Blairs Ferry Automotive

Blairs Ferry Automotive BLAIRS FERRY AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
Serving the Marion and Cedar Rapids Area for all their Automotive Needs.

MECHANIC ALWAYS ON DUTY:
Featuring Dustin Pruismann ASE Certified Auto Technician
Appointments Preferred, but Walk-Ins Always Welcomed! WE HAVE WI-FI Enjoy our complimentary Wireless Internet Access while you wait in our comfortable lounge! Child's area provided, complete with board games and toys
Fresh, Complimentary Serve-Yourself Coffee

WE ALSO OFFER THE FOLLOWING:
Computer Diagnostics

Prev

entative Maintenance

Lube-Oil-Filter Service

Transmission Service

Air Conditioning Service

Brakes

Shocks

Mufflers

Electrical Diagnostics

Coolant Exchange

If your vehicle’s power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are...
08/06/2026

If your vehicle’s power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are connectors that allow the rotating power from your vehicle’s engine to deliver its power through a driveshaft to make the rear wheels rotate. You need U-joints because the surfaces you drive on aren’t perfectly flat, and the driveshaft has to allow for some flexibility when you are traveling over uneven surfaces.

As you can imagine, the U-joints have to move and flex a lot as your vehicle is going down the road. They have bearings in them to allow that flexibility, and those bearings are lubricated when your vehicle is made. Some U-joints have lifetime lubrication and are not designed to be serviced. When they fail, they have to be replaced.

Keep your U-joints in good shape, and both of U will continue to enjoy years of reliable transportation.

Your vehicle may be like that famous battery bunny, the one that just keeps going and going. But while it may seem some...
07/31/2026

Your vehicle may be like that famous battery bunny, the one that just keeps going and going. But while it may seem sometimes like you never need to take your vehicle in to be worked on, there are some things you should keep your eyes, ears and nose out for. They are warning you about something that needs attention at your vehicle service facility.

- If a warning light is on, don't ignore it; do something about it.
- If your vehicle is vibrating or shaking, it's not only annoying, it could signal trouble.
- Smoke coming out of anywhere in your vehicle is a signal (smoke signal, get it?) that there may be a troubling issue.
- If you aren't getting the distance you used to out of a tank of gas, it may not simply be your lead foot.
- If your brake pedal travels further than it used to while stopping, that could be compromising your ability to stop safely.

An old 80s TV show called "Knight Rider" featured a talking car. You already have a vehicle that's telling you things all the time. Give it a listen and it will keep you going safely down the road for many years to come.

🌎 Will Your Vehicle Pass an Emissions Test?Your vehicle's emissions system does more than help you pass an inspection—it...
07/24/2026

🌎 Will Your Vehicle Pass an Emissions Test?

Your vehicle's emissions system does more than help you pass an inspection—it helps keep our air cleaner and your engine running efficiently.

Over time, worn components can cause your vehicle to produce higher emissions, reduce fuel economy, and even trigger the Check Engine Light. Regular maintenance and inspections can catch small issues before they become costly repairs.

If your vehicle is due for an emissions test or you're concerned about a warning light, our experienced technicians are here to help. We'll make sure your emissions system is operating properly so you can drive with confidence.

📞 Contact us today to schedule an emissions inspection or diagnostic appointment!

If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are it has disc brakes, and one of the components of that type of brake is called ...
07/08/2026

If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are it has disc brakes, and one of the components of that type of brake is called a brake caliper. The caliper allows the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to eventually move brake pads against discs in your wheels, which then slow and stop your vehicle.

Here are a few signs that a caliper might be failing: Your vehicle is pulling to one side when you apply the brakes. Your pedal goes down to the floor when you push on it. You hear squeaking from the wheels while braking. You notice brake fluid on the pavement underneath your vehicle after you’ve parked it for a few hours.

Regular brake maintenance is recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to prevent dangerous surprises. And when you see issues, have your brakes serviced as soon as you see signs of trouble.

If you've been paying attention, you've noticed that vehicle engines are getting more and more powerful. At the same tim...
06/26/2026

If you've been paying attention, you've noticed that vehicle engines are getting more and more powerful. At the same time, they are getting better and better fuel economy. I've gotta tell 'ya, most of that's because of technological advances in transmissions.

