BEAR AUTO REPAIR

Your car’s fuel filter plays a crucial role in keeping your engine running smoothly and efficiently. It’s responsible for trapping dirt, debris and contaminants before they can reach the fuel injectors or combustion chambers. Over time, though, that filter can become clogged. When it does, your engine performance can suffer. A clean fuel filter ensures that only clean gasoline reaches your engine, allowing it to burn efficiently and produce the right amount of power. When the filter becomes restricted, your fuel system must work harder to maintain pressure. This can lead to a range of issues: hard starts, poor acceleration, reduced fuel economy and even stalling. When Should You Replace Your Fuel Filter? For most vehicles, manufacturers recom ... read more

Your vehicle’s cabin air filter might not get much attention, but it plays a big role in your comfort and health while driving. It’s responsible for filtering the air that enters your vehicle through the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system—keeping out dust, pollen, exhaust fumes and other airborne contaminants. Over time, that filter gets clogged with debris, reducing its effectiveness. When the cabin air filter becomes dirty, it can restrict airflow through your vents, strain your HVAC system, and even make your cabin smell musty. A clogged cabin air filter can also make your defroster less efficient and cause your air conditioner or heater to work harder than necessary. When Should You Replace it? Most manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary depen ... read more

A tune-up used to be a routine service every car needed regularly. However, with today’s modern vehicles, the timing isn’t always as clear. Still, every vehicle benefits from scheduled maintenance and periodic tune-ups to keep the engine running smoothly, maintain fuel efficiency and prevent costly repairs. The key is knowing when it’s time. Warning Signs You Need a Tune-UpDifficulty starting: If your engine struggles to turn over or stalls right after starting, it could be a sign that your spark plugs, ignition system, or fuel system need attention. Poor fuel economy: A sudden drop in gas mileage often points to dirty filters, worn ... read more

An overheating engine is one of the most stressful problems a driver can face. If your temperature gauge is climbing into the red or steam is rising from under the hood, knowing how to respond can make the difference between a simple fix and major engine damage. Why Engines Overheat Engines typically overheat when the cooling system can’t keep temperatures under control. Common causes include low coolant, a leaking radiator, a stuck thermostat, a broken water pump or worn hoses and belts. Hot summer days, heavy traffic or towing can also put extra stress on your cooling system. What to Do If Your Engine OverheatsTurn off the A/C and turn ... read more

As the leaves begin to change in Northern Delaware, fall is the perfect time to think about preventive maintenance for your vehicle. With summer heat behind us and winter weather on the horizon, scheduling service now ensures your car is ready for the road ahead. Recovering from Summer Stress Hot summer months can take a toll on your vehicle. High temperatures strain your cooling system, battery and tires. Fluids like oil, coolant and brake fluid may also break down faster in the heat. A fall inspection helps catch any wear or damage caused during summer driving before it becomes a bigger issue. Preparing for Colder Weather As temperatures drop, your vehicle faces new challenges. Cold weather can reduce battery power, thicken fluids and make starti ... read more