Braking News: Keep Your Stopping Power
April 10, 2022
Richard Petty once told AutoNetTV, “You've gotta have good brakes. If you've got good brakes you can keep yourself out of a lotta trouble.”
That's why a regular brake inspection is on every Marion driver's maintenance schedule. An inspection by your service advisor at Blair's Ferry Automotive will check your brake system and let you know if there are any problems.
Of course, if you're having trouble with your brakes, get your car into Blair's Ferry Automotive in Marion right away. Here are some symptoms for Marion drivers to watch for:
- Low or spongy brake pedal
- Hard brake pedal
- A brake warning light that stays on
- Constantly squealing or grinding brakes
- Vibrations or clunking sounds when you apply your brakes
If you are experiencing any of these, it's time to get your brakes checked. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at Blair's Ferry Automotive .
There are two types of brakes: disc and drum. Disc brakes have a rotor that's attached to the axle. Calipers straddle the rotor, kind of like the brakes on a bicycle.
Drum brakes are most common on back wheels. Both types have pads or shoes that press against the brakes and slow the vehicle. Brake pads and shoes are made out of very tough material to withstand the heat and force generated when stopping your vehicle. Eventually, they wear out with use and become too thin and need to be replaced at Blair's Ferry Automotive.
If the brake pads wear away completely, you can damage the rotors. The calipers can grind grooves in the rotor. Then the rotor must either be resurfaced or replaced. That's not only expensive but also dangerous because your vehicle won't stop as quickly. Sometimes rotors warp or crack and must be replaced.
A brake service at Blair's Ferry Automotive will also include a check of your brake fluid. When the brakes are applied, the pressure in the fluid activates the brake pads or shoes. Not enough fluid means not enough pressure to brake properly. Also, water builds up in the brake fluid over time, which leads to corrosion, leaks and brake damage, and with hard use, the brakes could severely fade or even fail. Marion drivers should change the brake fluid when their vehicle manufacturer recommends to avoid these problems.
Come in to Blair's Ferry Automotive for an brake inspection before damage occurs. You can call ahead for an appointment by calling 319-447-6310.
Blair's Ferry Automotive
1565 Blairs Ferry Rd.
Marion, Iowa 52302
319-447-6310
http://www.blairsferryautomotive.com
Need Service?
More articles from Blairs Ferry Automotive
Make Your Battery Last
May 31, 2026
Today's report from Blair's Ferry Automotive is on vehicle batteries, why they die and what we can do to lengthen their life. Most of us have had a dead battery at one time or another. In fact, it would be very unusual if you hadn't. You may be surprised to learn that only 30 percent of Marion ve... More
Before You Buy a Used Vehicle (Car Inspection before Buying a Used Vehicle)
May 24, 2026
Before You Buy a Used Vehicle (Car Inspection before Buying a Used Vehicle) Perhaps this sounds familiar. Your vehicle seems like its been around forever, and youve decided its time to move on. But when you check the price of new vehicles, the sky-high price tags have you considering a nice, pre... More
Alleviate the Creaks and Squeaks (Chassis Lubrication)
May 17, 2026
If your vehicle creaks and squeaks when you drive down the road, it may mean that some of the metal parts are rubbing against each other and need to be lubricated. Those could be parts of the suspension, steering system and the drivetrain. Years ago, most vehicles had to have their chassis (wh... More