Posted on 11/4/2019
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
Posted on 10/9/2019
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
Posted on 9/18/2019
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
Posted on 8/14/2019
Poor handling is a common automotive problem. Whether your vehicle is pulling hard to one side or the other, vibrating oddly while you drive or it just feels "loose" when making a tight turn, handling concerns can be a sign a different issues that you will want to get checked out. A professional mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem, recommend specific repairs and replace damaged components. When your car is handling poorly on straightaways or around corners, there are several common causes that could be in play. Here are a few of the most notable handling issues we see at Fox Run Auto: 1. Wheel Alignment Improper wheel alignment is the most common problem leading to poor handling. Over time, it's natural for the wheels to get out of alignment and eventually you will really notice it while driving. It's a ... read more
Posted on 7/10/2019
Your vehicle has many important fluids that keep it running right. If you notice any fluid leak under your car, truck or SUV, it is certainly cause for concern. This is especially true if you notice any radiator coolant leaking. How to Identify Radiator Fluid Radiator fluid (also known as coolant or antifreeze) is typically very easy to identify because it is bright greenish/yellow in color and any leaks will likely be noticed when you look under the hood or somewhere under the front of the vehicle. If you have a sports car or another vehicle with a rear-mounted engine and cooling system, then a radiator coolant leak would obviously be back there instead. Common Sources of Coolant Leaks Once a radiator fluid leak is identified, it's important to determine where the leak is coming from. Is it coming from the radiator ... read more