BEAR AUTO REPAIR

The good news is that you don't have to get your vehicle's transmission serviced quite as often as your engine. You may be getting your engine oil changed every 5,000-6,000 miles and that is a vital maintenance service to help keep your engine running smoothly. Getting your transmission serviced is equally important, but it doesn't have to be done nearly as frequently. Transmission Fluid Service Intervals In general, most vehicles should have their transmission serviced every 30,000-60,000 miles. Some modern automatic and CVT transmissions may require servicing every 100,000 miles or so. A lot of it depends on the age, make and model of the vehicle. There may be other factors, as well. Towing/carrying heavy loads, driving uphill and sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic can also put additional strain on your transmission ... read more

If you are like most drivers, you hate having to get work done on your car. One of the most common automotive repairs needed is replacing the brake pads. When they get too worn down, they become much less effective. It can be dangerous to drive with low brake pads or other brake system damage. It's important to get your brakes inspected periodically and deal with the maintenance as needed.  The good news is there are ways to help keep your brakes healthier for longer. You may be able to extend the intervals between brake services and brake pad replacements with these 5 tips from Fox Run Auto: 1. Slow Down! This may sound counterintuitive because you generally use your brakes to slow down. However, if you aren't driving as fast or aggressively all the time, you simply won't have to rely on your brakes so much. Drive smoother and a little slower at all times. Don't tailgate and leave ... read more

Did your "check engine" light come on recently? It's something that no driver ever wants to see. Sometimes, it can be the sign of bad news. In other cases, it's really no big deal. So, how do you know what the check engine light represents and what should you do about it? Those are the key questions we will answer in this article. What Trips the Check Engine Light? The check engine light can actually illumination for a number of different reasons. It is kind of a "catch all" warning attached to various sensors throughout the vehicle. It can be letting you know you have low oil, a dying battery, a failing oxygen sensor, a transmission issue, an exhaust/emissions system issue, a cooling system issue, a fuel system issue or, of course, an engine problem. In some cases, it may just be that your fuel tank cap or cover isn ... read more

If you notice any fluids leaking from under your car or truck, you should be concerned. Some fluid leaks may seem like no big deal at first, and they may not be early on. However, leaking fluid could lead to major problems if left ignored. You may not have enough healthy fluids running through vital automotive systems like the engine, transmission or cooling system. This can cause parts to seize up or fail, which could lead to major damage that will be expensive to repair. What Do Automotive Fluids Do? Different automotive fluids perform different functions throughout your vehicle. You have engine oil, transmission fluid, radiator coolant, A/C coolant, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid and fuel. Some provide lubrication. Others provide cooling properties. Some are hydraulic fluids. And some perform multiple important functions within their particular automotive system. For example, a transmission fluid leak could lead to significant internal transmission dama ... read more

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Hearts and flowers are everywhere you look as you prepare to celebrate the day with your special someone. Most of us feel a special connection to our cars, as well. And, if you really think about it, the engine is like the heart of your car. It is what drives everything and allows you to get to your destination.  Show Your Vehicle Some Love This Valentine's Day, it's time to show your car's engine a little love. Keep it healthy with the necessary maintenance and consider getting repairs taken care of if something is wrong with your vehicle—engine or otherwise. Oil Changes A healthy engine always starts with clean oil running through the system. Motor oil provides vital lubrication and cooling properties. The more you drive, the more your oil starts to degrade. It can lose viscosity, become dirty/contam ... read more