BEAR AUTO REPAIR

Your car’s brakes are critical for your safety as a driver. Regular brake inspections are essential for maintaining their effectiveness and keeping you, your passengers, pedestrians and other drivers safe. Understanding when to schedule a brake inspection and recognizing warning signs can help prevent brake failure and costly repairs. How Often Are Brake Inspections Recommended? So, when should you have your brakes inspected? Most experts recommend checking your brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, your driving habits and conditions may require more frequent inspections. For example, you might frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, carry heavy loads or live in a hilly area with steep grades. In these kinds of conditions, your brakes will wear out faster. It may be wise to schedule brake inspections every 6-9 months rather than waiting a ... read more

Winter is just around the corner here in Northern Delaware. It won't be too long before we are experiencing frigid temperatures that will put extra strain on your vehicle's battery. Cold weather can slow down the chemical reactions within a battery, reducing its capacity to hold a charge. With a little proactive maintenance, however, you can avoid the inconvenience of a battery failure on a chilly morning. Battery Tests First, it’s essential to have your car battery tested before the cold sets in. At Fox Run Auto, we offer battery testing and will check for proper voltage, which should be around 12.6 volts or higher when fully charged. A battery that’s more than three years old is at higher risk in winter, so consider replacing it before extreme cold strikes. Clean Your Battery Terminals Clean battery terminals are also crucial. Corrosion on the t ... read more

One of the most dreaded moments for any driver is seeing the check engine light suddenly appear on the dashboard. But what does it really mean? While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, the check engine light is simply your car’s way of communicating that something is wrong. The actual issue could range from minor to serious. Understanding what the light indicates is the first step toward resolving the problem. Automotive Diagnostics Modern vehicles are equipped with an onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II) that monitors various components of your car. When something isn't functioning correctly, the system triggers the check engine light and stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). These codes can point to issues with anything from the engine and transmission to the exhaust system or fuel system. What Can Trip the Check Engine Light? Common causes of a check engine light in ... read more

Exhaust smoke can reveal a lot about your car's health. Some smoke may be normal, especially in cold weather. However, certain colors of exhaust smoke can indicate underlying issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s what different exhaust smoke colors might mean for your car: White Smoke Thin, white smoke during start-up is usually harmless. It is caused by condensation in the exhaust. However, thick white smoke could signal a problem. If it continues while driving, it might indicate a coolant leak, a blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head or damaged engine block. You may see steam coming from your engine compartment and/or white smoke coming from your exhaust. These are serious cooling system issues that can lead to engine failure if left untreated. Blue or Gray Smoke Blue or gray smoke means your engine is burning oil. This cou ... read more

The engine air filter plays a crucial role in maintaining your car’s overall performance and efficiency. It traps dirt, dust and debris. It prevents these contaminants from entering the engine and causing damage. Having a clean air filter will help ensure proper airflow, which helps your engine burn fuel efficiently. This will improve performance, prolong engine life and reduce emissions. Signs of Dirty or Damaged Air Filters Here are some of the common signs that you have a damaged or dirty air filter: Reduced Fuel Efficiency One of the most common signs of a dirty air filter is a noticeable drop in gas mileage. When your engine isn’t getting enough air, it compensates by burning more fuel. This ultimately will reduce fuel economy. U ... read more