BEAR AUTO REPAIR

Another chilly Mid-Atlantic winter is already upon us. We hope everyone is staying safe on the roads and driving smart these next few months. A big part of this is making sure you are taking care of your car with the proper winter maintenance. This will improve handling, performance and safety while driving, and you certainly don't want to be stranded on the side of the road if something breaks down! Here are a few winter car care tips from Fox Run Auto in Bear, Delaware: 1. Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades It's an easy task that we often overlook until it becomes a problem. Make sure you have good visibility with wiper blades, ample washer fluid and a well-functioning wiper system. Keeping an ice scraper and some fresh towels in your car at all times is also a good idea. 2. Check Your Headlights and Tail Lights Be sure that all your headlights, tail lights and runni ... read more

Power steering systems play a very important part in modern car designs. Power steering has been around for decades and the technology continues to evolve. Many of today's vehicles use a very advanced electronic power steering system as opposed to the traditional hydraulic mechanics that use power steering fluid to create pressure and provide lubrication. Electronic power steering systems don't really require much in terms of maintenance. However, as newer technology with more complex components, they can be prone to problems that will require repairs. Meanwhile, traditional power steering systems do require maintenance and care, primarily when it comes to changing out the power steering fluid when it becomes old, dirty or corroded. Without fresh fluid, the system won't operate efficiently and mechanical problems can develop. It's good to know what to look for in case you do have a power steering issue ... read more

When talking about the systems that power your vehicle, you’ll hear a lot about the engine and the transmission, as well. Your car won’t run if neither of those are working. However, the drive system that is often the least understood—yet is equally important—is the driveline. It is what transfers the power (torque) from the engine and transmission to the drive wheels that ultimately move the vehicle. First, it helps to understand the differences in the terms powertrain, drivetrain and driveline. The three are often used interchangeably, though they are not actually the same. Here is a quick breakdown to define these terms: Powertrain — Everything that powers the vehicle, including the engine, transmission and driveline components (differentials, axle shafts and joints that we’ll explai ... read more

We’ve all been there. We get in our car in the morning ready to head to work, but it is struggling to start. Maybe it takes a few tries to get it going or perhaps the engine won’t fire up at all. Either way, it’s a sign that there may be a mechanical or electrical problem somewhere between the ignition system and the engine itself. If your vehicle is struggling to start or the engine shuts off on you at any time while idling, you will want to get it checked out by a professional auto shop like Fox Run Auto in Northern Delaware. A skilled mechanic can inspect everything and determine the source of the problem. Usually, it narrows down to the following common culprits: Dead/Dying Battery Obviously, if your car battery is dead or close to dying, you will experience all sorts of electrical issue ... read more

Whether you know much about cars or not, it's very easy to check your motor oil using the dipstick under your hood. If you don't know where to find it, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If you are good about getting your oil changes done when they are due, then there rarely should be an issue with the oil levels or quality. However, it's still worth taking a few minutes every few weeks or so to check the oil that's in the reservoir. It can tell you a lot about the health of the engine and it's just a smart thing to do if you care about your vehicle. Here are a few things to look for when checking your engine oil, according to the Northern Delaware auto repair experts at Fox Run Auto: Oil Level The first thing to look for is the oil level. The dipstick will have markers to show you the desired l ... read more