JASPER Engines News & Information

5 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:13:15 GMT

These past months haven't been kind to your trusty vehicle - snow and/or rain, chilly temperatures, harsh winds and salt can leave their mark. As Spring approaches, it's the perfect time to shake off the winter rust and give your car some much needed attention. Here are the top 5 things car owners should focus on to prepare for the warmer weather:

1. Tire Tune-Up:

CHECK & ADJUST AIR PRESSURE:

Warmer temperatures cause tire pressure to fluctuate. Topping up the recommended PSI for your tires is an excellent idea. Underinflated tires are likely to wear unevenly and reduce fuel efficiency, while overinflated tires can make your ride harsher. Be sure not to forget about the spare tire!

INSPECT TREAD DEPTH:

Worn tires pose a safety hazard, especially in spring showers. Check the tread wear indicators built into the tire or use the penny test. Take a penny and place it with Lincoln's head upside down between two ribs on your tire. If part of the head is covered, your tires are still in good shape. If you can see his entire head, your tread is worn and it's time for new tires.

BALANCE AND ROTATE:

Uneven wear not only impacts handling and fuel economy but can also pose safety risks. Proper tire balancing addresses weight distribution issues, while regular rotation ensures a more uniform tread wear pattern, ultimately extending the overall life of your tires and promoting a safer driving experience.

2. Fluid & Filter Check:

OIL CHANGE:

Winter residue accumulates in oil, diluting its effectiveness. A fresh oil change ensures smooth engine operation, protects against wear and tear, and improves fuel efficiency. Don't wait for the warm weather to hit - schedule your oil change now to avoid the spring rush and ensure your car is ready for the season!

TOP UP OTHER FLUIDS:

Check and refill brake fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid as needed. Low fluid levels can affect performance and compromise important safety systems.

REPLACE AIR AND CABIN FILTERS:

Dirty air filters restrict airflow to the engine, reducing performance and fuel economy. Cabin filters block dust and pollen, improving air quality and your breathing experience. Replacing them regularly keeps your engine running smoothly and protects your health.

3. Check the Battery:

TEST BATTERY VOLTAGE:

Cold weather can drain batteries. Get your battery tested to ensure enough cranking power for spring mornings. A weak battery can leave you stranded, so proactive testing prevents headaches.

CLEAN TERMINALS:

Corroded terminals reduce conductivity and hinder starting. Clean them with a wire brush and apply protective coating to prevent future corrosion. Simple maintenance keeps your battery functioning optimally.

CONSIDER A REPLACEMENT:

If your battery is more than 3-5 years old, consider replacing it preemptively. Batteries have limited lifespans, and proactive replacement avoids unexpected breakdowns and delays.

4. Spring Clean the Interior:

TACKLE THE CLUTTER:

Winter gear, crumbs, and dust accumulate. Remove everything from the interior, vacuum thoroughly, and consider shampooing carpets and upholstery for a deep clean. A clutter-free and clean interior feels more inviting and reduces allergens.

WIPE DOWN SURFACES:

Disinfect high-touch areas like dashboards, door handles, and steering wheels with a suitable cleaner. Don't forget cup holders, air vents, and window switches. Regular cleaning keeps germs at bay and maintains the interior's quality.

FRESHEN THE AIR:

Replace old cabin air filters (usually behind the glove compartment). They trap dust and pollen, improving air quality and reducing allergies. A fresh filter eliminates musty odors and makes your car's interior more enjoyable.

5. Schedule Maintenance Checkup:

MANUFACTURER-RECOMMENDED SERVICE:

Follow your car's maintenance schedule (found in the manual) and address any overdue services like tune-ups or brake inspections. Regular maintenance prevents problems down the road, saving you money on repairs and ensuring your car runs safely and efficiently.

VISUAL INSPECTION:

Check for visible signs of wear and tear, leaks, or rust around the car. Look for fluid leaks under the engine, or suspicious rust spots. Early detection of issues allows for timely repairs and prevents further damage.

