Winter and Your Vehicle in Raleigh.

Raleigh is not Milwaukee, but it’s not Miami either.  Wintertime can and will take a toll on your vehicle if you are not prepared.  Have you had your coolant checked recently?  It could really be out of whack if you have too much water and too little antifreeze proportionately.  When temperatures drop below 32 degrees that water in your radiator will freeze.

Maybe you have neglected your windshield wipers.  If we have a rainy, slushy, snowy spell they will be in almost constant demand.  You had better be sure your car’s wiper blades are in tip top shape.  Have your tires checked as well.  A sudden cold snap will suck some of the air right out of them and the tread needs to be as close to new as possible.

There are probably about 100 things that can inhibit your driving this winter.  There is one way to avoid all of that - preventative maintenance from a mechanic you have counted on for the last 40 winters.  His name is Jim Liacos.  Jim is the Raleigh area’s ultimate “shade tree mechanic”.  He doesn’t have the overhead so he keeps his prices lower.  Drive into his shop at 3711 Tarheel Drive or call for an appointment at (914) 824-4566.

Car Repair Estimates.

Oh boy, you know that your car needs maintenance.  Maybe it is urgent and maybe it’s not.  Either way YOU have to take time out, maybe from work, and drive around to find out how much what you THINK needs done is going to cost.  Don’t we have better things to do?  Wouldn’t it be nice to fill out a form on your computer and submit it for a free estimate?

Naturally, you need to have some knowledge of what things need to be done, but you know when routine maintenance procedures are due on your vehicle.  Your manual will tell you how often to change the spark plugs, when your car needs a new air filter, or if it is time for a transmission flush.  Things like that are easy for you to troubleshoot.

At least one master auto mechanic in Raleigh NC wants you to avoid taking time out of your day to come to his shop.  He is Jim Liacos of Jim’s Auto Service.  Jim has been underneath the hood for over 40 years.  All he needs for you to do is visit his website at www.jimsautoservices.com.  Fill out the estimate form and get a free quote.  Then you can make an appointment and drive into his shop at 3711 Tarheel Drive.  How about that!?

August Car Problems.

We always are aware of the obvious…air conditioning, brakes, tires, overheated engine, etc.  Summer driving is and will continue to take its toll on our vehicles.  We thought it might be important to stay on top of other possible mishaps that may occur as you travel the highways and byways of the Raleigh area through Labor Day.

1.  Cracked windshields.  They are far more likely this time of year.

2.  Shocks.  Trouble usually occurs when you are doing a lot of open-road driving.

3.  Leaks.  They develop from your brakes and transmission.

4.  Catalytic Converter.  Make sure that your spark plugs are in good working order.

5.  Power Steering.  Being out on the open road means you are traveling at faster speeds.

Be aware that the hard work of summer driving takes its toll on your vehicle.  Don’t take summer driving lightly!  Your heightened awareness can save you from being stranded on the side of the road.  Jim’s Auto Services is your Raleigh North Carolina summertime auto service expert.  Drive in for a check-up today at 3711 Tarheel Drive or call ahead for an appointment at (919) 824-4566.

Road Trip!

Yes, it is that time again.  Happy 4th to one and all in the Raleigh area.  Now your attention may be turning to that summer vacation.  You have waited all year for this.  Stop mail delivery.  Find someone to watch the pets.  Make sure you have a job to come back to…just kidding.  And above all, have your vehicle ready for the long ride.

Make sure that the oil is changed even if you just had an oil change a month or two ago.  You may be tacking on thousands of miles in the next couple of weeks.  Make sure that every one of the fluids in your car has been topped off.  Check the condition of all hoses and belts.  Definitely make sure that your tires are prepared for the long journey.

There are many items on the road trip check list.  All of them need to be checked off by a trained professional before you hit the hot summer road.  Your Raleigh full service vehicle check-up pro is Jim Liacos.  Jim is and has been the owner of Jim’s Auto Services for decades.  He will give your car a clean bill of health before its summer sojourn.  Make an appointment today at (919) 824-4566.

Auto Service in Raleigh.

It seems like in this day and age everyone has a specialty.  Some shops repair German cars.  Some shops specialize in Jaguars.  Some put all of their expertise into larger vehicles and trucks.  Why not cut through the mess and have your vehicle repaired by someone who specializes in anything with four wheels?

