Bear Auto Repair and Transmission Repair

A healthy, running battery is needed to provide power from everything to the starter, engine, radio, and more. Just like any other type of battery, car batteries do not last forever. Most automotive batteries last 2 to 5 years, depending on the quality and type of battery, the vehicle, and the climate in which you drive. It's essential that you keep track of when you need to replace your car battery, but sometimes your battery may start to die before the end of its expected "expiration." So, can you tell when there's no more life left to give in your car battery? When the vehicle battery is about to die, the engine will have slow and rough starts. In some cases, your car will not be able to start at all. And whenever you attempt to start it, you may only be faced with a buzzing or clicking sound. You might see physical evidence that your battery is on its last straw. If you open the hood to find that the battery terminals or cables are covered in corrosion, the bat ... read more

You will know the winter season is around the corner when leaves start dropping off the trees and days begin getting shorter. During the winter, you may experience cold temperatures, snow and ice. Traveling will also be difficult because of the impaired driving conditions.   The change in seasons is an excellent opportunity to review the conditions of your car and prepare for winter. It is easy to let renovating your car wait until the fall season comes. But preparations will help you be safe on the road.   Here are the areas that you will review when winterizing your car:   Clean the Inside Give the interior of your car a deep clean when the weather is fair. You definitely will not enjoy digging spare change and snow from between the seats when snow is surrounding you. Clean the dashboard and the accessories in your car. Vacuum clean the carpet and clean your trunk to create a clean space for carrying winter essentials. Consider ... read more

The holiday season is here, and it's time to start shopping for your loved ones. If you have a friend or family member who's car-centric, we've created the perfect holiday gift guide for you. Phone Mount - This is a must-have for anyone, not just car enthusiasts. Nowadays, phone mounts require little to no installation and hold onto your phone with clasps or magnets. These come in handy, especially if you often rely on navigational apps. Bluetooth Key Finder - This one is for the clumsy folks out there that always misplace their keys. They simply are put on your keys and connected to your phone so that you can ping and find them with a push of a button.  Hand-Held Portable Vacuum - This item is a must-have, especially if you often drive passengers and kids. A portable vacuum is easy to move, hold, and pick up the crumbs in every nook and cranny. Seat Covers - Seat covers aren't just for a stylish look. They can protect your seating from stains and messes.  ... read more

Whether you're driving a family van, a macho pickup truck, or a modern, sporty sedan, your tires are an essential part of your vehicle. Without proper functional tires, your car isn't taking you anywhere.   So how long do tires last? The average lifespan of tires is 50,000 miles, but there's no definitive answer. Many factors can affect the lifespan of your vehicle's tires. Here's what they are: TYPE OF TIRE. The tread is naturally different on winter tires vs. summer tires. It goes the same for performance tires and all-weather tires. We advise that you check the treadwear rating before you purchase any tires, as the rating can affect the lifespan of your tires. The higher the tire rating, the longer the tires are supposed to last. TYPE OF CAR. A bigger vehicle, such as an SUV or truck puts more weight on the tires themselves. You should ensure you put the right-sized tires on your car. DRIVING HABITS. There are many helpful practices you can do to extend ... read more

There's no point in driving a car if you can't steer it! Over time, your vehicle's steering wheel may become stiff and show signs of wear and tear. A rigid steering wheel should never be overlooked and should always be inspected by an automotive professional as soon as possible. Here are some of the potential issues that can be causing your steering wheel to harden up:   Damaged Steering Rack If your steering wheel feels heavy in addition to the stiffness, it's most likely a problem with the steering rack. The hot summer temperatures or excessive road debris can cause your rack to malfunction.   Cracked Serpentine Belt If you feel a lot of strain in the steering wheel when turning it, this can imply that you've got damage on your serpentine belt. Wear and tear on this rubbery belt is normal. It may just need a simple replacement. Low on Power Steering Fluid The steering wheel is a hydraulic system which means it relies on a solution to function ... read more