There's no single universal answer here, the process genuinely differs by vehicle, sometimes it's a physical button combination, sometimes it's buried in a touchscreen settings menu, and sometimes it updates itself automatically.
The General Approaches
- Physical buttons, older vehicles and basic dashboards often use a set/hour/minute button combination, usually held down together or in sequence
- Touchscreen menu, many newer vehicles put clock settings under a vehicle or display settings menu on the infotainment screen
- Automatic update, vehicles with built-in GPS navigation or connected services often update the clock on their own, no action needed
Why It's Worth Checking Your Owner's Manual
Manufacturers genuinely change this process between model years, so a method that worked on a previous car often doesn't apply to a new one. Your owner's manual has the exact steps for your specific vehicle, and if you can't find it, we're happy to walk you through it at your next visit.
One thing worth noting
If your clock keeps resetting itself rather than just needing the twice-a-year adjustment, that's worth mentioning to us, it can occasionally point to a battery or electrical issue rather than just the clock itself.
Learn more about American & Import Auto Repair or see every make we service.
Car Clock FAQ
Why won't my car clock change the same way as last year's model?
Manufacturers change the process between model years and trim levels, sometimes moving it into a touchscreen menu instead of physical buttons, so the steps genuinely aren't universal.
Does my car clock update automatically with GPS or cell signal?
Many newer vehicles with built-in navigation or connected services do update automatically, older vehicles and basic clocks generally don't.
Where do I find the exact steps for my specific vehicle?
Your owner's manual has the exact steps for your model, or ask us at your next visit, since we work with a wide range of dashboard systems.
Can a wrong clock time indicate an electrical problem?
Occasionally, a clock that resets itself repeatedly, rather than just needing a seasonal adjustment, can point to a battery or electrical issue worth checking.
Is this something I can just ask about at my next appointment?
Yes, it's a quick thing to ask about, and we're happy to walk you through it in person.
KS
Kim Smith Co-Owner
Kim co-founded American & Import Auto Repair in 2002 and has focused on building a welcoming, honest shop customers actually trust for over two decades.