If you drive a truck, a mini-van, an SUV, a BMW or whatever, it is comforting to know that there is someone in the Raleigh area who can fix ‘em all.  His name is Jim Liacos.  Jim brings four decades of experience repairing just about anything that is road-worthy.  When you have built a reputation such as this your repeat customers know they can’t find any better in the area.

If the vehicle is domestic or foreign, even if it is a hybrid, there is nothing of which Jim hasn’t poked his head under the hood.  Jim is proud to be able to fix the problem correctly the first time and continually earn your trust when mechanical problems strike.  Please call our full-service auto mechanic serving all of the Raleigh Durham Triangle area at (919) 824-4566.

Preventative Auto Maintenance Before Summer Vacation.

Holiday ROOOOOAD…Holiday ROOOOOAD.  Maybe you are preparing that ultimate summer vacation in the summer months to come.  Where will your travels take you?  Will you head west to explore the great frontier?  Maybe this is the year to drive north and visit America’s biggest and (at least according to them) best cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, make sure that you don’t have a vacation like the Griswolds.  I mean, think about it - you might drive a thousand miles in a month.  Now you are going to embark on a multi-thousand mile trip in two weeks.  You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to know that you are putting a lot of stress and strain on your family car.

Luckily for you there is a great auto mechanic right here in the area.  He is a 40-year veteran of preventative auto maintenance in Raleigh.  His name is Jim Liacos.  Get to know him and you will trust him with all of your car’s upkeep.  Before heading out on vacation this summer make your first stop Jim’s Auto Services located at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.

Preventative Maintenance on Your Vehicle for Summer.

A finely tuned automobile is like a finely tuned human body.  As summer approaches you should treat your car’s insides as well as you treat your own.  You generally try to eat better and exercise more in the warm weather months.  There are certain things that you can do for your vehicle before the hot summer of 2016 arrives in the Raleigh area.

Here are five different fluids that should be checked before summer.

1.  Check the oil.  When was the last time it was changed?

2.  Check the coolant.  If it has been more than 50,000 miles it may need to be changed.

3.  Check the transmission fluid.  This is another one where the red flag goes up at 50,000 miles.

4.  Check the brake fluid.  Every time you have your oil changed.

5.  Check your power steering fluid.  Your owner’s manual may vary on how often.

When it comes to checking your vehicle’s fluids an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.  This is why you should make an appointment to see Jim Liacos of Jim’s Auto Services.  His reputation in the Raleigh area for auto maintenance and repair is spotless. Call Jim today at (919) 824-4566, or drive in and see him at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.

Getting an Estimate on Auto Repair.

I think most of us have gone through this.  We start to hear noises coming from our car and we take a deep breath.  Or maybe one of the trouble lights comes on.  Oh boy, how much is THIS going to cost?  Our minds begin to conjure up the worst case scenarios.  We can’t afford a thousand dollar auto repair bill right now.

The important issue is NOT to wait too long.  You may be a shade-tree mechanic who thinks he knows what is wrong under the hood.  If you happen to be wrong, then you will REALLY pay in the long run.  You need to find someone who services all types of vehicles in the Raleigh area and has been doing it for decades.

Jim Liacos of Jim’s Auto Services has a spotless reputation for repairing cars and trucks in the area for over FORTY years.  His reputation for accuracy and fairness in Raleigh NC car repair is second to none.  Find out about that “new sound” emanating from your vehicle.  Get a free estimate from Jim by calling (919) 824-4566 and making an appointment at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.

Is Your Car Telling You It Needs Brake Service?

We tend to overlook our brakes until we hear screeching noises.  There are many other signs of impending brake failure before it ever gets to that point.  Does your brake pedal feel more soft and spongy?  Conversely, if the brake pedal is hard to push this may be indicative of a problem in the power assist mechanism.

Worn seals or split hoses may seriously reduce your braking poser.  If your car pulls to one side or another you may be headed for eventual disaster even if there is no noise at this particular time.  How long does it take to come to a complete stop?  This one can sneak up on you because you are not thinking that it is taking longer to stop with the same amount of pressure on the brake.

Jim’s Auto Service in Raleigh is a Raleigh NC brake repair specialist.  Jim Liacos brings more than 40 years of experience to brake systems of all kinds.  That’s why his family of repeat customers continues to grow.  Make an appointment today to have your brakes inspected at his location at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh by calling (919) 824-4566.

