In our increasingly digital world, there are certain books that you should have a physical copy of, such as your favorite novel, photo albums of important life events, and your car owner’s manual. While the internet provides endless information and opinions about cars, trucks, and SUVs, vehicle manuals are a reliable source of repair, maintenance, and other how-to’s for everyday car use as they do not require Wi-Fi or mobile network connectivity and do not run on batteries. This is especially true if they are published or certified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Regardless of your mechanical expertise, owning a vehicle manual can save you time, money, and stress.
Here are six reasons why an owner’s manual is a necessary item for any car or truck owner and their family:
Maintenance Schedules: Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 7,000 miles, rotating the tires on the same schedule, and replacing the automatic transmission fluid every 50,000 miles. However, your vehicle’s needs may not align with these intervals. Owner’s manuals contain maintenance schedules for you or an automotive service professional to follow over time. It is essential to keep records of this information, especially if your vehicle requires significant repairs within the manufacturer’s warranty period.
Replacement Parts: There are numerous variations of replacement parts for different manufacturers, models, and model years. An owner’s manual can eliminate the guesswork and uncertainty of which replacement part to purchase, particularly if you are not mechanically inclined.
Build Confidence When Servicing or Troubleshooting Your Vehicle: Reading your car maintenance owner’s manual can help you identify what a dashboard icon or trouble light signifies and how to remedy the situation. It can also assist you in identifying the cause of unexpected noises, smells, or other issues. A little research using the repair manual can build confidence when speaking to a service advisor, mechanic, friend, or family member. It can also assist you in navigating which replacement parts you need at a given time and when you can save money.
Safety: The owner’s manual contains critical information about how to safely operate your vehicle, including how to properly install child safety seats, the location of airbags, and other safety features.
Resale Value: If you plan to sell your vehicle, having a well-maintained owner’s manual can increase its resale value. Prospective buyers are more likely to purchase a vehicle that has been well-cared for and has a complete set of records, including maintenance schedules.
Environmental Impact: The owner’s manual provides information about how to dispose of your vehicle’s fluids and other parts safely. This can assist in reducing your environmental impact and ensuring that your vehicle is disposed of properly.
In conclusion, owning an owner’s manual is essential for any vehicle owner as it provides critical information about maintenance schedules, replacement parts, troubleshooting, safety features, resale value, and environmental impact.
