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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Since 1788.

No, Jim Liacos and his crew at Jim’s Auto Service have not served the Raleigh area that long!  That is the year that Raleigh was chosen as the sight of North Carolina’s new capital city.  Why our fair city?  Well, Raleigh enjoyed a central location within this original 13 state.  That protected it from coastal attacks.

It all became official in 1792.  Most of America was still owned by other countries.  Raleigh is the birthplace of Virginia Dare.  You may not be familiar with her.  She was the first child born of English parents in America.  Today, we are a state comprised of a diverse population with a strong work ethic.

At Jim’s Auto Service we have that same gritty dedication to work and service.  Working on cars has been and continues to be our sole purpose.  We hope that we will be of service to you and your vehicle in the year to come.  Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from your friends at Jim’s Auto Service.

Twenty…That’s Right Twenty!

That number can sound daunting or minor depending on how you look at it.  This is about the Volkswagen Jetta.  Yes, the Jetta.  It has twenty different types of service that are necessary over its first 150,000 miles.  Thirteen of those twenty occur within the first 100,000 miles.  Here are some of them.

At 7500 miles your Jetta needs a tire rotation, oil change, and general safety inspection.  At 15,000 miles it may be time to change the air filter and cabin filter.  When you arrive at 30,000 miles you need to be thinking about brake fluid, transmission fluid, and engine coolant.  You may also need to replace your Jetta’s spark plugs, air filter, and fuel filter.

The future of your beloved Volkswagen Jetta is in good hands when you trust Raleigh’s Volkswagen repair professionals at Jim’s Auto Service.  Of course, Jim and his team repair all makes and models of vehicles, but Volkswagens are one of their specialties.  Call them at (919) 824-4566 to make an appointment at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.

Tune In, Tune Up, Drive Off.

When you trust your vehicle to Jim’s Auto Service for a tune-up, you are essentially asking our skilled technicians to inspect your engine, analyze vehicle performance, and make adjustments as needed.  The engine tune-up checklist will comprise both preventative and restorative engine assessment, as well as final maintenance recommendations.

Here are some of the things that we do while under the hood –

1.  Check the spark plugs visually…that tells us a lot.

2.  Is the spark igniting the fuel?

3.  Check the fuel filter.

4.  Is the fuel pump functioning properly?

5.  Adjust the engine timing if necessary.

There are other steps that we use as well.  Suffice to say, here at Jim’s Auto Service we did not get the reputation as one of Raleigh’s premier shade tree mechanics without familiarity with all makes and models.  Come to the Raleigh area’s top tune-up specialist…Jim’s Auto Service.  We are located at 3711 Tarheel Drive.  For an appointment just call (919) 824-4566.