BEAR AUTO REPAIR

The distance between fill-ups keeps shrinking, but your commute has not changed much. Is the car developing a fault, or are weather and traffic making it work harder? Poor fuel economy can come from either, and the pump bill alone cannot distinguish them. A mechanical or engine-control concern becomes more likely when the mileage change follows a clear symptom or remains unexplained across comparable trips. The inspection should connect your fuel-use records with the vehicle's operation. That gives the repair a stronger basis than choosing a sensor or maintenance package from an online list. Confirm the Fuel-Economy Change With Real Measurements Use miles driven and gallons added over several tanks, keeping the filling method consistent. Don't keep topping off after the pump's normal shutoff. Dashboard averages can help show a trend, but a recent reset or different mixture of trips can change their meaning. Compare similar conditions. More stop-and-go t ... read more

Your vehicle’s exhaust system works quietly in the background every time you drive. While you might associate it primarily with the muffler and tailpipe, the entire system performs several important functions that affect your vehicle’s performance, environmental impact and safety. Understanding how your exhaust system works can help you recognize problems before they become serious. Controlling Harmful Emissions Your engine produces exhaust gases as it burns fuel. Some of these gases contain pollutants that must be treated before leaving the vehicle. The catalytic converter plays an important role by converting harmful pollutants into less harmful substances. Oxygen sensors help the engine management system maintain the proper air-fuel mixture, supporting efficient combustion and emissions control. When these components malfunction, y ... read more

Taking your vehicle to the DMV only to discover it won’t pass inspection can be frustrating and inconvenient. A pre-inspection at Fox Run Auto can help identify potential problems beforehand, giving you an opportunity to make necessary repairs before heading to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Longtime customer Diane recently experienced firsthand how valuable professional inspection and repair services can be. “Fox Run Auto Service Center is the most honest, reliable, and affordable auto repair business in Delaware," Diane says. "All the personnel are friendly and knowledgeable. I was in a predicament at the Division of Motor Vehicles. My truck was towed to Fox Run Auto. One day later, my truck passed inspection due to Fox Auto’s expertise.”Fox Run Auto’s DMV pre-inspection service gives your vehicle a profession ... read more

A chirping or squealing noise from under the hood can be easy to dismiss, especially if your vehicle otherwise seems to be running normally. However, these sounds often indicate wear or problems with the components that drive your engine’s accessories. Identifying the source early can help prevent a minor issue from becoming a breakdown. Worn or Damaged Belts The serpentine belt transfers engine power to accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor on many vehicles. As the belt ages, it can become glazed, cracked or stretched. A worn belt may produce a high-pitched squeal, particularly during startup or acceleration. Contamination from leaking oil or coolant can also cause a belt to slip and make noise. Pulley Problems Your serpentine belt travels around several pulleys as the ... read more

A vehicle with 100,000 miles on the odometer has different maintenance needs than one with 20,000 miles. As components age and accumulate mileage, normal wear becomes a bigger factor in reliability. Adjusting your maintenance routine accordingly can help you catch developing problems and get more dependable years from your vehicle. Fluids and Seals Deserve Closer AttentionFluids play an important role in lubricating, cooling and protecting systems throughout your vehicle. As mileage increases, staying current with oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and other manufacturer-recommended services becomes increasingly important. Age can also take a toll on seals and gaskets. Rubber and other materials can harden, shrink or deteriorate, potentially allowing fluids to leak. A small s ... read more