By focusing on these key areas, you can ensure your car is in tip-top shape for a safe and enjoyable spring season! Remember, it's always best to consult your car's owner manual for specific recommendations and maintenance schedules.

Don't wait any longer to get your car ready for spring. Visit our Wilson location at 3111 Forest Hills Rd SW. For more information, call 252-243-7616 .

Preventive Auto Maintenance For Severe Driving

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 20:12:53 GMT

Reduce the Effects of Severe Driving On Your Car

Are you an "aggressive" driver? Everyone answers "no" to this question because "aggressive" has become associated with road rage incidents. Today we replace "aggressive" with the word "severe." Severe driving is often unavoidable.

8 Types of Severe Driving

Moving quickly through curvy roads in and around Wilson
Traversing gravel or sandy roads
Driving in extreme heat, on icy roads or roads with a deep snowpack
Executing multiple lane changes in stop-and-go traffic
Consistently driving 10 mph or more over the speed limit
Short time dependent commutes around Wilson
Truncating a safe following distance resulting in frequent braking
Driving with heavier loads such as a cargo or passenger van or towing a trailer

While most motorists have experienced "severe" driving on occasion, for other drivers it is an unavoidable part of their daily commute. If you are a severe driver, take extra care to avoid excessive wear and tear on your car, SUV or truck. Severe drivers are more likely to experience an inconvenient breakdown.

Increase Your Preventive Maintenance Intervals On These Six Important Items:

Replace your motor oil and oil filters
Top off or replace your coolant
Have your brake pad thickness and brake fluid inspected regularly
Check your tire tread depth
Replace your windshield wipers
Monitor your transmission and steering fluid

Other ways to avoid excess wear and tear on your car from severe driving involve slowing down, avoiding quick starts and stops, and removing heavy items left in your car's trunk or truck bed. Remember gas mileage decreases rapidly when you drive above 60 mph.

Stop by Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson and let our pro mechanics help you develop a preventive maintenance plan that matches your driving style. Call today at 252-243-7616 or come by the service center at 3111 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson, NC, 27893.

5 Regular Auto Maintenance Items That Save Real Money

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 20:12:34 GMT

Save Money And Time With Simple Preventative Maintenance From Grayson's Auto Service

A little auto maintenance goes a long way toward protecting your wallet from high-cost auto repairs in the future.

Schedule regular auto maintenance for these five essential systems

Brakes, including brake pads, brake fluid, calipers and rotors
Tires, including tread wear, proper inflation, front end alignment and balancing
Belts, including serpentine, starter and timing belts
Hoses, including cooling and radiator hoses
Fluids, including oil, transmission, steering, brake, antifreeze and wiper fluids

At Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson we keep your car running smoothly and efficiently to save you both time and money in and out of the repair shop. Many drivers overlook how services such as a simple oil change can increase fuel efficiency and save you money at the gas pump.

Come by Grayson's Auto Service at 3111 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson, NC, 27893 and discuss an annual vehicle maintenance plan with us today. Spreading maintenance items out over the course of the year can help make auto maintenance expenses more affordable. Ask us about Grayson's Auto Service coupons and rebates on items such as tires for additional savings.

Call Grayson's Auto Service today at 252-243-7616 .

Should I Replace My Car's Spark Plugs?

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:12:15 GMT

The Two Instances When You Should Always Replace Your Spark Plugs

Let's talk spark plugs. A common question we hear at Grayson's Auto Service is, "Should I replace my spark plugs?"

A spark plug performs a critical task for your vehicle's engine. Without a spark plug your car or truck's engine cannot work. Properly working spark plugs also deliver added fuel efficiency. Most owners manuals say to replace the spark plugs every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. In many cases spark plugs last longer than the driver's ownership of the car.

So, when should you replace your spark plugs?

If you just purchased a used vehicle
At least every 80,000 miles

Spark plugs are one of the hardest working parts of a vehicle. If you just purchased a used car, it is best to go ahead and replace the spark plugs. You have no idea if the previous owners were "severe" drivers. A spark plug can fire 400 times per minute per cylinder or 1,600 times a minute on a four-cylinder engine. Severe driving can place even higher demands on the spark plugs and engine.

