Does Your Car Need a Brake Repair?

January 13, 2023 · 3 min read

Although no one loves finding out their car is in need of repair, it's crucial that you keep your vehicle in tip-top condition to ensure your and your family's safety. The thing is, not everyone knows when exactly they should take their car to their local Ford dealer. In this article, we'll tell you several signs that you should take your car in for brake repair. Keep reading to learn more.

From Your Local Ford Dealer: 4 Signs You Need Brake Repair

1. High-Pitched Squeaking From Your Brakes

If it's time for your brakes to get repaired or replaced, the first thing you'll probably notice is a squealing or squeaking noise coming from your brakes. This usually comes from worn-down brake pads nearing the end of their life, so take it as a sign that you need to bring in your car to get the brakes fixed. If you ignore the high-pitched "warning" sound, you'll eventually hear a grinding noise, which means you're actually damaging your rotors, which will be a much more expensive repair.

2. Vibration When Braking

If you feel unnatural vibrations whenever you hit the brakes while driving, it's another sign that you need to get your brakes checked by a professional. It could mean that your rotors are warped or your brake pads are wearing unevenly.

3. It Takes Longer To Stop

What's the most obvious sign that your brakes aren't working properly? When your car doesn't stop as fast when you apply the brakes. If you're not stopping as quickly, as usual, it may be a sign that your brake pads are worn down. It can also mean that your brake fluid is low, often caused by a leak. Not being able to stop quickly can be incredibly dangerous for yourself, your family, and other drivers on the road. Make sure to get professional help with your brakes.

4. Your Indicator Light Is On

Most cars have different indicator lights that appear on your dashboard when there's an issue with your brakes. One brake warning light is for your Antilock Braking System (ABS). Your other one should be a warning light for your brake system.

This one should be the same one that lights up when your parking brake is engaged. Although it won't always flash when your car has brake issues, you should definitely take it to a brake expert if it's on without your parking brake being engaged.

If your car is dealing with any of the symptoms listed above, it's time to bring your car in for a check-up. Luckily, your car will give you several signals that you can hear, feel, and see before it's too late. Bring your car to Cloninger Ford in Salisbury, NC to get your brakes fixed today!

Jul 24, 2023

5 Top Photo Spots for Taking Pictures in Driving Distance of Salisbury, NC

Ready for your Instagram-worthy close-up or to snap some shots of local wildlife? Salisbury, NC has tons of eye-catching, spectacular photo opportunities waiting for you in your own backyard. Don't stress searching for the perfect spot for your next profile pic. Here are the top five photo spots around Salisbury! 5 Top Photo Spots for Taking Pictures in Driving Distance of Salisbury, NC 1. Waterworks Visual Arts Center The Salisbury nonprofit museum is an incredible place to appreciate local art and delve into the art and culture scene. The museum boasts a wide array of art inside and outdoors. The Waterworks' outdoor sculpture garden is a great way to explore art with exhibits and sculptures ranging from abstract contemporary to renaissance gothic. Stop by Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. more 2. Hurley Park The 18-acre public park is perfect for scenic, enchanting shots. The park is filled with trails, streams, gardens, and woodlands. Visitors love the rustic wooden bridge that crosses over a small brook, an ivy-covered gazebo, and more. During the spring, visitors to the park can enjoy the daffodil gardens and the vibrant red and oranges of the changing leaves in the fall. 3. Crossroads: Past Into Present Mural The Past into Present Mural is one of Salisbury's most famous attractions. Painted by Salisbury's own Cynvia Arthur Rankin, the painting immerses you in the city's past. The whimsical, fun mural features over 100 locals dressed in period costumes and has been featured on NBC, in newspapers, and in magazines. 4. Salisbury City Park The 41-acre park features a 4.25-acre scenic lake. The rustic wooden dock that juts out onto the center of the lake is perfect for photo ops and duck-watching. The park also features pickleball courts, picnic tables, a climbing wall, and two play structures. Visitors enjoy the park's gorgeous trails that take you through city woodlands full of greenery. 5. Old Stone House Less than five miles from Salisbury sits the Old Stone House in Granite Quarry. The two-story Georgian-style house was built by German immigrant Michael Braun in 1766 and is the oldest structure in Rowan County. The old-stone home surrounded by woods makes you feel like you are stepping back in time. The house is open to tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM April through November. Whether you are looking for an artsy photo or to capture wildlife, you don't have to go far with these great spots. Hop in your Toyota RAV4 that can take you through any on or off-road terrain, turning heads. The sleek and sporty RAV4 will have jaws dropping whether you are on asphalt or dirt. Stop by Cloninger Toyota today and find the picture-perfect vehicle for your needs.

