BEAR AUTO REPAIR

Winter days are shorter and that means more driving after dark, which presents challenges that many drivers underestimate. Reduced visibility, glare from oncoming headlights and fatigue can all increase the risk of accidents.The good news is that a few proactive steps can significantly improve nighttime visibility and overall driving safety. Headlight Care Start with your headlights. Over time, headlight lenses can become cloudy or yellowed, reducing light output. Even if your bulbs are working, hazy lenses can dramatically limit how far you can see. Replacing dim bulbs and restoring or replacing foggy lenses can make a noticeable difference. Headlight angles can also be inspected and adjusted for optimum performance. Other Exterior Lights Next, check all e ... read more

Few things are more frustrating than turning the key (or pressing the button) and having your car's engine hesitate, sputter or refuse to start altogether. While a dead battery or alternator issues are often the first things drivers think of, many starting problems are caused by issues that don’t always get the attention they deserve. Battery Connections One commonly overlooked cause is corroded or loose battery terminals. Even if your battery still has charge, corrosion can prevent proper electrical flow. This can result in slow cranking, intermittent starting issues or complete failure to start. Cleaning and tightening connections can sometimes solve the problem quickly. Starter Motor Another frequent culprit is a failing starter motor. Starters wear o ... read more

Your vehicle’s suspension system does more than keep your ride comfortable. It also plays a major role in steering, stability, handling and overall safety. As components like shocks, struts and bushings wear out, you may start to notice subtle changes in how your vehicle drives. Catching these signs early can help prevent more serious issues and expensive repairs down the road. Uneven Tire Wear One of the earliest indicators of suspension problems is uneven or accelerated tire wear. If your suspension isn’t keeping your wheels properly aligned with the road, certain parts of the tire may wear out faster than others. This is a sign your shocks or struts may no longer be absorbing impact correctly. Excessive Bouncing or Nose-Diving If your car continues to bounce after hitting a bump, or if the front of th ... read more

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, most drivers know the importance of regular oil changes and keeping coolant topped off. But your car depends on several other fluids to operate safely and efficiently. Ignoring them can lead to premature wear, costly repairs or even breakdowns on the road. Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid lubricates gears and keeps your transmission shifting smoothly. Over time, heat and friction cause it to degrade. If it becomes dark or smells burnt, it’s time for a flush or replacement. Fresh transmission fluid helps prevent slipping, hard shifting and transmission failure. Brake Fluid Your brake fluid transfers pressure from the pedal to the brake pads. Moisture can enter the system over time, lowering its ... read more

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