BEAR AUTO REPAIR

It's that time of year when the heat and humidity are peaking here in Northern Delaware. You might be sweating a bit more when you spend time outside. Summer weather can also have an impact on your car. Warmer temperatures and more moisture in the air can affect everything from engine performance and fuel economy to failing sensors.  It's no secret that hot and cold exterior temperatures have different effects on vehicles. There are problems you worry about in the chilly winter months, and there are issues that you should watch for during the summer, as well. Your engine gives off heat when its running. When you combine that with even more heat in the environment around it, it can add more stress to the engine and cooling system. Engine Overheating Overheating is always a concern if you push your vehicle ... read more

If you ever notice any fluid leaking from your vehicle, you should be concerned. Some leaks are minor and relatively harmless. Some leaks are signs of major damage that should be addressed as soon as possible. You never know for sure until you identify the source of the leak and how bad any damage might be. It could just be a loose fluid line connection or worn seal/gasket. Or, it could be something much worse. All vehicles have many different fluids. Here is what you should know if you see any of these fluids leaking from your car: Fuel Any leak of fuel (gasoline or diesel) can be extremely dangerous. You might have damage to your fuel tank, the fuel pump or one of the fuel lines. Whatever the problem, you want to get it fixed immediately! Engine Oil Probably the most common fluid leak is engine oil. Some leaks are fairly minor and may not be causing a huge problem other than a m ... read more

Are you worried about your car's emissions system? It is not good when there is an emissions problem or exhaust system failure. It can cause performance issues in your engine, potentially leading to costly internal damage. It's also bad for you and the environment when harmful fumes and carbon monoxide are getting out more than they should. It could also be illegal to drive a vehicle in Delaware with a malfunctioning emissions system! Emissions System Inspection Delaware has very specific emissions requirements for all vehicles and you may require inspection from time to time. It's best to have peace of mind before any type of emissions inspection, so you can get your car pre-inspected and, if needed, repaired at Fox Run Auto. Key members of our service team are certified emissions specialists, here to help you with all your exhaust and emissions needs. ... read more

As we talked about in last week's blog post, a lot of people are getting back on the road this summer. Life is starting to return back to normal with people taking road trips or just returning to their offices. You may not have not driven much in the past year, but that also means you may not have done much maintenance to your vehicle(s). Automotive Maintenance: Mileage vs. Time Some people think of routine maintenance as only a mileage-based task. You get your oil changed and tires rotated every 5,000-6,000 miles. You didn't put as many miles on your car, so there hasn't been a need for maintenance. Unfortunately, time can also take its toll on certain vehicle parts. If your car has just been sitting around and gathering dust the past 14 months, it will likely require some maintenance. Fluids can ... read more

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