What are some of the Top Mechanical Issues with your Vehicle?

It does not matter what you drive around the roads of Raleigh…each and every car, pick-up truck, and SUV around the Capital City has its own set of challenges.  Some may be unique to that make and model, but the majority of mechanical problems are common in most of the cars, etc. that you are driving around Raleigh.

Here are some common warning signs –

1.  That pesky trouble light

2.  Your engine is sputtering

3.  Fuel economy is going down and down

4.  The battery is about dead

5.  Grinding, squeaking brakes

There are many others, of course no matter what type of vehicle you are navigating around our roads.  At the very first sign of mechanical problems we hope you’ll remember us.  We are Jim’s Auto Service at 3711 Tarheel Drive.  No matter what the make or the model we will help you keep your ride on the road around Raleigh.  Just call (919) 824-4566.

At or Below Freezing…Not Around Here.

Those that have lived in Raleigh, NC for years know better.  During the next three months the thermometer can and will read 32 degrees and less!  What kind of a toll does that take on your vehicle?  As the temperature drops, so do your chances of your car running properly.  That is something we all want to avoid.

Here are some things to watch for -

1.  Your battery can die more easily in colder weather.

2.  Fluids thicken in dropping temperatures.

3.  Winter could take a toll on your tire pressure.

4.  Spark plug reliability weakens during the winter.

Whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall you can always trust your car to the man and the team who have worked on all makes and models for decades.  That’s Jim Liacos and his crew at Jim’s Auto Service.  Keep your car running smoothly this winter and make an appointment at Jim’s located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh.  Just call ahead at (919) 824-4566.

100,000 Miles…It’s Just Warming Up!

These days, people are keeping their cars longer than ever before. In fact, according to the latest statistics from R.L. Polk Co compiled earlier this year, the average car on the road is now almost 11 years old!  When the economy took a nose dive in late 2008 this trend began and has been growing ever since with improved manufacturing techniques.

Here is a general guide of what should be routinely checked after 100,000 miles -

1.  Fluids…the lifeblood of the human body as well as your vehicle

2.  The timing belt and water pump

3.  Tires and brakes…don’t wait until this mark to pay attention to these two things

4.  Miscellaneous things such as the fuel filter, air filter, etc.

Having a great mechanic who has made it a specialty to work on older cars is a must these days.  That is why you can always trust Jim Liacos and his professional team at Jim’s Auto Service.  If you live in the Raleigh NC area always trust Jim with your old, reliable vehicle.  Jim’s Auto Service is located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh.  Call ahead at (919) 824-4566.

$1209 vs. $903.

That’s a nice savings isn’t it?  Did you know that car owners who went to dealers for repairs spent an average of $1,209 a year versus $903 for those who used independents?  You can do the math…that is a savings of $300 a year, or if you wish, $3000 over the 10-year life of your vehicle if you decide to keep it that long!

These repairs included common jobs like brake work, transmission repairs and window replacements.  Don’t make the assumption that the mechanic won’t have the knowledge that the dealer has, it’s possible the independent repair shop hasn’t invested in the necessary equipment, but that is not necessarily true.

It is most assuredly NOT true when you choose Jim’s Auto Service for your vehicle’s repair and maintenance work in the Raleigh area!  Jim has assembled the most up-to-date equipment and the best auto repair technicians in Raleigh.  See for yourself…stop by his shop at 3711 Tarheel Drive or call ahead at (919) 824-4566.

We Take Care of the People.

The People’s Car…that is what the Volkswagen is known as in English.  It has been a world-favorite for decades and a favorite of Raleigh area residents as well.  While they may have been criticized for their emissions scandal at one time, Volkswagen’s reliability has never really been thrown into question.

It’s a bit of a mixed bag so to speak, when it comes to Volkswagens.  In a survey by Warranty Direct it was found that Volkswagens were ninth in terms of unreliability, with 1 in 52 engines resulting in failure. However, they fare better than their German counterparts Audi and BMW by a considerable margin.

When it is time to have your Volkswagen serviced or maintained on its regular schedule think of Jim’s Auto Service.  For decades, they have been repairing cars of every make and model (especially VW’s) from their location at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.  For a service appointment just call (919) 824-4566.

Who is Responsible for the Work?

When you trust your precious vehicle to an auto mechanic it’s nice to know that you can trust them implicitly.  Such a man in the Raleigh area is Jim Liacos.  What about Jim?  At an early age he learned auto repair and how valuable scheduled preventive maintenance is to vehicle longevity.  His father’s fleet of cabs often reached 350,000 miles with no major engine trouble!

At one time, Jim worked as a scientist at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames Iowa.  He was awarded four Research Excellence Awards.  It seems like a far cry from the auto repair industry, but not really as it shows his attention to detail.  Then came Jim’s Auto Service…  pursuing excellence in automotive repair and customer service.

Today, Jim proudly employs some of the best auto mechanics in the Raleigh area at 3711 Tarheel Drive.  He has hired carefully throughout the years to ensure that the pursuit of excellence continues to this day in the repair of virtually any make or model of vehicle.  Call Jim’s Auto Service for an appointment at (919) 824-4566.

Turning 90,000.

One thing that will hopefully do this (if you want it to) is your car.  What should happen when your car turns 90 (90,000) that is?  For most cars made by major manufacturers, the 90,000-mile service is the third major service of your vehicle’s life.  These regularly scheduled services help maintain your ride and protect your investment for the long-term.

