Cars are becoming more and more complex the further technology advances. What was once purely a mechanical machine, now has many computers to make it function at a high level. Nowadays you have heated seats, heated steering wheels, navigation systems communicating with servers and satellites, electronic throttles, sequential flappy paddle gearboxes, torque and horsepower delivery gates etc. it’s little wonder then, that what was once common knowledge among all types of car owners has pretty much been flipped on its head. Even if you understand the mechanics of your car, how the car’s internal systems work to get the best out of the designs is somewhat of a mystery. So to prolong the ownership and quality of your vehicle, you need to watch out for signs of change, good and bad. Listening to the purring and moaning of your car can help you to catch and squash problems in the womb.
Read the manual
Car culture has changed immensely since the early years of mass motor ownership in the late 70s. It was a time when people who had bought a car for thousands of dollars, made sure they knew just exactly how to get the best out of their purchase. Hence, reading the manual was almost like part of a ritual. Young men and older gentleman alike made sure they knew the ins and outs of their engine, brakes, suspension and fuel consumption. With modern technology giving driver’s regular and accurate updates, it seems as though reading the manual has become too old school for many. However, you can find extremely important information in the manuals of modern cars too. For example, knowing the types of tires recommended for the wheel arches, brakes and suspension should you want to upgrade from factory stocks. Knowing when and how to service your oil, spark plugs, catalyst converter and the like is also vital to maintaining good health of the car without relying on garages.
It’s a mystery
Just like any other machine that becomes controlled by computers, sometimes it can just stop functioning for no apparent reason. It’s the gentle reminder that anything manmade is going to falter at any time. But rather than taking your car to the nearest brand dealership or garage, you can make an accurate diagnosis at home. With an OBD2 scanner, you can plug in and listen to the car’s computer responses. Check out the reviews of different OBD2 scan devices to find one that is suitable for your needs. With such a device you can go through and spot any issues with how your car is functioning. Anything from improper air intake, fuel efficiency, cylinder pressure and weak turbo revolutions can be identified. This allows you to pinpoint the problem and take whatever action you require. Instead of taking it to an expert who will do much the same testing, you can single out the issue then buy a particular part to replace whatever it is instead.
No matter how far computers take cars in the future, reading the manual that comes with them is essential reading. Doing your own diagnosis at home with technology that can identify each lacking area can be quite a cost-effective solution too.
