• Check your fluids reguarly, we suggest every 2nd fill-up.
  • How to check oil:
    1. Make sure vehicle is on level ground and engine is off,
    2. Pull out out dipsick and wipe off with a rag.
    3. Replace oil dipstick and pull out again.
    4. Look at the bottom portion of the dipstick, if it is within the scalopped area, then you are alright. If it is lower add oil, and recheck until it is at the right level. Consult your owner's manual for what type of oil to use.

    *Note* Oil, like most things expands when hot, and contracts when cold, so keep that in mind as you check the fluids. Also too much oil can be just as bad as not enough and cause engine damage. So if it is overfill, drain some out. If you cannot, bring it to us.

     

  • How to check transmission fluid: (Automatic Transmission vehicles only)
    1. Make sure vehicle is on level ground, for this test it is best that the engine is running and prefferably warm, keep engine running throughout this test.
    2. Locate the Transmission Fluid Dipstick.
    3. While engine is running shift into every gear, after shift back into park. (This makes for an accurate reading because the fluid enters into every part of the transmission)
    4. Pull out dipstick and wipe off with rag.
    5. Replace dipstick and pull out again.
    6. Look at the bottom portion of the dipstick , check to see if it is within the "full" mark.
    7. If not fill until at the proper level. Only use appropriate Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Consult your owners manual for the proper type.

    *Note* Keep in mind the same warnings as for the oil, the fluid should never exceed the full mark and temperture changes will give you different readings.

     

    • Check tire pressures regularly
      • Improper tire pressure can cause excessive tire wear and decreased gas mileage or even a harsh ride.
    • *Note: if you check the pressures after driving around, you will not get an accurate reading. The friction from the road against your tires will cause the PSI to increase.

     

    • If something does not seem right bring the vehicle in for service, it is better to catch something before it becomes an expensive problem.

     

    • We strongly recommend a bi-yearly vehicle check up once, right before the start of summer, and then again right before the start of winter.
    • If your vehicle starts to overheat, roll down the windows and turn on the heater. Though this sounds strange, having the heater on actually has a cooling effect on the engine as it pulls the hot air away from the engine and into the cabin. Unfortunatly for you the cabin will get very warm, so keep in mind the bit of discomfort is certainly worth the avoidence of a costly new engine.

       

• Keep a crate in your vehicle's trunk with essentials in care you need them:
  • An extra quart or two of oil
  • Quart of Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Flashlight
  • Kneeling Mat
  • Gallon of winshield-wiper fluid.
  • Roll of paper towels or rags
  • Basic tool kit
  • Funnel
  • Automotive glass cleaner
  • A bottle of coolant mixed 50/50 (50% water, 50% coolant)
  • Disposable camera in case of accident

From all of us at Happy Bear, we wish you a long, safe, and fun summer

Happy Motoring!