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Top 5 Reasons to Read Your Owner’s Manual

Your vehicle owner’s manual may not sound like interesting reading material, but taking some time to review this information can potentially save you time and money. These manuals, which are commonly stored in glove compartments and are often available on manufacturers’ websites, contain important information and instructions regarding your vehicle’s maintenance and service needs. Following these maintenance and service guidelines will help to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should read your owner’s manual:

1. Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining your vehicle is important. Educate yourself on what services your vehicle needs and when they are recommended (e.g., at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, etc.). If your mechanic recommends that your vehicle be serviced, ask why the service is needed and if it is recommended by the manufacturer. If you are still unsure why a service is required or how it will benefit your vehicle, don’t feel pressured to agree to the service until you can do some research. Additionally, be sure to keep good records of all services done on your vehicle. Many manuals include helpful logs to record your service history and repair information.

2. Fluid Requirements

In addition to knowing how often to service your vehicle, it’s also a good idea to know what types of fluids your vehicle requires and when they should be changed. Not following your vehicle’s fluid requirements may cause harm to your vehicle and can void its warranty.

3. Setup Helpful Reminders

It can be difficult to remember when your vehicle’s oil needs to be changed or when to rotate the tires. Learn how to take advantage of your vehicle’s reminder system. These easy to use systems are included in many new vehicles and can help you stay up-to-date on important maintenance services.

4. Interpreting Warning Indicator Lights

Warning lights vary from vehicle to vehicle and are not always self-explanatory. Refer to your owner’s manual to interpret any warning light that may appear on your vehicle’s control panel. If the light stays illuminated or begins to blink or flash, seek the assistance of a registered repair shop as soon as possible to limit damage to your vehicle and avoid costly repairs.

5. Warranty Information

Before agreeing to any repairs on your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual for any parts or repairs that may be covered under your vehicle’s warranty. Also, pay close attention to any products that are not recommended by the manufacturer and any services that may void your warranty if performed.

September 27, 2016
What is a Gross Polluter?

Some vehicles that fail their smog inspections emit such high levels of pollution that a special category, called Gross Polluter, was created in law to identify these vehicles and encourage their repair. Gross Polluters are some of the worst polluting vehicles on California roadways.

Half of the smog in the state is said to be produced by motor vehicles. Although Gross Polluters represent only approximately 10 to 15 percent of all these vehicles, they are estimated to be responsible for more than half of all vehicle produced smog.

Gross Polluters pollute much more than a typical vehicle that fails a Smog Check inspection. The emission level at which a vehicle fails as a Gross Polluter varies according the vehicle type and year.

Additionally, older vehicles are not held to the same emissions standards as newer vehicles because older vehicles were built to a less stringent standard when originally manufactured.

By law, a Gross Polluter, once it has been repaired, must be certified at a STAR station.

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is available at STAR stations. The program provides up to $500 in financial assistance for qualified motorists when their vehicle fails a biennial (every other year) Smog Check.

Gross Polluters create more smog than all other vehicles. So, keep your vehicles well-maintained. It will save you money on gas mileage and major engine failures, extend the life of your vehicle, help you pass your Smog Check, and allow all Californians to breathe a little easier.

September 27, 2016
Winter Car Care Tips
1. Check your owner’s manual and make sure your vehicle is up to date on its recommended maintenance schedule including changing the engine oil and filter, and checking the coolant, brake, automatic transmission, windshield wiper, and steering fluid levels.
2. Carry tire chains if you’re driving in the mountains or foothills with the possibility of encountering snow.
3. Check your vehicle’s antifreeze/coolant level if traveling in freezing weather to make sure it will provide adequate freeze protection. A quality repair shop has a tool that can check the antifreeze/coolant.
4. Pack a winter safety kit and keep it in the trunk of your car. Items should include:- Battery jumper cables
  – Large flashlight and extra batteries
  – Basic first aid supplies
  – Extra blanket and warm clothing
  – Battery-powered radio with spare batteries
  – Tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench)
  – Bottled water and non-perishable food
  – Highway safety flares in good condition
  – Windshield ice scraper
5. Check your car’s battery and battery cables for corrosion, cracks, and dirt. Corrosion and loose cables can affect the battery’s performance.
6. Have the brake system, including pads and linings, checked by a licensed adjuster. Click here to find a licensed brake station in your area.
7. Check your car’s interior and exterior lights, including turn signals, brake lights, and high beams, to make sure they work. Clean the lenses to get maximum visibility.
8. Inspect the hoses and belts for cracks, soft spots, or bulges. If you suspect a problem, a licensed repair facility can make the necessary repairs.
9. Test the heater/defroster system to make sure it is working properly.
10. Check tires for excessive wear, including the spare. Regularly check the air pressure in all tires. Have your tires rotated at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
11. Change the wiper blades if worn or cracked and refill the wiper fluid. Do not replace wiper fluid with water.
12. Carry a cell phone for emergencies and make sure it’s fully charged.
Sound familiar? Many of these tips are the maintenance procedures you should be following all year long. Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Don’t forget to verify a repair shop’s license before seeking any repairs or maintenance services.
September 26, 2016
New Smog Check Test
Smog Check Program’s Updated Test Technology

Californians getting Smog Checks today may notice that the traditional tailpipe test used for many years has been replaced by a quicker, computer-based test for gasoline-powered cars model-year 2000 and newer, and for most diesel vehicles that are model-year 1998 and newer.

This updated test uses the diagnostic capabilities of the vehicle’s computer system instead of the traditional tailpipe probe to measure the vehicle’s emissions. This On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system gathers information and determines if the vehicle’s emission control systems are operating properly. A visual inspection of emission control components is still required as well.

The OBD only method of testing vehicles is the result of 2010 legislation (AB 2289-Eng) which is designed to improve the Smog Check Program and further reduce air pollution. The Smog Check program removes hundreds of tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day.

Gasoline-powered vehicles model-year 1999 and older will continue to receive Smog Checks using a tailpipe probe as well as the OBD test.

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles have always been subject to Smog Check inspections. However, since their introduction to the California market in 2000, hybrid vehicles could not be properly tested using the traditional tailpipe test. During a traditional Smog Check, emissions are measured at low speeds or idle rates. At these lower speeds, however, hybrids switch to their electric motors, making it impossible to measure the emissions of their gasoline engines. The OBD only test now makes it possible to test these vehicles. It is important to remember that hybrids have internal combustion engines which generate pollution.

Registration renewal notices for hybrid vehicles needing a Smog Check will begin going out in the mail starting in April 2015 (for registrations due in July 2015). As with other vehicles, owners selling their hybrid vehicles are required to have a change of ownership Smog Check inspection done before they can sell their vehicles. Smog Checks are also now required for all out-of-state hybrid vehicles registering in California for the first time.

Smog Check Requirements

A Smog Check is required every other year for registration renewal of:
- 1976 and newer model-year gas-powered, hybrid, and flex-fuel vehicles
- 1998 and newer model-year diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds and less
Exceptions:
- Vehicles that are six model-years old and newer are not subject to the every-other-year Smog Check requirement since newer vehicles are considered cleaner, and less likely to fail a Smog Check.
- Vehicles four model-years old and newer do not require a Smog Check upon change of ownership.
- Note: These exceptions are not applicable to diesel-powered vehicles.
About Smog Check

The Smog Check Program is administered by the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Automotive Repair and is an important part of the State’s efforts to improve the quality of the air we breathe. The Smog Check Program removes hundreds of tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day. Smog Check inspections are designed to identify vehicles with excess emissions so they can be properly repaired to meet state and federal emissions standards.
September 26, 2016