Your manufacturer has a recommended service interval for changing your old, contaminated transmission fluid. Servicing your transmission on schedule at keeps it operating at its best and can prevent costly damage.

We get a lot of drivers asking about vehicle trip preparation. That's a big deal. You could be driving through some pret...
06/11/2026

We get a lot of drivers asking about vehicle trip preparation. That's a big deal. You could be driving through some pretty lonely areas, so it's important to know that your vehicle is up to the task and won't leave you stranded.

Smart drivers plan ahead for a major road trip – and there are a lot of things to get ready. Where should you start? You could start with the tires. Look them over for tread wear and check to see that they are properly inflated. Take a quick test drive around town to see if you can feel any vibrations: Are the wheels in balance? Is the car tracking straight? Is the alignment ok? Come in for a peace-of-mind trip inspection.

A vehicle battery will actually start to discharge on its own within 24 hours in hot weather. It takes several days in c...
06/05/2026

A vehicle battery will actually start to discharge on its own within 24 hours in hot weather. It takes several days in cold weather. When batteries are left too long in a state of partial discharge, the discharged portion of the battery plates for the lack of a better word 'die.' Recharging the battery will not restore the dead part of the battery plate.

Batteries are fairly expensive, so taking a few steps to make them last longer is well worth it. Of course, the battery will eventually need to be replaced. Always make sure you get a new battery that meets the factory specifications for your vehicle. If you feel you need more battery capacity than what came with your vehicle, talk with your service advisor about appropriate upgrades.

Batteries are very sensitive to changes in the weather. Temperature really affects auto battery performance. A battery i...
05/29/2026

Batteries are very sensitive to changes in the weather. Temperature really affects auto battery performance. A battery inspection is an important part of your spring and fall checkups. Next time you're under your hood, take a look at your battery.

- Is it clean and free of residue? A dirty battery will drain.
- Is there corrosion at the terminals where the battery cables attach to the battery? If there is, the corrosion can interfere with how efficiently electricity passes back and forth from the battery.
- Are the cables loose? Make sure they are tight.
- Are the cables themselves corroded? Corrosion can actually eat through the battery cables.

If the battery test indicates that replacement of the battery or cables is in order, you will be lucky to have caught the problem before it becomes a major inconvenience.

High mileage oil is designed to condition seals and gaskets, reduce wear and avoid premature burn off. Older vehicle eng...
05/15/2026

High mileage oil is designed to condition seals and gaskets, reduce wear and avoid premature burn off. Older vehicle engines are dirtier inside - and dirty engines contaminate their oil faster. High mileage oil has special additives that clean the engine, removing sludge deposits over time. The result is less stress on the engine, better fuel economy and excellent wear protection.

Studies have even shown that using high mileage fluids early will actually prevent some of the problems of high mileage vehicles. So once you hit around 50,000 mi/80,000 km, consider stepping up to high mileage formulations. The fluids cost a bit more than standard fluids because of the additional additives, but they can be worth their weight in gold in terms of preventing repair costs down the road.

It does cost more for vehicle owner's to properly maintain a higher mileage vehicle - but it's much cheaper than a new car payment!

If you hear your engine start to turn over but then it stops and is followed by a grinding sound, some gears may not be ...
04/30/2026

If you hear your engine start to turn over but then it stops and is followed by a grinding sound, some gears may not be meshing the way they should.

There may be many more causes (bad alternator, relay, battery, engine, key fob), so this is when it's time to turn it over to your service facility. Sometimes they can send out their own tow truck or recommend a reputable towing company.

But it's best not to let it get to this point. Starter problems often give you advance warning that there is a problem with "almost" not starting or "almost" not turning over. So when you see that very first sign, "start" on over to talk this one over with your service advisor. The opposite of a "non-starter" is a starter, and that is music to anyone's ears.

Address

1565 Blairs Ferry Road
Marion, IA
52302

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+13194476310

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Blairs Ferry Automotive posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Blairs Ferry Automotive:

Shortcuts

Share

Category