Repair Service on all types of Vehicles.

Raleigh North Carolina auto service is seen everywhere.  There are hundreds of auto repair shops scattered all over the land.  Some say they specialize in foreign car repair.  Some say they are specialists in brake repair.  Still others ballyhoo transmission repair. 

It is important to find someone with decades of experience servicing ALL types of vehicles.  There is an art to learning all of the nuances of car, truck, and SUV repair.  It takes many years to become proficient in all types of vehicle repair.  Safety is your number one priority to insure that your vehicle runs smoothly for the length of time you own it.

Jim’s Auto Service in Raleigh repairs all makes and models of vehicles.  Jim Liacos has over 40 years of experience “under the hood” of anything on 4 wheels that you own.  Jim has made it his main objective to satisfy customers with the quality of his work so that you will be a member of his growing family of repeat customers.  Make an appointment today at his location at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh by calling (919) 824-4566.

Car Maintenance in Raleigh When You Need It.

People who are wise in many different areas can often become flummoxed when talking to a car mechanic.  You need to find someone who assesses the services that your vehicle needs at the proper intervals.  No one wants to overspend on auto repair.  You need to know when it comes time for any routine maintenance that your car requires.

Take brake fluid flushes for example.  Your auto repair shop should visually inspect your brake fluid once or twice a year to determine if it needs flushing.  Power steering fluid should last the life of the vehicle and normally does not require frequent flushing.  There are many aspects of your routine auto maintenance that you want to trust to a pro.

There is an easy answer when you are looking for auto service in the Raleigh area.  Trust an auto mechanic with over 30 years of experience.  That is Jim’s Auto Service.  Jim will tell you when your vehicle needs a certain type of maintenance and EXACTLY what it entails.  Call him today to make an appointment at his shop located at 3711 Tarheel Drive (919) 824-4566.

When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Tires?

Do you have regular oil changes?  Routine maintenance is something you always remember when it comes to your precious vehicle.  Even such things as air filters changed regularly.  You are usually on top of that aren’t you?  Be honest, when was the last time that you leaned down and inspected each of your tires for wear and tear or punctures?

Worn and/or unbalanced tires can cause a multitude of problems and pose an imminent danger to you and your family.  When tires begin to vibrate it results in unsafe driving conditions.  It is entirely possible that you won’t notice the problem until it is too late.  If your car breaks down you may be stranded on the side of the road.  If one or more tires fail you may be upside down on the side of the road!

Jim’s Auto Service in Raleigh will consistently balance and rotate your vehicle’s tires to improve wear and tear.  A smoother ride means a safer ride and less expense because you won’t be replacing tires as often or paying an auto body shop to repair the damage when you crashed into a guard rail after a blow-out!  Call Jim Liacos today to have your tires examined at (919) 824-4566…or wobble into his shop at 3711 Tarheel Drive.

What Happens to Your Car When Winter Hits Raleigh.

Let’s talk about some of the common problems that your vehicle endures when the coldest winter weather hits Raleigh.  For one thing, your coolant system may not be in the right proportion.  You may well have too much water and not enough antifreeze.  Harsh winter weather can also freeze the fluids in your radiator. 

Overtime your windshield wipers will suffer through harsh weather and become cracked or worn.  And remember to have plenty of wiper fluid.  When driving around make sure that you have the following checklist in your car…an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight with fresh batteries, blankets, bottled water and dry food, and any and all medications that the family is taking.

We want you to have a comfortable and safe winter.  No matter what the weather delivers to the Raleigh area, you will be “on it” especially if you keep this phone number handy - (914) 824-4566.  That is the number of Jim’s Auto Service.  Jim has been keeping cars on the road for over 40 years.  Make a preventative maintenance appointment to visit his shop at 3711 Tarheel Drive in Raleigh.

A New Year’s Resolution Worth Keeping.

In this New Year you are making important decisions about your future.  Maybe the topic is health or wealth or a personality readjustment.  Why not make a New Year’s resolution for your vehicle?  On the surface that may sound crazy, but ask yourself…how many possessions in my life are more important to me than the car or cars that my family drives?

Maybe now is just the right time to shop around for a great auto mechanic.  You want someone who works on all types of vehicles.  We are not talking about just routine oil changes, but rather the gamut of car repairs such as diagnostics, brakes, tires, electrical systems, and heating and cooling among other things.  This is like finding a good family physician.

