BEAR AUTO REPAIR

The winter season is tough on everyone, and it can definitely present some challenges for your car. It's smart to take a little extra time to let the battery and engine warm up in the morning. You should really check your tire treads and air pressure regularly, as well. Other issues like wheel alignment, suspension and brake problems, and headlight/tail light dimness, and window frost can also cause safety hazards on the road this time of year.  One thing that often gets overlooked is what cold, wet and icy roads can be doing underneath your vehicle. When you drive on winter roads here in Northern Delaware (especially this very cold winter we're experiencing so far), all sorts of excess moisture, road salt/sand and grease are getting kicked up under your vehicle chassis. Most cars are built to stand up to this abuse—especially newer models—but issues can still occur. It's wise to take ... read more

If your tires are wearing out too quickly and not lasting as long as they should, there are several issues that could be to blame. Here are some of the most likely culprits, according to the auto repair pros and tire replacement experts at Fox Run Auto: 1. Poor Wheel Alignment Problems with your wheel alignment can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced gas mileage, poor handling and many other problems. When the wheel camber, caster and/or toe are out of alignment, your tires will wear out unevenly and you may find yourself having to replace them sooner than expected. It's a good idea to get your wheel alignment checked periodically. 2. Not Enough Tire Rotations It's usually worthwhile to have your tires rotated with every automotive service (usually around every ... read more

Happy New Year from Fox Run Auto! 2024 is here. It's a new year and time to make your resolutions. When thinking about all the good things you want to do this year, don't forget about your car (and any vehicles you own or lease). It can be very easy to neglect our vehicles when staying busy with everyday life. We are preoccupied with work, family, school, hobbies and everything else that keeps us busy. It can sometimes be difficult to keep up with important automotive care tasks.  Important Maintenance Tasks Make better auto care a priority this year. Call it a "New Year's Resolution," if you want. Stay on track of your regular maintenance schedule. Remember to get your oil changed at recommended mileage intervals, which may be anywhere from 3,000-6,000 miles depending on the age, mileage, make and model of the vehicle. The same goes for tire rotatio ... read more

You may notice your vehicle is having a hard time starting up. Maybe it won't fire up at all, or it takes a really long time to warm up on a cold morning. Perhaps you are experiencing other electrical issues like dimming lights or problems with the car's electronics (stereo, A/C, windows, locks, etc.).  These could be signs of any number of electrical issues. You may simply have a loose wiring connection, corroded port or damaged wire. In most cases, these problems can be traced back to either the car battery or alternator, which is what keeps the battery charged when you run the engine. How can tell if you have a dying battery or a failing alternator? Below are a few distinctive symptoms you can look for, but you will probably also want to have your vehicle inspected and tested by an automotive repair expert to determine the true source and extent of the problem. Signs of a Dying Car Battery ... read more

A standard transmission maintenance is very similar to an oil change. First, the transmission pan is removed and the old transmission fluid is drained. Then, the transmission filter is changed out and the transmission pan gasket (the seal between the pan and the main transmission housing) is replaced. The good news is a transmission service isn't required nearly as often as an oil change. It may only be needed every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on the age, model and total mileage of the vehicle—along with a few other factors. Dealing with standard transmission maintenance when needed will provide many key long-term benefits for you as the vehicle owner and driver. Here are the main reasons why you should keep up with maintaining your transmission: 1. Problem Prevention Regular transmission inspections and routine maintenance are done as preventative measures. They can help you avoid the ... read more