Posted on 5/18/2021
Worn-out shocks and struts are not as obvious as a flat tire or wheel. They wear out gradually, which is why it is crucial to know the signs to look out for. What Are Shocks and Struts? Shocks and struts are part of the suspension system, which stabilizes your car, enhancing control as you turn, accelerate, brake, or drive over uneven surfaces. While they both have similar functions, they are pretty different. Shocks are independent components, while struts combine other features and shocks to make a single strong unit. Most vehicles can do fine with either one of the two or a combination of the two. Given that shocks and struts wear out gradually, here are the symptoms that indicate they are worn and need to get replaced. Bumpy Ride Shocks and struts control the movement of coil springs, preventing the wheels from moving up and down too much. If the shocks or struts are worn out, the tires become unstable, resulting in a bumpy ride. If you feel that you cannot control your car a ... read more
Posted on 5/12/2021
There are few things more annoying than having to buy new tires for your car, especially when it happens sooner than you expected. The dealership rates their tires as having a 60,000-mile lifespan. Yet, by the time you reach 40,000, they are already telling you it's time for new ones! We've all been here. The truth is those original tire mileage ratings are only somewhat accurate if you take perfect care of your wheels, tires, brakes, suspension, transmission and every other system that affects your tire treads. This is easier said than done for most drivers, who really don't think about their tires until they become a problem. The good news is there are a few simple steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your tires. Here are 6 tips from Fox Run Auto: 1. Get Your Tires Rotated No matter what kind of ... read more
Posted on 5/5/2021
As you may or may not already know, your vehicle's "check engine" light is essentially a catch-all warning light. It can be tripped by a number of different sensors and systems within your car. Today's modern vehicles with more advanced computer systems may be able to give you a more specific notification along with the check engine light coming on, but older vehicles will not be quite as helpful. Here are 9 of the most common causes for the check engine light being illuminated in your car: 1. Loose Fuel Cap This one is actually very common. Sometimes you don't quite screw the gas cap on all the way (listen for that click) or maybe you forgot to replace it altogether. Either way, it's an easy problem to look for and fix. 2. Oxygen Sensor Your emissions system will have oxygen sensors that are there to detect exhaust issues. If there is an emissio ... read more
Posted on 4/28/2021
Alisha recently brought her car into Fox Run Auto for a brake service. She had never been to our shop before and was naturally hesitant to try out a new auto repair facility. In the end, Alisha was very pleased with her experience. "This was the first time I've used them to service my vehicle and they were professional and friendly," Alisha says. "I did not have anyone to drop me off, so they provided me with a loaner car, free of charge, which was great. The loaner wasn't the flashiest, but did its job of getting me back home so I didn't have to miss any work." Customer service is always our number one priority at Fox Run Auto. We understand people live busy lives and dealing with automotive maintenance and repairs is often a bit of an inconvenience to their daily routines. If you need help g ... read more
Posted on 4/22/2021
Cars are pretty noisy machines. Noises like vroom vroom and beep beep are among the ones you hear from cars all the time. Some noises, however, you should never hear come out of your car because they mean there's something wrong that needs to be fixed right away. 1. Rumbling If your car is making a rumbling sound, a hole in your muffler might be the culprit but if your car is also shaking, it might a problem with your spark plugs causing the cylinder to misfire. Either way, it needs to be looked at by a mechanic as soon as you can get there. 2. Grinding Grinding is not something you want to hear when you're behind the wheel and it could mean that there's an issue with your motor. Don't worry though, it might just need an adjustment. Take it to the shop to find out for sure. 3. Popping If you're driving and you suddenly hear a popping sound, you should take your car to the shop right away. That is not the kind of sound you want to hear from ... read more