If you live in the Raleigh North Carolina area make your first choice for car repair Jim’s Auto Service.  Jim Liacos has been “under the hood” of thousands of vehicles for more than 40 years.  If he can’t troubleshoot and fix your car’s mechanical problem who can?  Give him a call and schedule a service appointment at his location at 3711 Tarheel Drive by calling (919) 824-4566.  Happy New Year!

Experienced Auto Repair.

When it comes to the repair of your car or truck, experience matters.  Would you rather have someone with limited experience repairing what is going on underneath your hood or someone with decades of experience?  It can make a great deal of difference and save a large sum of time and money.

You have made a large investment in your vehicle.  This might be the first time that you have trusted a third party to work on it.  Whether that work entails a simple oil change or a trouble light going off you should be sure that you can trust your mechanic both now and in the future.  Finding a reputable mechanic is like finding the right family doctor or dentist.

Jim Liacos of Jim’s Auto Services has been “underneath the hood” for over 40 years.  He is proud of his accomplishments as an ASE Certified Master Mechanic.  So proud, in fact that he has put his name behind his work and on the front of his building.  In the Raleigh area, your best choice is Jim’s Auto Services serving the Raleigh Durham Triangle Area.  Give him a call for a free estimate at (919) 824-4566.

What are Diagnostics?

We have all experienced it.  Our car is not running properly.  Now a check engine light comes on and you need diagnostics on your vehicle.  You can play Russian Roulette with your safety and see how far you can drive with a trouble light on in front of you or you can pull in to a shop that has remedied these problems for decades.

If you don’t know what a diagnostic check is it includes a computer checking YOUR vehicle’s computer to determine what is wrong.  Based on the computer’s findings a great mechanic will verify that the warning light is valid (it may not be at all!).  Based on that review, the mechanic will recommend the best course of action to bring your baby back to top running condition.

For over 40 years, before “trouble lights” even existed, Jim Liacos of Jim’s Auto Services, at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh, has been troubleshooting cars and trucks in North Carolina.  He understands the value of a dollar and offers his services below the price of a dealer.  Find out for yourself.  The next time you see a warning light in your car call Jim’s Auto Services at (919) 824-4566.

The Importance of a Clean Air Filter

A clean air is the lifeblood of your engine. Modern day engines with their sophisticated sensors and high tolerances need clean air to operate efficiently.  In order to keep this air clean, a clean non-restricted air filter is vital. Dirty, misfit, or damaged filters can affect the airflow into your engine, rob it of power and cause poor fuel economy. At Jim’s Auto Service we routinely check the condition of your air filter each time we change your oil and recommend replacement when needed.

Accordingly, your cabin air filter keeps pollutants and dust from entering your car.  These filters, like your engine air filter, need to be replaced.  If left unattended your air conditioning and heating system will not operate at top efficiency, putting a strain on your system.  We recommend servicing the cabin air filter every six months, in order to keep unwanted pollutants from entering your car.

Jim Liacos of Jim’s Auto Services has been “underneath the hood” for over 40 years.  He is proud of his accomplishments as an ASE Certified Master Mechanic.  So proud, in fact, that he has put his name behind his work and on the front of his building.  In the Raleigh area your best choice is Jim’s Auto Service, serving the Raleigh Durham Triangle Area.  Give him a call for a free estimate at (919) 824-4566.

The Simple Truth about Oil Changes.

We have heard it over and over cars need an oil change every 3000 miles or 180 days whichever comes first.  Engine failure is something we all fear as vehicle owners.  It is costly and often unnecessary if you had just followed the first rule of vehicle maintenance.  People who drive short distances and make frequent stops are more susceptible to engine failure because sludge will build up without regularly scheduled oil changes.

Did you know that every time you run your car unburned gas and water go into the engine?  The additives in today’s oil suspends the gas and water until the engine warms up and removes them through condensation.  An oil’s additives are meant to be effective for about 3000 miles, which is the reason they need to be refreshed or changed on schedule.

Where you have your oil changed is as critical is the act itself.  You want a full-service auto technician who is trained to spot other problems in your vehicle before they become dangerous.  The right man for the job in the Raleigh NC area is Jim’s Auto Service.  Jim has over 40 years of experience as an ASE Certified Master Mechanic.  Call him today for an appointment at (919) 824-4566.