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.

An Auto Mechanic with a Degree in Biochemistry…Makes Sense.

What?  Yes, that is what Jim Liacos the owner of Jim’s Auto Service of Raleigh brings to the table among many other things!  After returning from the Army, Jim went to Iowa State to earn that prestigious degree.  From there, he became a scientist at the National Disease Center concentrating on diseases that affect herd animals.

This sounds like a work of fiction, doesn’t it?  Where did this renaissance man get his knowledge for fixing cars and trucks?  Well, when Jim was growing up dad ran a taxi cab business featuring a fleet of Checker Cabs.  Someone had to repair them when they broke down.  That task fell to our aforementioned “man for all seasons.”

Jim Liacos is an ASE Certified Master Mechanic and employs like-minded people at this shop located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh NC.  When you need expert auto repair from people who have worked on every imaginable type of vehicle on the road, drive in to Jim’s Auto Service or call for an appointment at (919) 824-4566.

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.

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.

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.

Holiday Time in Raleigh.

The holidays are here, and we’ve had lots of people in North Carolina who want to know some of the things you can do for the holidays in North Carolina.  These events are fun, unique and always kids friendly.  There’s nothing like the holidays in the Tar Heel State.  And there is nothing like Christmas in Raleigh!

For folks around Raleigh you can head to Lights on the Neuse.  If you want a more intimate experience, and you’re in eastern North Carolina, you can take the family on a Christmas themed hayride in Clayton.  It’s $10 for adults and $7 for kids, and it’s open on weekends except for the entire week of Christmas – you can go any day.

That is just one of the many attractions that our beautiful city of Raleigh North Carolina has to offer.  Here at Jim’s Auto Service located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. we want you to experience as much of our fair city during the holidays as you can.  From all of us at Jim’s Auto Service to all of you…Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Do Foreign Cars Cost More to Maintain?

A common question that often comes up when considering the cost of ownership is whether it’s more expensive to repair domestic cars than imported ones.  When you look for your next vehicle selection, factors like maintenance schedules, overall reliability and drivability, as well as typical repair costs, will all factor into your final decision.

Recent conventional wisdom held that imported cars tended to last longer on the road and were less expensive to keep running than domestic ones.  Particularly, Toyota and Honda were thought to provide a slew of well-constructed imported cars that were also inexpensive to repair and maintain at import car service centers.

Here is a conundrum that you do not have to face when you choose Jim’s Auto Service to maintain and repair your foreign or domestic car.  The choice is always simple when you choose Jim’s.  Trust Jim’s Auto Service located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh for all of your auto service needs.  Just call for an appointment 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.

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.

You Got a Pick-Em’ Up?

Whether you use your pick-up primarily for work or play–or for both—Jim’s Auto Service is always here in Raleigh to make sure you can push your truck to the max and beyond!  We are especially passionate about pick-up truck repair. We regularly perform a wide range of repair services on personal vehicles of all makes and models.

Our skilled team of certified mechanics knows pickups inside and out.  Some of us here have been repairing them all our lives.  You’ll always get an honest and upfront answer about the problem.  Whether it be diesel to gasoline, we can handle any repair on most any vehicle including Dodge, Chevy, GMC, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and more.

The name on the building may say Jim’s AUTO Service, but the truth is we are passionate about keeping your pick-up truck on the road humming along as well.  Are you driving around the Raleigh area in a car, SUV, or a light-duty truck?  When you need maintenance or even major repairs make an appointment at 3711 Tarheel Drive by calling (919) 824-4566.

What is a Hybrid?

Hey, if you listen to the makers, hybrid cars are the best invention since sliced bread!  There may be many reasons to consider a hybrid car, including a new tax incentive for US owners.  It helps to have a good understanding of how they work.  Then you can make an informed decision before you jump into the “hybrid” world.

First of all, what is a hybrid car exactly?  Basically, it’s a normal, fuel efficient car that has two motors…an electric motor and a gasoline powered motor.  It also has a special system to capture braking energy to store in an onboard battery.  Specifically, electric motors use no energy during idle.  Gas motors do better at high speeds and can deliver more power. 

Do some careful research before you buy.  If you decide to buy a hybrid you will not need to research where to have it maintained in the Raleigh area.  The easy answer is Jim’s Auto Service.  They take tender loving care of hybrids whatever they may be at their location 3711 Tarheel Dr.  Give Jim a call to maintain your hybrid vehicle at (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.   

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 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.

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. 

The Best Hybrid Cars on the Market.

Are you considering owning a hybrid?  It seems to be the wave of the future.  Hybrids may help keep this planet going throughout this century and into the next.  Hybrids are rigorously tested for braking and handling on a test track, and then driven on a real-world test loop that mixes city streets, twisting back roads and highway miles.

A company called Edmonds does these tests and provides ratings.  For instance, the Honda Accord is one of the highest rated at 8.3 out of 10.  The Toyota Camry gets a 7.6 and has the best fuel economy of any sedan according to Edmonds.  Here is one more…the Ford Fusion checking in with a 7.9 out of 10.  2018 was the last model year for this sedan.

It matters not which hybrid you intend to drive.  They can all be maintained and repaired by the ultimate “shade tree mechanic”.  That is Jim Liacos and his amazing crew at Jim’s Auto Service located at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.  They fix ‘em and maintain ‘em…all makes and models.  Just give Jim’s Auto Service a call at (919) 824-4566.

What’s Wrong? Don’t Worry We’ll Fix It!

You know when your car conks out (or sounds like it is about to) people tend to either go to their trusted mechanic…or seek out a new one.  So, would you rather go to a mammoth service center where you are no more than a number, or an auto repair shop that is populated with “shade tree mechanics” who have worked on all types of makes and models?

Whatever the problem with your vehicle, we can fix it.  Is your battery dead or dying?  Are your brakes going out?  Do you need a bulb or wiper replaced?  Did your heating system go out?  Is it time for an oil change or one of the various schedule maintenance on your car?  Maybe it is the dreaded check engine light.

Here at Jim’s Auto Service we have been repairing cars and pick-ups and SUV’s for decades.  Our loyal customers come from all walks of life around the Raleigh area.  The next time you need vehicle maintenance give us a call at (919) 824-4566 to make an appointment…or stop by the shop located at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.