Tune into This Message.

Are you driving an older vehicle around the Raleigh area?  Well, most older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be tuned every 12,000 miles or so, or perhaps annually…whichever comes first.  That is recommend as a good rule of thumb.  Newer cars may go up to 100,000 miles between tune-ups.

For example, if a dirty air filter is not replaced, the engine may receive less air than it needs to run properly.  The tune-up should also include cleaning or replacing the spark plugs and, on older vehicles, the distributor cap and rotor.  Tune-ups may also include replacement of the fuel filter, oxygen sensor, PCV valve, and spark plug wires.

Tune-ups are exactly what you think they are…ways to keep your car on the road longer and running at peak efficiency.  One of the best places to get that tune-up is Jim’s Auto Service.  All you need to do is take your older model vehicle into the shop located at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh or call for an appointment at (919) 824-4566.

The 30, 60, 90 Rule.

In car maintenance this can be critical.  No matter what type of vehicle you happen to drive, the manufacturer has prescribed a regular maintenance schedule to keep your car or truck running at its best.  This is often known as 30, 60, and 90 thousand mile maintenance…or perhaps you have referred to it as “regularly scheduled maintenance.”

Why you should adhere to the schedule –

1.  Your vehicle’s warranty may very well depend on it.

2.  Small problems may not become big ones.

3.  It should prolong the life of your vehicle.

4.  It maintains and enhances your car’s value.

Routine maintenance is anything but routine at Jim’s Auto Service.  They specialize in it!  By routinely maintaining your car, Jim and his staff are confident you will think of them if major, emergency repairs are ever needed.  Trust Jim’s Auto Service for ALL your vehicle repair needs in the Raleigh area.  They are located at 3711 Tarheel Drive.  Call (919) 824-4566.

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.

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.

$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.

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.

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.   

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.