BEAR AUTO REPAIR

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

Mark recently visited Fox Run Auto to have automotive services taken care of for two different vehicles. He scheduled appointments in advance to ensure timely service and everything went smoothly. "My service at Fox Run Automotive on Thursday afternoon, September 10th was excellent in every way!" Mark says. "My two scheduled appointments for two vehicles were right on time, 2pm and 4pm. All of the staff was friendly, kind, professional, and very accommodating, as usual." Mark has been to Fox Run Auto before, so he knew he could rely on the team at our shop to provide the quality service he appreciates. Customer service is always our top priority, and it's repeat customers like Mark who show us we are doing a good job. We aim to create customers for life. If people are coming back r ... 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

The Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is like your car’s fingerprint. Unique to every vehicle, this 17-character code can reveal a treasure trove of information about your car’s history, specifications, and authenticity. Whether you’re buying a used vehicle, ensuring a recent purchase is legitimate, or simply curious about your car’s origins, the VIN is the key to unlocking crucial details. But what exactly can you learn from it? Let’s break down the essential information you can extract from your car’s VIN. 1. Basic Vehicle Information At first glance, the VIN may seem like a random assortment of letters and numbers, but each character has a specific meaning. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which reveals the manufacturer and country where the car was built. For example, cars made in the U.S. usually start with numbers like 1, 4, or 5, while those from Japan may start with a "J.&quo ... read more