Many used car dealers boast an extensive multi-point inspection plan prior to the sale of any car but many of these plans don't cover spark plug integrity. Because a failed spark plug can mean disaster for your new purchase it is best to get them replaced by the qualified technicians at Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson.

At Grayson's Auto Service we recommend replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark. Many car owners delay spark plug replacement until the engine starts "missing." An engine that is "missing" will typically result in a jerking feeling when accelerating. Spark plugs that are severely worn out will create a pinging or knocking sound. These fouled, worn-out spark plugs can lead to extensive engine damage that is expensive to fix. Therefore, replacing spark plugs before they reach the 80,000-mile mark is very important.

Three Indicators Your Spark Plugs Need To Be Replaced

Rattling, pinging or knocking noises when accelerating
Missing, hesitating or jerky feeling when driving
Slow acceleration or chugging

Sluggish and reduced performance also causes poor fuel economy. Save money at the pump by taking care of your vehicle's spark plugs.

Come by Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson if you just bought a used car or your vehicle is approaching the 80,000-mile mark to have your spark plugs replaced by one of our qualified pro mechanics. Call today at 252-243-7616 or stop by our service center at 3111 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson, NC, 27893.

Don't Forget to Replace Your Car or Truck's Belts

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:11:52 GMT

Remember to Change Your Belts

Drivers in Wilson are busy and it is easy to forget that belts are tirelessly working to keep your engine running. A worn-out belt is a break down waiting to happen. Avoid being stranded on the side of the road and get your belts inspected each time you get an oil change at Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson.

Your car or truck's belts are essential for many of the vehicle's critical components such as water cooling, air conditioning and the alternator. Serpentine belts are used to turn the alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Often when serpentine belts brake your vehicle will stop working completely.

Come to Grayson's Auto Service to get worn or frayed serpentine belts replaced. Replacing belts when cracked, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear is very inexpensive when compared to having your car or truck towed to our repair shop.

Listen for signs of belt problems. Noise like rattling or slipping in the belt system is a sign of wear. Use your nose to tell you if a belt problem is imminent. The smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt.

At Grayson's Auto Service when we replace a worn serpentine belt, we check all the components in the serpentine system such as tensioners and pulleys. A typical serpentine belt replacement is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

Why risk being stranded when a bad belt can be diagnosed with simple routine maintenance? Get Grayson's Auto Service to replace your car or truck's serpentine belts as directed by your owner's manual and avoid the hassle and expense of a sudden breakdown.

Call Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson today at 252-243-7616 to schedule regular maintenance such as belt inspection.

Owning A Car Is A Hidden Cost For College Students

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:11:26 GMT

Car Ownership - A Hidden Cost for College Students in Wilson

Public transportation, Uber or Lyft may be an option for students attending college in large cities but for students attending colleges in small towns the only option may be owning a car. This is particularly true for students attending community colleges where commuting to campus is the only option.

College is expensive and owning a car while attending school is an added expense. Here are the top six expense categories college students should plan for:

Fuel
Financing
Parking permit, annual taxes and registration
Insurance
Maintenance
Tires

Parking permits, licensing, registration and taxes are unavoidable. However here are some recommendations for managing other costs.

Consider using a gas app that helps you track down the best price in town for gas. Many local gas and convenience stores offer a reward card just for gas.
Revisit your auto loan. College may be a good time to consider a less expensive car. Call your local credit union and ask them about financing. Some financial institutions offer lower interest rates for car owners who sign up to have their monthly payments deducted directly from their bank account each month.
Shopping for car insurance may also create a significant savings. If you switch to a less expensive car you may need less coverage. If you are driving less on average this may also lower your insurance costs. Keeping a clean driving record while you are in college can help keep your insurance rates low.
Come by Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson and let us help you create a solid auto maintenance plan. No one wants to miss class because their car wouldn't start. Regular maintenance on your car will help prevent high-cost car repairs in the future. Maintenance items such as oil changes can also increase fuel efficiency saving you additional money at the gas pump.
The cost of tires can be a jolt to a college student's budget. Plan to buy tires by setting aside a little money each month. Save on tires by taking advantage of manufacturer rebates.

