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.

Keep it Cool.

It won’t be long now when moderate spring temps give way to the heat and humidity of the Raleigh area.  The most common causes of broken air conditioning in your vehicle are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem or radiator trouble.

Here are some ways to diagnose the problem –

1.  Look for obstructions such as leaves, bugs, etc. that clog the compressor.

2.  A voltmeter checks the voltage to your car’s compressor.

3.  Leaks…easily the most common problem.

It all adds up to one solution.  Have your vehicle’s air conditioner checked and repaired by Jim’s Auto Service.  They are the Raleigh area’s car a/c experts.  Whether it just needs to be repaired or replaced Jim’s is the place to have it done.  They are located at 3711 Tarheel Dr. in Raleigh.  Just call for an appointment before summer takes its toll 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.