When to Tune-Up.

It’s a question that vehicle owners in North Carolina need to know.  How often does your car need a tune-up?  If you are driving an older model around Raleigh you need a tune-up every 30,000 to 45,000 miles.  In modern cars, a "tune-up" is a major service that includes an oil change, replacement of an engine air filter, spark plugs and possibly a few additional items.

Spark plugs provide an electric spark to initiate combustion in your engine, so if the spark plugs are fouled-up or worn out, your engine won't run properly.  There are two types of spark plugs…conventional and long-life. Those long-life platinum-tipped spark plugs can last for 50,000-120,000 miles.

A tune-up is just one of the myriad of automotive services provided by Jim’s Auto Repair.  Jim and his exceptional crew have been keeping Raleigh drivers on the road for decades.  For any repair job on your vehicle foreign or domestic trust Jim’s Auto Repair.  They are located at 3711 Tarheel Dr.  Call ahead at (919) 824-4566.

21 free and cheap St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the Triangle 2020

21 free and cheap St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the Triangle 2020

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 "Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the cheap in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas in 2020. These Triangle St. Patrick’s Day events are free, cheap, or at least kind of cheap."

 

It Isn’t Sexy, but it Sure is Efficient!

It’s the minivan.  The best of the used ones can provide years of service to your family.  It all starts in the cabin.  Minivans offer more space for both passengers and cargo than even three-row SUVs.  Minivans can also be really comfortable, with heated leather seating, second-row captain’s chairs, and high-end infotainment systems for passengers.

Here are some of the better used minivans to choose from –

1.  The Honda Odyssey…top rated by J.D. Power a couple of years ago.

2.  The Toyota Sienna…offers the driver’s speak easy system.

3.  The Kia Sedona…it has optional second row first-class lounge seating.

4.  The Chrysler Town and Country…it has proven to be very, very reliable.

5.  The Dodge Caravan…with 33 cubic feet of storage behind the third row of seats.

If you decide to buy a used minivan in 2020 one thing is certain.  If you are driving on the roads around our capital city Jim’s Auto Repair will keep it rollin’ along.  Jim’s Auto Repair is Raleigh’s complete vehicle repair headquarters for all makes and models on the road.  Visit the shop at 3711 Tarheel Dr or call (919) 824-4566 for an appointment.

So, You’re a Hybrid huh?

Some people are and some cars are just that…hybrids.  Obviously, there are pros and cons about buying and maintaining a hybrid vehicle.  One of the first considerations is the initial price, then the gas savings and protection of the environment come into consideration.  What are some of the challenges inherent in owning a hybrid?

Here are some –

1.  Expect lower highway mileage than you might get with some diesels and compacts.

2.  Each hybrid has its own unique set of maintenance challenges.

3.  There are very few third row hybrids.

4.  Be prepared to buy a new battery when the original runs out quicker than you think.

Hybrids vs. gas vehicles may be your question in 2020.  The answer in maintaining the health of both on the highways and byways of the Raleigh area is always Jim’s Auto Repair.  Jim’s great group of mechanics have worked on just about every make and model of hybrids.  Just give them a call at (919) 824-4566 or visit the shop at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh.

Free and cheap things to do for Valentine’s Day in the Triangle–with or without a date 2020

Free and cheap things to do for Valentine’s Day in the Triangle–with or without a date 2020

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There is no shortage of things to do in the Triangle for Valentine’s Day!! 

What is ASE…and Why Does it Matter?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the car service and the auto repair industry. For nearly 50 years the ASE has been testing and certifying automotive technicians.  The ASE Certification is tangible evidence of a mechanic’s technical knowledge.

For someone to become ASE Certified, a technician must pass a rigorous certification test.  The test focuses on job-related skills, and only 2 out of 3 people who take the test even pass it on their first attempt.  Upon passing the exam, mechanics must prove they have either two years of on the job training, or one year of on the job training plus a two-year automotive repair degree.

It sounds rather rigid, doesn’t it?  Jim’s Auto Repair is owned by Jim Liacos who has had ASE certification almost as long as it has existed…that’s pretty impressive!  Jim expects excellence from all of his mechanics, so when you have car trouble or need routine auto maintenance in the Raleigh area call Jim’s Auto Repair at (919) 824-4566.

May 28, 1937 Was a Big Day in World History.

It was on that day that the Volkswagen Group was formed in Berlin.  Eighty years later The Volkswagen Group was the largest automaker in worldwide sales.  It really is “The People’s Car”!  Millions of people around the earth proudly drive a VW on their favorite roads and there is no end in sight.

Today you or someone you know may be driving a Passat, a Jetta, the classic Beetle, The Golf, The Tiguan, or perhaps The Atlas.  Maybe you are one of those around Raleigh who proudly drives around in a Beetle Convertible!  Whatever you choose, Volkswagens are seen everywhere around North Carolina.

Jim’s Auto Service knows how important your Volkswagen is to you and your family.  That is why we specialize in all VW service and maintenance at a cost that you will appreciate and the TLC that you would expect.  When your Volkswagen needs service in the greater Raleigh area just stop by our shop at 3711 Tarheel Dr or call ahead (919) 824-4566.