3 Reasons Why You Need An Automotive Repair Manual

Buying a car is always exciting! A new ride is fun to drive with friends, take a road trip, or transport you to work. There are so many features to explore. Technology advances cars with every model year. There is one important tool you may not have noticed. Automotive repair manuals are often ignored or forgotten by owners. Many people do not truly understand their value. Often, an owner will not look at it until there is an emergency. This is a colossal mistake! Let’s review all of the features you may find in your manual.

1. It is an essential source for automotive repair

   A manual is an essential guide to your car. Car manufacturers typically provide one with the purchase of the car. You may also purchase do it yourself (DIY) manuals and professional mechanic manuals from third parties. What is in your manual? Most manuals provide specifications that are specific to your brand and model. Since each car is different, you should familiarize yourself with the specifications of your car. There will be recommendations for replacement parts if a part malfunction occurs while driving. If parts need to be assembled on your car, the manual is the best source of information to accurately add the part to your car. 

2. Enhances safety through preventive maintenance

  Safety is vital for any car owner. Control mechanisms allow you to brake or even enable child safety locks. All of the information on controls will be listed within your manual. To stay safe, understand all of the warning lights. Warning lights will show you if your car tires need air, your engine is having a problem, your battery is low, your washer fluids need replacement, and many other reminders. If a light comes on, you can attempt the repair yourself or get your car evaluated by a mechanic.  Plus, you can find out more about all-wheel drive, different speeds, your transmission, and other features. More knowledge means you can make smarter decisions about your car.

3. It teaches you how to fix your own car

   Every owner should learn some basic repairs for their car. Easy to understand service procedures are explained within your guide. Even a novice should be able to follow along! A good manual will have diagrams, pictures, and directions for each repair. These explain repairs done on your engine, brakes, tires, chassis, and wiring. Utilizing your manual can save you hundreds or even thousands of car repairs. An example of routine maintenance is your car engine oil, which cools and cleans your engine. This needs to be replaced every few months and your manual will explain how to change the oil. If your car needs a new spare tire, your manual will have recommendations on how to install it. Your headlights and taillights keep you safe in the dark and different weather conditions. Replacing them is easy with diagrams from your manual. Simple repairs are costly at the mechanic but fairly easy if you have a guide. You can learn to replace your cabin filter, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid with basic instructions. Learning basic maintenance will save money while eliminating emergencies.

   Owning a car includes planning. Inside any good guide or manual will be recommendations on routine maintenance schedules, so you are able to plan better. There also will be information on basic troubleshooting of car problems. You might be able to save yourself significant money by troubleshooting issues, instead of visiting a mechanic. If you have to use a mechanic, at least you will have a better understanding of the problem and the costs to fix it. So, why should you have one? The bottom line is that a manual includes critical information that impacts your safety, time, and money. If you read it, you will be able to avoid emergencies and have your car last longer.

References

Teynor, Jose. “Download Chrysler Sebring Manual.” 911 Manual, 10 Apr. 2019, https://www.911manual.com/chrysler-sebring-repair-manual/.

“Factory Service Manual.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 May 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factory_service_manual.