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OUTSMART YOUR CAR WITH HUMBLE & ROGUE
Connected Cars
Scheduled Maintenance Tips and More
Remember the first time you noticed the energy-efficient start-stop feature that’s now in hybrids and some newer vehicles? If you’re like most of us, you probably thought something was wrong with the car — then later realized that’s actually what the car is supposed to do.
When it comes to connected car maintenance, it really helps to get to know your vehicle. It’s just one reason we keep coming back to this sage advice: Read. Your. Owners. Manual! You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn by taking a few minutes to thumb (well, scroll) through the contents. Most connected-car owner’s manuals are online, not in the glovebox. The manual will also tell you how often you should tackle connected-car maintenance yourself, potentially saving you time, money and hassle.
Self-Diagnostics
The more advanced and integrated connected cars become, the harder it can be to diagnose issues yourself. But there are still some simple visual checks you can perform on your own to help ensure your rides stay smooth.
For example, adaptive cruise control keeps your car from getting too close to vehicles in front of you. If it’s not working, that could indicate that a sensor is clogged or damaged. Check for any apparent damage — or dirt or snow — that could be affecting a camera or sensor on the exterior.
When In Doubt, Take It to a Pro
Remember, not every mechanic will be equipped to service newer connected cars. If you’re not sure where to take yours, ask your mechanic if he or she works on connected cars, including the most recent year and model your mechanic has worked on. Some connected-car maintenance may even require that you visit your dealership. But the more you know about how your car is supposed to work, the sooner you can tell if something might be really wrong with it.