Here are some of the things included in this important service –

1.  Obviously, an oil change

2.  Replace the timing belt if needed

3.  Do the same with the hoses

4.  Clean the fuel system

5.  Check the brake pads and the battery

6.  Rotate and/or replace the tires

There are more steps that we will take which are too numerous to mention in this short space.  The point is, if you live in the Raleigh North Carolina area you can count on Jim’s Auto Service for ALL of your routine maintenance throughout the life of your vehicle.  Stop in at Jim’s Auto Service located at 3711 Tarheel Drive or call for an appointment at (919) 824-4566.

Hit the Road Jack and Jill.

Isn’t this a great time of year?  Drivers throughout Raleigh and North Carolina are headed in every direction this summer on the vacation of a lifetime.  Many of those vacations will be taken in the family car.  Maybe you are headed to New York, perhaps it’s Florida, or maybe you are going west…young man and woman.

Here are a few travel tips before you leave –

1.  Have all of your vehicle’s fluids checked.

2.  Are all of the lights fully functional?

3.  What about your windshield wipers?

4.  When was the last time the brake pads were checked?

5.  And the obvious…the tread on your tires.

Peace of mind as you travel is what it is all about!  At Jim’s Auto Service we give you that before you leave the friendly confines of the Raleigh area.  We’ll check all of the boxes before you head out on summer vacation.  Make sure that whatever vehicle you drive you have us take care of the basic maintenance by stopping in at 3711 Tarheel Drive or calling (919) 824-4566.

It is Anything BUT Routine.

Routine maintenance…we are told how important it is.  Intellectually, we know that our vehicles will stay on the road longer if we pay attention to these two important words.  There are times, however when unexpected car issues will arise, and every vehicle will display certain warning signs.  Our mission is to reduce the potential for breakdown, and expensive repairs.

Here are some common car problems that arise –

1.  Number one these days is the check engine light.

2.  Your car’s engine is sputtering.

3.  The MPG is down noticeably.

4.  The brakes are squealing or grinding.

5.  Your steering wheel is shaking.

6.  You notice that the transmission has started slipping.

This, and other issues are the ones we troubleshoot here at Jim’s Auto Service.  Jim started our company decades ago on the premise that we will repair any and all automobiles, SUVs, and vans be they foreign or domestic on the roads of Raleigh NC.  Jim’s Auto Service is located at 3711 Tarheel Dr.  Call ahead and we’ll get you in right away at (919) 824-4566.   

Keep it Cool.

It won’t be long now when moderate spring temps give way to the heat and humidity of the Raleigh area.  The most common causes of broken air conditioning in your vehicle are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem or radiator trouble.

Here are some ways to diagnose the problem –

1.  Look for obstructions such as leaves, bugs, etc. that clog the compressor.

2.  A voltmeter checks the voltage to your car’s compressor.

3.  Leaks…easily the most common problem.

It all adds up to one solution.  Have your vehicle’s air conditioner checked and repaired by Jim’s Auto Service.  They are the Raleigh area’s car a/c experts.  Whether it just needs to be repaired or replaced Jim’s is the place to have it done.  They are located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh.  Just call for an appointment before summer takes its toll at (919) 824-4566.

Minivan Reliability.

Have you ever thought about how the minivan ranks in terms of reliability and repair costs?  According to one prominent rating service it ranks 4 out of 5 on the reliability scale.  Or, put into other terms 9th out of 19th for all vehicle types.  What is a good estimate of the average annual cost of service?  According to Repair Pal it is just over $500 per year.

Here is something you may want to know.  What are the most reliable minivans?

1.  Kia Sedona…checks in with an estimated annual repair cost of around $450

2.  Nissan Quest

3.  Chrysler Town and Country

4.  Honda Odyssey

5.  The Ford Flex and Volkswagen Routan on the high side at over $700 per year.

As it pertains to that final model, the Volkswagen Routan we are proud to feature a VW mechanic at Jim’s Auto Service in Raleigh NC.  If you have a minivan and are in need of repair or general maintenance give us a call at (919) 824-4566 or come by our repair shop located at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.

What You Should Know About Oil Changes.

It is the single most important way to protect and extend the life of your vehicle.  Commonly we are taught to change the oil in our car every 3000 miles.  That is a good benchmark, of course.  Some makes and models do not require oil changes as often.  There are some that need a very specific type of oil.

Here are some things you should know –

1.  When in doubt, follow your owner’s manual

2.  It is recommended to check the oil level once a month…We’ll bet you miss that one!

3.  Choose the right oil for your car

The simplest steps start with your due diligence.  The actual oil change should be trusted to Jim’s Auto Service.  Jim Liacos and his crew have changed the oil in Raleigh area cars for decades.  They know when your car needs it AND will check on many other things that could derail your ride down the road.  Stop in at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh or call (919) 824-4566.

Do Volkswagens Cost More to Repair?

If you have ever owned one you are aware that VW's have always cost more to service. As far as oil goes just check what kind of oil they use and price it out wherever you get your oil changes done.  What about general maintenance?  In terms of repairs they tend to cost more. It largely depends on the model and which parts need to be replaced.

Electrical problems can be inherent in Volkswagens.  Diagnostics can be expensive and do not always produce results.  In general though, VW owners are happy and satisfied to be part of the family.  Know this, when Volkswagen owners are surveyed throughout the world, they give this unique ride very high marks.

The bottom line is this…when your VW needs to be repaired you can always trust Jim’s Auto Service.  They are your headquarters in the Raleigh NC area for Volkswagen service and maintenance.  Jim’s is a full-service repair garage located at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.  Give them a call for all makes and models at (919) 824-4566.