With the amount of time we spend in our vehicles, you would think we would know more about them. For many of us, we aren't too familiar with the inner workings of our cars. However, our understanding of our vehicles -- how they work and how to care for them -- is related to our car's lifespan. If we know how our cars work and what they need, we can treat them better, which means they will last longer.
To ensure you feel more confident as a car owner, we have compiled a list of 5 things everyone should know about their vehicle:
- Year, make, and model: Let's start with something simple. You should know the year your vehicle was made, the make, and the specific model. This may seem simple, but you would be surprised to learn that many people glaze over this information. Different makes, models, and years can all significantly different parts, so it is essential to know this information.
- VIN: You need to know your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), as it is your car's fingerprint. It will identify your car's manufacture date, place, make, model, engine size, etc. The VIN doesn't change -- it will remain with your vehicle for the rest of its life, just like our fingerprints. When you are talking to technicians and insurance companies, it is helpful to know your vehicle's VIN.
- Maintenance Schedule: The team at Premier Auto Service Center will keep track of your vehicle's maintenance schedule for you, but it is also a good idea to have a vague sense of when your vehicle needs specific procedures. We would be happy to discuss this with you to understand the "what, why, and how" of preventative maintenance.
- Engine Light: It is totally normal to feel a little anxiety when you see the dashboard lights appear on. It is like our vehicle is trying to tell us something! If we have some idea of what these engine lights mean, it helps ease our stress levels. The cause of your engine light will depend on your vehicle, but typically, engine lights can be categorized into three different colors. Red means get help immediately, yellow means check this out as soon as possible, and green or blue means something is activated.
- The Role of Technology: Newer vehicles are equipped with computers and cameras to help you out while driving, but all this technology is also very sensitive. If someone or something bumps your side mirror or bumper, it could make your vehicle drive differently. You might think your vehicle needs an alignment, but something isn't right with the technology. At Premier Auto Service Center, we will make sure your vehicle is calibrated correctly, and all that newer technology is functioning correctly.
As you can see, there is a lot to know about your vehicle! Fortunately, our team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your vehicle's maintenance or repairs. We are here to help you every step of the way, from diagnosing the cause of engine lights to recalibrating your newer vehicle's technology.
By the way, do you know about our Road Trip Special? This offer allows you go get your vehicle inspected for your upcoming road trip for $59.95. Includes: brake check - oil service (up to 5 quarts of synthetic blend oil and a standard oil filter) - fluid check - complete courtesy inspection - tire check - top-off w/washer fluid, tire rotation. Cannot be combined with any other offers or specials. No cash value. Must make an appointment. Offer only while supplies last. See advisor for details. Excludes full synthetic oil services.
Schedule an appointment today for an inspection performed by the technicians at Premier Auto Service Center, or call us at
(239) 471-7049.
