BEAR AUTO REPAIR

Summertime is almost here and that means warmer weather in Northern Delaware. It also means more customers visiting Fox Run Auto because their cars are overheating. There are numerous reasons why an engine may overheat, and it doesn't always have to do with the hot weather. Your engine can overheat any time of year if certain problems are going on. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of an overheating engine: Low, Old or Contaminated Oil If your engine oil has a low fluid level, or if the oil itself is old, crusty, dirty or contaminated, it can cause all sorts of engine damage. One potential issue could be overheating as the cooling system can't keep up with the excess friction caused by fast-moving engine parts that aren't getting proper lubrication from the motor oil. This is why it is important to get your o ... read more

This is a common question we hear all the time at Fox Run Auto. People come in for a scheduled oil change and wonder if they really need it. The car is running fine. There haven't been any noticeable issues with the engine. They want to know if the oil really needs to be changed and why?  How Often Do I Need an Oil Change? These are good questions to ask your mechanic if you are curious about the oil change process. For most of us, it's just something we take care of every once in awhile because it's just what we are supposed to do. Your mechanic gives you a sticker with a recommended mileage for your next service, or they may schedule your next appointment well in advance based on your average mileage intervals. On average, most drivers get their oil changed twice a year. That's usually around every 6,000 miles or so for the average modern car. Some advan ... read more

In many cases, an automotive fluid leak coming from your car is a sign of trouble. Your vehicle is telling you something is wrong. It may be a minor fix like replacing a worn seal or damaged fluid line. It could be something more significant like a crack in the radiator or transmission housing. Here are a few tips to help you know what to do if you have a fluid leak: Automotive Fluid or Water? If you are running the air conditioner in your car, there will naturally be some condensation built up in the A/C unit. You may notice some water dripping underneath the vehicle. This is no big deal and it happens naturally as everything cools down after you turn the vehicle off. An excessive amount of water or something that is clearly another type of fluid should catch your attention and prompt a service visit. W ... read more

The transmission is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. It's right up there with the engine in terms of enabling you to drive down the road. It transfers the power from the engine to the wheels, while also controlling the shifting between gears as you accelerate and decelerate. A failing transmission may make it difficult to drive—or you may not be able to move the car at all if the transmission won't shift into gear. Transmission Maintenance This is why it's important to take care of your transmission with routine maintenance, just like you do with your engine, brakes, and other parts and systems. Regular transmission fluid checks are highly recommended. Most vehicles enable you to check your own transmission fluid with a dipstick (similar to how you might check your engine oil) or a viewing ... read more

In the automotive industry, it's known as "preventative maintenance." These are the routine service tasks that need to be performed on your car from time to time, as recommended by your mechanic or dealership. Some things you may be able to do on your own. For others, you will want a trained automotive technician to make sure it's done right. The goal of preventative maintenance is simple: to prevent major problems from developing. By keeping up with your necessary maintenance tasks, you reduce the risk of damage and breakdowns that could be much more costly to repair. Here are 10 of the maintenance services you should take care of on a regularly scheduled basis: 1. Oil Changes Keep your engine running smoothly with regular motor oil and oil filter changes. Low, old or dirty oil can cause major engine problems over time. 2. Brake Pads Brake pads wear out fro ... read more