Save the Environment…Save some $$$.

Everyone knows that hybrid and electric vehicles are growing in popularity as the price of gas continues to remain high.  Not only do buyers want to save money by having to fill up their tanks less often, but they also want to do their part to protect precious natural resources and reduce the greenhouse emissions that are harming our planet’s ozone layer.

Here are some of the special considerations for maintaining hybrids –

1.  Keep an eye on the battery as its shelf-life will eventually come to an end.

2.  The electric system on a hybrid or electric vehicle is advanced and complicated.

3.  Brakes should not need to be replaced as frequently.

4.  Be very careful if you try troubleshooting problems…you could get electrocuted!

That last one sounds dire.  It should and it should also prompt you to rely on a hybrid auto repair specialist such as Jim’s Auto Service of Raleigh.  They may have been around gas-powered cars for decades, but they know exactly how to keep your hybrid vehicle humming along as well.  Jim’s Auto Service is located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh.  Just call (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.

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.

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.

Foreign vs. Domestic.

Don’t worry, this is not going to get political.  This pertains to foreign vs. domestic cars being driven around the Raleigh area.  In the past it used to be that foreign cars were known for their quality, while domestic cars were made to be more affordable.  Now, the gaps between quality have greatly closed.  Domestic cars are being made with higher quality and longevity.

In the old days, foreign vehicles were widely recognized for their high-quality aesthetics.  Now it really depends on personal preference.  American cars, however, still maintain the favored muscle car.  Cars are being sold at around the same price, whether foreign or domestic.  So…you make the call!

Whatever you drive we’ll take care of it for its entire life.  Foreign or domestic we don’t care.  We are your ultimate shade tree mechanic in the Raleigh area.  Whenever you need emergency repairs or routine maintenance on your foreign or domestic vehicle come into Jim’s Auto Service at 3711 Tarheel Dr. or call (919) 824-4566.  

Do Cars Still Have Carburetors?

As you would expect, fuel injection systems have changed significantly in the 100 years since cars started becoming a fixture on world-wide roads, and carburetors were one of the first fuel systems to be used, lasting well into the twentieth century.  Production vehicles today use computerized fuel injection to feed fuel and air into the combustion chamber of the engine.

Computer controls allow the engine to operate at peak efficiency in every situation.  That allows the vehicle to start right up time after time.  You may be familiar with motorcycles, which are one of the last holdouts of the factory production carburetors.  In order to get a bike started on a cold day, you have to pull out the choke.  After that, you have to let the engine warm up.

Jim and his crew at Jim’s Auto Service understand the modern computerized fuel injection system as well as the good old carburetor.  Jim has been repairing cars since they were hand-cranked (not really…it just seems like it!).  For any service on your vehicle, whatever it may be, call Jim’s Auto Service at (919) 824-4566 for an appointment at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh.  

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.   

Stay Safe by Stopping on a Dime.

Your vehicle’s brakes are what keeps you from an unmitigated disaster on the highways and bi-ways of the Raleigh area.  Look, listen, and learn.  When are your brakes going bad?  You need to know what to look for and what to listen to in determining if it is time to visit your favorite auto mechanic to have your car’s brakes replaced.

First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes.  Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad.  If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.  Secondly, if you hear a high-pitched screeching sound when you apply your brakes there may be danger ahead.

Your family’s safety is at stake here!  If you live anywhere in the Raleigh area call Jim’s Auto Service immediately to make an appointment at their location on 3711 Tarheel Drive.  Jim and his crew have worked on just about every make and model on the road and will have you back there safely in no time.  Just call (919) 824-4566.

What is a Shade Tree Mechanic?

For decades every neighborhood had its local shade tree mechanic. That man (or woman) did their own oil changes, replaced their own brakes and generally did most of their own repairs on various vehicles. These handy types would even help out a neighbor or a friend for maybe a few dollars if the job was a long drawn out one that needed special tools or expertise.

Fast forward to the heart of the 21st century.  The world has certainly changed.  Today, there are check engine lights, electronic systems, factory service centers, etc.  To compete and evolve, the shade tree mechanic had to adapt.  In some cases, they just went off quietly into a different profession and did not want to be a part of the factory “team”.

In the case of Jim Liacos - the ultimate shade tree mechanic, he opened his own shop called Jim’s Auto Service.  From his shop located at 3711 Tarheel Drive, he built a thriving auto repair business that specializes in great customer service on all makes and models of vehicles.  Call for your next maintenance procedure at (919) 824-4566.