Timing is Everything (Timing Cover Replacement)
December 29, 2024
Theres an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. Its called the timing cover. Its important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshaft... 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
Combustion Choreography: Timing Belt Replacement at Blair's Ferry Automotive in Marion
January 15, 2023
Have you ever seen a ballet performance? Have you wondered how all of those dancers manage to travel all over the stage jumping and twirling and never crash into each other? That's the job of a choreographer.Our auto engines are also highly choreographed. Pistons travel up and down inside cylinde... More
It Pays to Take Care of Your Transmission at Blair's Ferry Automotive
January 2, 2022
If you've been paying attention, you've noticed that vehicle engines are getting more and more powerful in Marion. 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. To get a better understand... More
Transmission Care in Marion, Iowa
August 8, 2021
Do you have any plans around Marion, Iowa, for the weekend? Maybe you and some friends are taking the boat up to the lake. Maybe you'll be having a lot of fun water skiing and doing a little fishing.You got the boat all ready. It's all gassed up. You packed lots of snacks and the cooler's stocke... More
Gear Up: Transmission Service at Blair's Ferry Automotive in Marion
February 14, 2021
The transmission system in your vehicle allows you to change gears. Lower gears are power gears. They get your vehicle moving and get it up hills. Higher gears get the vehicle up to speed and get it rolling faster. If you have a standard transmission, then you have to do the work of shifting gea... More
Automotive Tips from Blair's Ferry Automotive: Knowing When Your Timing Belt Should Be Replaced
February 16, 2020
The timing belt in your engine controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. Marion drivers need to replace it on a schedule to avoid failure.Timing belts are very difficult to get to, requiring quite a bit of labor to access. Timing belt replacement is one of the more expens... More
Timing Belt Service to Save Big Bucks in Marion
January 1, 2020
Your engine is like a finely choreographed dance. All the parts have to work together. If the timing is off at the ballet, dancers crash into each other and fall down. It the timing is off in your engine, it may not run at all. One of the most intricate dances in your engine has to do with the c... More
Automotive Tips from Blair's Ferry Automotive: Timing Belt Overview
September 8, 2019
In your engine, valves over each combustion chamber open to allow fresh air in, close during the combustion event, and then other valves open to let out the exhaust. All of this happens over and over thousands of times a minute when you are driving around Marion. The timing belts important job is... More
Ask Blair's Ferry Automotive: What Happens When a Serpentine Belt Breaks?
March 31, 2019
The serpentine belt is aptly named since it snakes around under your hood. It may lack its namesake's fangs, but it sure packs a wallop when it breaks.The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine systems. It runs the alternator, which charges the battery; the water pump (on some vehicles), which co... More