BEAR AUTO REPAIR

Most modern vehicles have disc brake systems. The disc is positioned between a caliper that holds two brake pads on either side. When you press on the brake pedal, the caliper closes and the pads press against the disc to slow the car down or bring it to a complete stop. With all the braking you do as a driver on an everyday basis, it's natural for the brake pads to wear down with time. Is it Time to Replace Your Brake Pads? The most common brake maintenance service is replacing the brake pads. Sometimes that is all that needs to be done. The pads wear out beyond effectiveness. You may hear some screeching or squeaking when you press the brake pedal, or the vehicle just feels like it's taking a little longer to come to a stop. You may just need to get your brake pads replaced, which is a fairly simple an inexpensive service at most automotive repair shops. Other Brake Maintenance Services ... read more

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

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

The weather is starting to heat up in Northern Delaware and we have some hot and humid summer months ahead. Engine overheating can be a serious concern for many drivers this time of year. It is something you want to avoid as excess heat can cause significant damage to the engine itself. In most cases, the cooling system is to blame when the engine overheats, but it could be something else that needs to be repaired.  Here are a few simple tips from Fox Run Auto to help you keep your engine from overheating this summer: 1. Keep Up with Oil Changes There are many reasons why an oil change is the most common preventative maintenance service for all automobiles. You want to keep your engine oil fresh and healthy to avoid engine problems like overheating and internal damage to components that rely on the oil for important lubricating an ... read more