Bear Auto Repair and Transmission Repair

Have you pressed down on the gas pedal in your vehicle, just to feel a little hesitation? When we hit the gas, we have an expectation that our cars will take off. If your car doesn’t do it smoothly, it means you have sluggish acceleration.   This is a common problem with older, high-mileage cars, so don’t feel surprised if that matches your car’s description. There are several reasons that can explain why your car is feeling sluggish. In some cases, it could be a side effect of old age. Other times, it may be because you’ve failed to keep up with routine maintenance.    Engine problems are the most prevalent issue behind slow get-up-and-go responses. However, your sluggish performance may be due to the following factors as well:   Dirty fuel filter – Fuel filters play an important role in blocking out dirt and debris from your vehicle's fuel system. Over an extended period, you will need to replace it to prevent the fuel pump ... read more

Your car, SUV, or truck’s thermostat is responsible for letting coolant into the engine once it picks up a high temperature. The thermostat can typically last up to 10 years. If your vehicle is old, it may be good to go ahead and replace it at the first signs of problems. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of a faulty thermostat. Erratic Temperature Gauge – Naturally, your engine should read cold when your first start the car and slowly creep up to the middle range as the motor warms up. If the gauge is reading lower or higher than usual, it’s possible that there’s an issue with the thermostat. Cabin Temperature Changes – The thermostat can also affect the temperature of the cabin. If the temperature of the air inside goes from hot to cold or cold to hot without you adjusting the temperature, this is a sign that your thermostat is not working as it should.  Heater Problems - If your thermostat is stuck in the open position, it may be imp ... read more

Road and highway construction becomes more popular in the spring and summer. As a motorist, you should be prepared for backups and the dangers that could arise in these zones. Here are our top 5 tips for driving through construction areas: Pay attention to the signs - Whenever you see those bright orange signs, you know that they indicate that road construction is near. Make sure you proceed cautiously and follow what the signs say to stay safe. There should be a sign that indicates the end of the zone. Expect the unexpected - Road construction means that the road you're familiar with is getting altered somehow. Workers may have cones and other warning signs to indicate changes to the speed limit, lanes, etc. Don't follow too close behind others - Because it can be challenging to predict what changes are made to the road, you must keep a safe distance between yourself and other cars. The most common accident in any work zone is a rear-end collision. The extra room will give ... read more

It's normal for traffic laws to vary country-to-country and even state-to-state. That is why it is important to know them before traveling to or through a specific territory. While some changes aren't too dramatic, some places have outrageous driving rules. Here are some of them: It is considered unlawful for men to drive topless in Thailand.  Some places have rules about who can drive and on what days. In the Philippines, the last number on your plate number determines which day of the week you can or can't drive. For instance, those that end in 1 or 2 can't drive on Mondays. On Tuesday, it's 3 and 4. On Wednesday, it's 5 and 6. Thursday, 7 and 8. Finally, on Friday, it's 9 and 0. This law was implemented to help minimize traffic congestion. In Greece, you can't smoke in your car (windows up or down). Drivers are not allowed to wear flip-flops to drive in Spain. If you accidentally splash a pedestrian or bicyclist while driving in Japan, you c ... read more

Oil leaks in cars occur more often than you might think, so don't freak out if you notice a dark puddle around your vehicle. There are various ways your automobile can leak oil, and it's trying to figure out why is the annoying part.  Common Causes for Oil Leaks in Vehicles Clogged or Loose Oil Filter - Oil filters are in place to filter out contaminants from your engine oil so that it can allow clean and smooth combustion. When a filter hasn't been changed in a while, it can restrict the oil flowing into the engine chambers, increasing the pressure and leaking oil. A poorly fitted filter can also cause a leak, so please ensure it is installed in place. Worn Gaskets - A gasket seals your engine's valve cover and potion. Over time, this rubbery cover gasket can deteriorate from exposure to high heat and pressure, causing oil to leak. Untightened Drain Plug - This passageway is where mechanics drain used motor oil. It can be found under the car and attached to th ... read more