The Best Test
May 28, 2023
Would you buy a jacket without even trying it on? Probably not, but it might surprise you that one study shows about half the people buy a vehicle after a short test drive around the block or none at all. If you're in the market for another vehicle, make sure you check out the most important thi... More
Protecting Your Vehicle from Theft in Marion, Iowa
May 21, 2023
Every car in Marion, Iowa, is at risk for theft. So it's up to us to make our cars a less appealing target and more of a challenge hopefully sending potential thieves to look elsewhere.The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends a layered approach to protecting vehicles: Common sense Visible... More
Relax When the Wind Blows in Iowa: Winter Car Prep for Marion Drivers
May 14, 2023
When autumn comes around in Marion, leaves fall, nights get longer and there's a definite nip in the air. Time to unpack the boots and gloves and fold some extra blankets onto the beds. It's also time for Marion drivers to winterize their vehicles.Here is some expert auto advice for Marion driver... More
Marion Road Trip Preparation
May 7, 2023
People from Marion, Iowa, love their cars. And nothing goes with cars better than a Iowa road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road it's great! But there's nothing like car trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt.You can't always avoid problems, but you can take s... More
Plugging Away (Spark Plug Replacement)
April 30, 2023
If you drive a vehicle with a gasoline engine, thank the spark plugs for igniting the gasoline/air mixture in each cylinder that keeps your vehicle traveling smoothly down the road every day. Your spark plugs work hard, firing thousands of times in a well-choreographed order, and you usually don... More
Straight Ahead (Wheel Alignment)
April 23, 2023
If every road was straight and smooth, we wouldn't have to worry much about wheel alignment. But they're not, so we do. Hitting potholes or driving on rough pavement can knock your vehicle out of alignment and you'll notice it in one of several ways. Your steering wheel may not be centered when ... More
Another Couple of Years: Making Your Vehicle Last With Help From Blair's Ferry Automotive
April 16, 2023
A while back, the Cash for Clunkers program was all over the Iowa news. Marion people could trade in their old vehicle for a new one that got better gas mileage and receive a government rebate. A lot of Marion motorists had so-called clunkers that they wanted to keep. They're good commuters, gro... More
Automotive Tips from Blair's Ferry Automotive: Battery Testing
April 9, 2023
The simple fact is that 70% of car batteries fail within 4 years. They just need to be replaced at Blair's Ferry Automotive when they are no longer able to hold a full charge.Batteries are a big ticket item for most Marion drivers and its tempting to put off buying a new one as long as possible. ... More
Exhaust Service at Blair's Ferry Automotive in Marion
April 2, 2023
Whenever they hear the term "exhaust service," most Marion residents think about exhaust pipes and mufflers. Well, actually, exhaust service at Blair's Ferry Automotive is a lot more comprehensive these days. For example, catalytic converters were mandated in 1976 and on-board emission control co... More
Not-So-Smooth Operator (Transmission Signs of Trouble)
March 26, 2023
You are heading down a flat, newly paved street when all of a sudden you feel it. Your vehicle jumps a little bit when you're accelerating and changing gears. You know it's not the surface of the road because it's smooth as silk. So what did you just feel? That kind of jumpingor grinding or sl... More