Call Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson today at 252-243-7616 or stop by our service center for preventive auto maintenance services at 3111 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson, NC, 27893.

Grayson's Auto Service Knows What Older Cars and Trucks Need

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:10:56 GMT

Take Your Older Car or Truck To Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson For Preventative Maintenance

The consumer price index for used cars and trucks jumped up by 40.5% from January 2021 to January 2022. As a result, the average age of vehicles on the road is rising as many owners of older cars decide it is cheaper to hang on to them than to buy one today.

As cars get older, they need more maintenance and repair. Drivers in Wilson must be more diligent about preventative maintenance. Replacing a bad O2 Sensor costs $250.00 on average. This may increase or decrease based on the make and model of your car or truck. However, performing recommended auto maintenance such as air filter replacement and spark plug replacement can extend the life of your O2 sensor.

Kelly Blue Book reports the average vehicle age in the US is 13.5 years. After five years of ownership the chances of a breakdown or service issue increases dramatically unless drivers are vigilant about preventative maintenance. Come by Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson and let us help you set up a preventative maintenance plan for your car or truck. Sticking to a maintenance plan will minimize the chances of breakdowns, increase fuel efficiency and decrease any future repair costs.

The Top 6 Auto Preventative Maintenance Items to Plan for Today

oil change
oil and fuel filters
belts and hoses
brake system components
brake and transmission fluid flushes
tires and alignment

Grayson's Auto Service in Wilson is dedicated to helping busy car owners prioritize preventative maintenance. We make it easy with convenient, affordable and friendly service. Call today at 252-243-7616 or stop by our service center at 3111 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson, NC, 27893 and speak to one of our technicians.

JASPER 4-Speed Transmissions Used by Drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2022

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 07:27:00 GMT

JASPER Engines and Transmissions is pleased to announce that the JASPER 4-Speed Transmission is being used by 28 team/driver combinations in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

This is an exciting leap as the same transmission was used by 12 team/driver combinations in the series in 2021. These team/driver combinations accounted for 19 wins, 84 top-five finishes, and 147 top-ten finishes for the 2021 season.

JASPER Transmissions Used in Racing

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:41:00 GMT

Here at Dimsdale Automotive , we take pride in our work and that’s why we choose only the best of products for our customers. We already have faith in Jasper Engines and Transmissions because of the products they provide and the warranty that backs them up, but this latest news justifies our choice even more. There are thirty NASCAR® team/driver combinations in 2021 that are using the JASPER 4-Speed Transmission. Of those thirty team/driver combinations, eighteen are being used for the NASCAR® Cup Series and twelve are being used for the NASCAR® Xfinity Series.

JASPER Now Offers Turbocharger for Nissan Juke 1.6L Engine

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:59:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we are proud to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions as we are always looking for ways to provide our drivers with only the highest quality of service and products. JASPER recently announced the availability of a turbocharger for the 2011-2017 Nissan Juke that is equipped with a 1.6L engine.

JASPER Releases New Ford Engine Options

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:55:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we are always looking for ways to provide our drivers with the highest quality of service and products. That’s why we are proud to partner with the nation’s leader in remanufactured drivetrain products. Jasper Engines and Transmissions are consistently looking for ways to improve products. They recently announced that the Ford 6.2L engine would be available for the 2010-2014 Ford F150/Raptor, 2011-2019 Ford F250/F350, 2017-2020 Ford E350/E450, and the 2015-2020 Indmar Marine (Raptor Engine).

JASPER Expands their Chrysler Transmission Product Line

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:21:00 GMT

Here at Dimsdale Automotive , we are always striving to provide drivers with the highest quality products. That’s why we proudly work with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER is a leader in the nation for remanufacturing engines and drivetrain products at a price point that is affordable. Their latest offering is no exception. JASPER recently announced that they have expanded their remanufactured Chrysler 68RFE transmission product line. This remanufactured transmission is available for both 2WD and 4WD 2019 RAM 2500-3500 diesel applications.

