.
· The proper gas to use as well as types and capacities of other fluids like coolant and brake fluid.
· Diagrams of everything under the hood and where fluids can be added or checked.
· Diagrams of the instrument panel, console, and doors identifying all the elements.
· Importance of safety features like warning lights, door locks, airbags, seatbelts, and tire size and pressure.
· How to use all the bells and whistles you bought it for.
Proper vehicle maintenance
The best thing you can do for your car and yourself is to review the recommended maintenance schedules and plan on following them to keep your engine, cooling system, brakes, and more in tip-top condition.
Maintenance is not waiting to act until there’s a problem and a warning light comes on. Scheduled, preventative maintenance will save money in the long run and your Ford, Chevy, or Toyota will last for many years.
· Maintenance includes inspecting, cleaning, and replacing or repairing as needed.
· Regular oil changes ensure engine safety and inspection of other systems at the same time.
· Explanation of how to check fluid levels and other visual inspections you can do.
· By knowing the manufacturer’s schedule, you won’t be oversold unnecessary maintenance tasks by overzealous mechanics.
· There’s even a maintenance section for drivers that put their vehicle through sever usage conditions like rough roads, aggressive driving, and towing heavy loads. Some services will require more frequent scheduling under these circumstances.
Driving tips and how to handle emergencies
While we all think we’re good drivers, there’s always room for improvement and gentle reminders never hurt anybody. Your Owner’s Manual offers instruction for not only safe driving but also how to protect your car’s mechanics by driving properly to reduce wear and tear on engine, brakes, transaxle, and tires. You can learn best practices for smooth cornering, driving at night, better fuel economy, and driving in different kinds of weather. Additionally, it covers how to handle unexpected emergencies if roadside assistance isn’t an option.
· How to safely tow a trailer or install tire chains.
· How to use a jack and safely change a flat tire, including how to drive with a compact spare tire.
· Driving in heavy rain or flooded areas and how to get unstuck from mud, snow, or sand.
· What to do if the engine won’t start or if it overheats.
· Step-by-step instructions to jump-start a car or if you should NOT attempt to jump-start your particular car.
If you’ve lost your Owner’s Manual
As you can see, having the Owner’s Manual in the car and handy is a good idea. But if you’ve lost it or bought a used car without its manual, there are a few ways to get a copy.
· Access a digital copy via the automaker’s website.
· Purchase a paper manual through a dealer or on eBay.
· A local salvage yard may have Owner’s Manuals for sale.
· Carfax has a listing of links for online car manuals from all brands here.
LKQ Online is dedicated to making owner and vehicle relationships the best they can be by offering high-quality used auto parts at economy prices whenever a repair is needed. Replacement alternators, converters, shocks, brakes, and engines for all brands of cars and trucks are quickly available with our 200-location nationwide inventory. Shop by year, make, model, and VIN number to ensure perfect fit and rely on our six-month or 6,000-mile standard warranty on all used car parts we sell (excluding airbags, seat belt assemblies, and tires).