BEAR AUTO REPAIR

Obviously, it's been a rough year at the gas pump. Fuel prices are higher than ever and every fill-up is a bit painful as you watch the numbers go up so quickly. This is why fuel efficiency is so important. Whether you drive a hybrid or a gas-guzzler, you want to get the most out of every gallon. If you are noticing a dip in your miles per gallon (MPG), there could be a number of different automotive issues hindering your fuel economy. These are problems you might want to be on the look out for and ready to address with necessary maintenance or repairs. Some are simple fixes. Others will need some professional attention from trained mechanics. Here are a few common causes of poor fuel efficiency: 1. Tires You will want to maintain proper air pressure in your tires to help maximize fuel efficiency. If the air levels are uneven or too low/high in all the tires, you may see a dip in your MPG. Tire tread ... read more

Diane and her husband hadn't driven their Volkswagen in months because of mechanical problems. They had taken it two other mechanics to figure out what was wrong, but unfortunately they weren't getting any helpful answers. Finally, they decided to turn to Fox Run Auto. "I had my Volkswagen towed there because it was sitting for a few months and I couldn't get an accurate account of what the problem was from two other mechanics," Diane says. "When I heard back from Mike DeFino [owner of Fox Run Auto], he was very kind, very honest and showed real concern about my vehicle—not to mention that to run a diagnostic test to find out the problem I was only charged half the price of what the other two previous mechanics charged me!!" Once Diane's VW was towed into our Northern Delaware shop, our a ... read more

Are you planning for a long drive sooner? We suggest getting your car thoroughly inspected to avoid costly repairs or precious vacation time wasted at a dealership. A well-maintained car doesn't just extend its lifespan but it also ensures you arrive at your destination without any issues. Check our tips below: Check the Battery It's recommended to have your car's battery checked at least once a year. Disconnect the battery and use a wire brush for cleaning the connectors to avoid leaks. If you have no experience cleaning your battery, get in touch with a professional. Get it Professionally Maintained A minor issue with your car could lead to a major problem that will jeopardize vacation time. You can avoid this with proper maintenance. Contact a licensed technician to help you check your car's fluid levels, spark plugs, coolant, fuel, and air filters. During the appointment, the technician will address any concerns and ensure your car is in excellent shape. Inspec ... read more

Having your wheels properly aligned is very beneficial. It will make your car easier to control and safer to drive. It will protect and extend the lifespan of your brakes, wheels, tires, suspension system and other components. It can even help improve fuel efficiency.  You should have your wheel alignment checked as part of your normal automotive maintenance routine. If a realignment is recommended, you will want to listen to your mechanic. Otherwise, there are some common symptoms and signs that you may be in need of a wheel realignment service. Here are a few issues you can look for as a driver: 1. Pulling Hard to the Side If you are driving and the vehicle is pulling hard to one side or the other, your wheels are probably out of alignment. A simple test is to drive on a straight road without any other cars around and let go of the wheel for a couple seconds. A slight drift is probably no big deal ... read more

We're in the midst of the hottest months of the year in Northern Delaware. One common concern for drivers is overheating. If your vehicle is prone to overheating on hot days or you just want to make sure it never happens when you are out on a summer road trip, there are some maintenance and inspection tips you can take to keep your car's cooling system healthy. Here's what we recommend at Fox Run Auto: 1. Check the Coolant Level When the vehicle is completely cooled down, you can safely and carefully remove the radiator cap and inspect the coolant. Check to make sure it's filled to the proper level and also look at the coolant itself. If it appears thick, discolored, milky or dirty, you may be overdue for a cooling system service. If the level is just a little low, you can top it off with some fresh radiator coolant and/or dist ... read more