BEAR AUTO REPAIR

The holiday season is here, and for many, that means hitting the road to visit loved ones or take a well-deserved vacation. But nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than a roadside emergency. Before you embark on your Christmas travels, take a moment to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. These five essential car maintenance tips can save you from an unexpected breakdown: 1. Check Your Battery Cold weather can take a toll on car batteries, reducing their efficiency. Test your battery to ensure it holds a charge, and look for signs of corrosion on the terminals. If your battery is over three years old, consider replacing it as a precaution. 2. Inspect Your Tires Good traction is critical for winter travel. Check your tire tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear. Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Cold temperatures can cause pressure to drop. If you’re traveling through snowy or icy areas, consider ... read more

The differential is an essential part of your vehicle’s drivetrain system, yet it’s often overlooked until something goes wrong. This critical component allows your wheels to spin at different speeds, which is crucial when turning. Without a properly functioning differential, your driving experience can suffer—and your safety could be at risk. How a Differential Works When you navigate a turn, the wheels on the outside of the curve must travel farther and faster than those on the inside. The differential manages this by distributing power accordingly, ensuring a smooth and efficient turn without dragging or skidding. For vehicles with rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the differential is even more critical due to the extra demands placed on the drivetrain. Differential Maintenance Proper maintenance of your differential is key to its longevity and performance. Over time, differential oil—respon ... read more

Thanksgiving isn’t just about family gatherings and delicious meals. It's also a time to reflect on sharing gratitude for the things we often take for granted. For most of us, our cars are essential to our daily lives. This Thanksgiving, why not give thanks to your trusty vehicle by ensuring it’s properly maintained—especially as we prepare for another cold winter season in Northern Delaware? 1. Keep Up with Oil Changes One of the simplest ways to show your car some love is by keeping up with regular oil changes. Clean oil ensures your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, reducing wear and tear. If it’s been a while, treat your car to an oil and filter change to extend the life of the engine. 2. Check and Top Off Fluids A well-maintained car relies on ... read more

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