Important Information in Your Owners Manual

A breakdown of your vehicle’s technology systems and how to set them up will be included in your owners manual, and is often communicated through both written descriptions and diagrams. This can include information on where to find the various system controls, what function each part of the system affects, and more. It is recommended that you read this section before setting up any of your vehicle's on-board devices in order to understand proper procedures and avoid causing any issues that may require outside help or repair.

Detailed and labeled diagrams that depict your vehicle’s instrument panel and controls act as a guide to show you where different controls are located, and what each control is responsible for. You can also find several adjustment and settings guides that are great resources for learning how to customize the way your vehicle operates. Your owners manual will contain labeled diagrams that explain how to adjust any user-input systems in your vehicle, including your seats, headrests, mirrors, steering wheel, power windows, interior and exterior lighting, radio, and all other owner-input features in your vehicle.

Fuel economy is an important part of making sure your vehicle is running the best it can, and to help you manage the use cost of fuel. Your owners manual provides helpful information about the best fuel grade for your vehicle, including whether it can use FlexFuel or other high-ethanol blends, and ways to control and improve your fuel economy. You can also learn more about gasoline octane ratings with our helpful article.

Interior and exterior lighting systems in your vehicle are important safety features. Your owners manual has descriptions and diagrams to explain specific features of each light assembly, how to control and adjust exterior and interior lighting, and how to perform general maintenance or repairs on each system. Helpful information about changing interior and exterior light bulbs, adjusting or setting up the automatic lighting system, and important safety features can all be found in your owners manual.

When you purchase your vehicle, it’s important to know how to properly drive and operate it on the road. Even if you’ve been driving for a long time, your owners manual has information you may need to know to better understand starting your vehicle, how to engage traction control or four-wheel drive systems, braking and stopping, cruise control, and how to safely adjust mirrors, your steering wheel, and more for maximum comfort and safety on the road.

There are many aspects of your vehicle that you can customize or adjust to your preferred settings. Infotainment systems, seats, seatbelts, and child lock systems can also be adjusted by the driver to ensure the most comfortable and safest driving experience. Your owners manual will explain how to make these adjustments, and depict where the controls for each setting is located in your vehicle.

Buying a vehicle is a big commitment, and your owners manual is here to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. If you notice any problems with your vehicle after going through your owners manual and warranty information, you can use your manual as a resource and learn how to report these defects to the manufacturer. Roadside assistance is also available as a feature in many newer vehicles. Your owners manual contains all the information you need to know about setting up roadside assistance and utilizing it as needed.

Your vehicle’s owners manual has all of the resources you need to safely drive and operate your vehicle. Instructions for performing common roadside emergency needs and repairs, safe operating details, vehicle safety features, electronic safety systems, and safety instructions and recommendations for passengers are all included in your owner's manual.

Your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning systems require specific cleaning, maintenance, and care to run correctly. Your owners manual not only explains how to adjust and control the climate settings in your vehicle, but also teaches you how to take care of the systems the best you can. This includes providing intervals for service and replacement of the cabin air filter, the correct type of refrigerant for the vehicle’s A/C system, and detailed instructions on how to operate both automatic and manual climate control systems.

Vehicles often have warning labels or cautionary stickers located throughout the cabin and engine compartment. These labels address specific passenger, driver, repair, and operating safety instructions. Your owners manual will break down all of the dangers, warnings, and cautions about your vehicle in one place. It is recommended that you thoroughly read over this safety information after purchasing your vehicle to ensure that you can drive and address any issues as safely as possible.

When you purchase a new vehicle from a dealership or manufacturer, your vehicle will often have a warranty for a certain time period and/or mileage. Any question you have about your warranty terms can be found in your owner's manual. From service and repair costs covered by your warranty to learning what modifications or circumstances may void your warranty, your owners manual has all of the warranty information you need and can help you better understand what items are covered and how to request and receive warranty service.

Vehicles are equipped with a variety of instruments, gauges, warning lights, and controls with a wide range of purposes. Your owners manual contains information on every piece of instrumentation or control surface in your vehicle, and explains what they do, where to find them, and how to use them. These controls can be automatic or may be manual and dependent upon user input. Your owners manual has detailed diagrams of your vehicle’s gauges, and explains what each gauge monitors, how to read the gauge, and the normal parameters that should be displayed during operation. Some examples include speedometers, odometers, fuel gauges, and temperature gauges. Dashboard warning lights and service indicators alert drivers of problems with their vehicle to ensure these issues are addressed before they become more serious. Your owners manual has a list of possible vehicle warning messages and which systems may cause or affect these warnings. Any symbol and its meaning that can come across your dash’s information display system is also depicted and labeled in your owner's manual. You can also learn about the meanings of many common dashboard warning lights in our How-To Hub.

If you want to stay up-to-date on your vehicle’s regular service and maintenance schedule, your owners manual is a great resource to find all of the upkeep information you need. The maintenance portion is one of the most important sections in your owner's manual when you want to extend your vehicle’s lifespan. This can include replacement or service intervals for filters, oil changes, transmission service, gear oil inspection or replacement, wiper replacement, and more. You can also find helpful tips to perform many scheduled maintenance tasks yourself, as well as a list of recommended fluid specifications, parts, and inspection or service procedures to help keep your vehicle in its best shape. From changing wiper blades and filters, to checking and filling fluid levels, your owners manual can help you maintain nearly every system on your car.

Knowing how to take care of your vehicle can extend your car's lifespan and help keep it running at its best. Your owner's manual contains information that can teach you how to take care of your wheels and tires, lighting assemblies and bulbs, and exterior surfaces like glass, plastic, paint, and more. If you’re not sure how to safely lift your vehicle to change your tire using the provided tools in your vehicle, where and how to find or store the included jack and tire tools, check tire pressure and determine appropriate inflation levels, change or replace light bulbs, or safely care for and clean your vehicle's exterior or interior, your owners manual is the first resource you should check for vehicle-specific care information. Regular vehicle inspections are a great way to recognize small problems before they could potentially become large repairs, and the information in your owners manual can help you make a thorough and complete inspection checklist.