JASPER Releases Remanufactured Engine Options for Ram 1500 Drivers

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:57:00 GMT

When it comes to our drivers, we strive to provide them with only the highest quality of products. That’s why here at Dimsdale Automotive , we are excited to announce the latest availability of the Chrysler 5.7L Hemi MDS-Delete engine by Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER is a leader in the nation for remanufacturing engines and drivetrain products at an affordable price point. The Chrysler 5.7L Hemi MDS-Delete engine is available for the 2009-2014 Ram 1500 applications and is not currently for sale, or use, in California.

New Chrysler Engine Options from JASPER

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Wed, 27 May 2020 12:09:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we strive to provide only the best products to our customers and that’s why we are proud to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER has recently announced the expanded availability of the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar engine line. This engine is available for the 2011-2014 Volkswagen Routan.

New Ford Engine Options from JASPER

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:31:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we provide only the best products to our customers and that’s why we are proud to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. That’s why we are excited to announce the availability of the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Turbo GDI engine from JASPER. This engine is available for the following applications: 2011 - 8/26/2015 F150, 2015 - 6/23/2016 Transit, and 2015 - 8/26/2015 Expedition and Navigator.

JASPER - Good Enough for Racing

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:02:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we are excited to partner with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. JASPER is known for its great transmissions, some of which are even used in NASCAR. The JASPER 4-Speed Transmission is currently being used by seventeen team/driver combinations during the 2020 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The 4-Speed transmission is also being used by ten team/driver combinations for the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series as well.

JASPER Has New Cylinder Head Offerings

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 16:33:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we’re excited to announce the newest offering from Jasper Engines & Transmissions. JASPER is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products and now they are offering Ford/International 7.3L/444TE Diesel Cylinder Heads.

JASPER Option for Medium-Duty On-Road Trucks

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 15:13:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we’re excited to announce the expanded availability of the Cummins 6.7L ISB/QSB Rear Gear Running Complete engine from our partner Jasper Engines & Transmissions. JASPER is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products.

If you are experiencing issues with the current engine on your 2013-2018 medium-duty on-road trucks, agriculture, construction, and industrial applications you now have an affordable option for an engine replacement. This engine is available with and without head studs and is completely remanufactured using a standard set of new parts. At Dimsdale Automotive , we love JASPER products because we know that our customers can depend on the quality of the product while having peace of mind because of the warranty this great company offers.

Own a Ford Truck? New Engine Options Available for You

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 11:12:00 GMT

At Dimsdale Automotive , we offer only the best products to our drivers, that’s why we’re excited to announce the availability of the Ford 6.7L Scorpion Running Complete Diesel Engine from our partner Jasper Engines & Transmissions. JASPER is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products.

If you are experiencing issues with the diesel engine on your Ford truck, you now have an affordable option that will allow you to keep the truck you love by installing a remanufactured Ford 6.7L Scorpion Running Complete Diesel Engine giving you more power to do the work you need your truck to do. At Dimsdale Automotive , we love JASPER products because we know that our customers can depend on the quality of the product while having peace of mind because of the warranty JASPER offers.

New Engine Options Available for Chevrolet and GMC Vehicles!

info@vivabove.com (VIV Builder) — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 11:41:00 GMT

Here at Dimsdale Automotive , we offer only the best products for our drivers and the new GM Gen V 5.3L GDI engine from our partner Jasper Engines & Transmissions, who is the nation’s leader in remanufactured engines and drivetrain products, make no exception.

When you experience issues with your Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, or Sierra (Hybrid) you now have an option to KEEP your vehicle and install a New JASPER GM Gen V 5.3L GDI engine which comes with their 3 yr | 100,000-mile Parts & Labor nationwide warranty which is fully-transferrable. That vehicle you love is now ready for lots of vacation trips and hard work.

The JASPER way is to fix any issues with the engine and re-design any inherent problems in the original product which is why they have been a leader in the market since 1942! We love their products because we know our customers can depend on the quality as well as the warranty if there should be an issue which brings complete peace of mind.