Many car owners tend to misplace the owner's manual and engine repair manual after purchasing a vehicle, only to panic when engine issues arise. In reality, this slim booklet contains a wealth of practical information that can help owners save costs and avoid complications, acting as a readily available “on-board technician” to guide users in addressing common engine issues with simple methods.
1. Review the manual to identify dashboard symbols
When a yellow light resembling a faucet or a thermometer icon with wavy lines suddenly appears on the dashboard, most car owners feel anxious. At this point, consulting the “Fault Indicator Light Explanation” section in the engine repair manual can clarify the situation within five minutes: the faucet-like icon indicates an engine emissions system warning, which may simply mean the fuel cap is not properly secured; the wavy-line thermometer icon likely indicates insufficient coolant, with the manual clearly specifying the addition location and type. Data from a certain auto repair shop shows that 30% of daily customers make unnecessary trips due to misunderstanding warning lights.
The icon explanations in the manual are more reliable than mobile phone searches. Take the engine fault light as an example. The manual distinguishes between the different meanings of “yellow steady light” and “red flashing light”: yellow indicates that a check is needed as soon as possible, while red means that you must stop immediately to avoid misjudgment due to inconsistent information online.
2. Follow the manual's instructions to complete basic maintenance.
Many car owners are often advised to use “fully synthetic oil” when changing engine oil, but they are unaware that the manual already specifies the manufacturer's recommended grade. For example, the manual for a certain 1.5L naturally aspirated engine clearly states that “5W-30 mineral oil is sufficient to meet requirements.” Blindly switching to fully synthetic oil not only costs an extra 200 yuan but may also increase fuel consumption due to mismatched viscosity. The “maintenance schedule” at the back of the manual is very practical, as it adjusts maintenance intervals based on driving conditions. For example, if you frequently drive on dusty rural roads, the air filter replacement interval should be shortened to 4,000 kilometers, which is half the interval for urban driving.
3. Minor issues can be resolved independently, with emergency solutions outlined in the manual.
When the engine idles unevenly, the “Common Troubleshooting” section of the manual can be particularly helpful. A certain brand's manual lists simple steps: first check if the spark plugs are carbon-coated (with disassembly diagrams), then inspect the air filter for blockages, and finally try disconnecting the battery's negative terminal to reset the computer. Following this process, approximately 40% of minor idle issues can be resolved on your own.
When encountering unexpected situations during long-distance self-driving trips, the “Emergency Procedures” section in the manual can provide assistance. For example, when the engine overheating warning sounds, the manual instructs you to “immediately set the heater to the highest setting, pull over to the side of the road, open the engine hood to cool down, and do not immediately open the radiator cap”; if oil leakage is detected during the journey, the manual specifies the type of emergency oil to add temporarily, along with the caution that “after adding, drive at a speed not exceeding 80 km/h” to avoid secondary damage caused by improper operation.
4. Don't overlook the hidden information in the manual.
The “Warranty Terms” section at the end of the manual is often overlooked, but it contains a wealth of useful information. A car owner experienced a broken timing belt and initially assumed they would have to pay for the replacement out of pocket. After reviewing the manual, they discovered that the “timing system is covered by an 80,000-kilometer warranty,” resulting in a free replacement and saving 2,000 yuan. The manual also specifies which maintenance items are covered by the warranty, helping to avoid being persuaded by 4S stores to undergo unnecessary paid services.
It is recommended that car owners cover the manual with a book cover and store it in the driver's seat storage compartment. After each maintenance service, record the mileage and items performed according to the manual. This will help technicians quickly identify issues during future repairs. For unfamiliar terms, the “Glossary” at the back of the manual is more authoritative than online searches. This often-overlooked booklet is essentially the manufacturer's “user manual” for the vehicle. Spending two hours to read it thoroughly can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
An engine repair manual may not be as vivid as a popular car repair video, but it knows your car better than any other source. Learning to consult this manual can save you repair costs when minor problems arise and protect your beloved car in critical moments. After all, the manufacturer's guide is always the most knowledgeable about the characteristics of the engine.
