Social security numbers. Anniversaries. Favorite pizza toppings. Allergies. When you go to the doctor, travel, or want to stay on good terms with your significant other, there are certain facts that you have to remember.
The same is true for your vehicle. There are some vital statistics you’re going to need to know over and over, whether you’re getting your car serviced, paying your taxes, answering credit report questions, or getting ready for a road trip.
How well do you know your vehicle? We’ll start with the easiest:
The Basics: Year, make, and model? You’d be surprised how many people know the make and model of their vehicle, but don’t know the year. Here’s an easy way to find out. Go here, enter your VIN number, and it will give you the make, model, and year of your car!
Your car’s VINtage. What?! You don’t know the VIN number? No worries on that. Head on out to your car, and look right at the bottom of the window on the driver’s side, and you’ll find it. You can also usually open the driver’s door and see it. The VIN number has a lot of information coded into it, including the aforementioned year, make, and model, but also the manufacturing date, engine size, transmission type, and even the factory where the car was made.
Just enough pressure. Your car’s ideal tire pressure can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door, or in your owner’s manual. There’s also a tire pressure number on the tire itself, although it indicates maximum tire pressure, not ideal pressure.
Oil numbers. Every vehicle uses a specific type of oil. If you don’t know, Valvoline has a handy tool to find out. By the way, if you want to know more about how oil is graded, take a look.
VIN number in window 
VIN number on driver’s door
Engine light decoding. The check engine light can be on for many reasons. Sometimes, it means you forgot to replace your gas tank cover. Other times, it means you have a problem that will damage your engine. Generally, if the light is only illuminated, you can check your gas cap, and then drive to the nearest mechanic or shop that has an OBD II scanner. If it’s flashing, you have a serious situation on your hands, and should pull over and call for help.
Your mechanic’s number: 336-228-1299. Save our number into your contacts, so that you can call us when you need us.
Whether you need an oil change, have a check engine light that’s blinking, or simply need to know your tire’s ideal pressure, give us a call. We’re here to help you get to know your vehicle, and help you keep it in the best shape possible.