Jul 27, 2023

A Closer Look at the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Blending strong performance with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a unique find on today's roads. Few vehicles can combine these qualities while also offering all-wheel drive and room for up to eight passengers. This is all complemented by a stylish, comfortable interior and cutting-edge technology inside and out, making this versatile SUV well worth a closer look. A Closer Look at the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Performance The 2023 Highlander Hybrid, which offers both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), comes with an impressive 2.5-liter I-4 engine that pairs with an electric motor to deliver 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain system is combined with an electronically controlled transmission that provides the vehicle with smooth, seamless shifting at both low and high speeds. more Also adding to this vehicle's performance is Drive Mode Select, which gives you four different driving modes in FWD models (Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport), as well as a fifth mode, Trail, in AWD-equipped models. As for fuel economy, the gas-electric powertrain helps the vehicle achieve an estimated 36 mpg on highways. Interior This edition's interior comes with a wide array of features to keep you and your passengers comfortable on every drive, like a tri-zone climate control that divide's the cabin's temperature into separate zones with a separate control console for rear-seat passengers. Leather-trimmed seats are available and offer a heating setting for second-row passengers, as well as both heating and ventilation settings for the front passenger and driver seats, and to minimize headlight glare, select models come with an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Technology Combining convenience with entertainment, the vehicle's Toyota Audio Multimedia System has an available eight-inch touchscreen and allows you to either use that or your voice to make and take phone calls, access select media files and apps from your smartphone, and listen to music and podcasts on SiriusXM radio channels, in addition to many other functions. The intuitive Dynamic Radar Cruise Control keeps you distanced from others on the road while also maintaining a pre-selected speed when possible, and for long trips, everybody can jump on the Internet with their smartphones or laptops, thanks to the Wi-Fi hotspot option. Safety The 2023 edition also comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of hi-tech safety features designed to monitor your surroundings while driving. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which uses radar technology to monitor the path in front of you while alerting you whenever vehicles or pedestrians are in your way. The 2023 Highlander Hybrid is not only fuel-efficient but also versatile and ready for adventures with its available AWD and sophisticated cabin. Come see what else this impressive Toyota SUV has to offer by getting in contact with us today at Cloninger Toyota.

Jul 12, 2023

4 Great Weekend Getaways You Can Drive to Near Salisbury, NC

Summer is coming, which means it's time to start planning the best weekend getaways near Salisbury, NC. Start mapping out your top trips with our go-to destinations within a few hours' drive (or less!) 4 Great Weekend Getaways You Can Drive to Near Salisbury, NC 1. Durham, NC A weekend trip to Durham takes about 2 hours from Salisbury, NC, but it's well worth the journey if you're intrigued by the history behind the city's revitalized downtown area. You'll be able to stay in your choice of trendy hotels within walking distance of top-rated restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and modern cocktail spots. If the weather cooperates, stroll through the lush plant displays at Sarah P. Duke Gardens or take a walking tour of Durham's historic African American communities. more 2. Chapel Hill, NC Consider Chapel Hill for another great weekend getaway within a 2-hour drive of Salisbury. This destination will appeal to visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation, with attractions like the Riverwalk in Hillsborough and hiking trails at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. You may want to plan your visit around one of Chapel Hill's many community festivals, from Arts on Market to weekly wine tours. 3. Myrtle Beach, SC You can be enjoying the sun and sand of Myrtle Beach in just under 4 hours, so make it a long weekend and fully enjoy this popular surfside resort city. If you're not planning on spending most of your time on the shore, you'll also find tons of activities from go-karts and amusement parks to mini golf and boardwalk shopping. For a bit of adventure and an unforgettable view, ride the SkyWheel at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The city also has some of the country's best golf courses. 4. Charlotte, NC Charlotte is the perfect place to spend a few days if you don't want to venture too far from Salisbury. Although it's less than an hour's drive away, the city has so much to offer all types of travelers. You can stay in a quaint bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel while enjoying some of the best restaurants in the region. Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Discovery Place science museum. You can also spend an exciting day at Carowinds theme park. 5. Knoxville, TN Located about four hours from Salisbury, Knoxville gives you the chance to explore vibrant Southern nightlife, a cool art scene, and lots of incredible food. It's also an enjoyable destination for outdoor lovers, with miles of hiking and biking trails within city limits. You need plenty of space to pack your road trip essentials, so it might be time to upgrade your ride to the expansive Toyota Highlander SUV. Contact Cloninger Toyota and make your appointment to see it in person today.