Tire blowouts can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and potentially serious accidents. However, with proper maintenance and awareness, many tire blowouts can be prevented. But if your car does suffer a tire blowout and you need roadside assistance in Jackson, MI, our team at Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair will arrive ASAP to help you out. Here’s a look at four tips for preventing tire blowouts. Proper Tire Inflation Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for preventing blowouts. Overinflated tires can cause the tire to become rigid and more susceptible to damage from road hazards. Underinflated tires are more likely to blow out due to more surface area contact causing overheating. Check your specified tire pressure and then inflate accordingly. Avoid Overloading Overloading your vehicle puts unnecessary stress on the tires, increasing the risk of a blowout. Every vehicle has a maximum load capacity specified by the manufacturer, including passengers and cargo. Exceeding this limit can lead to tire overheating and failure, especially during long drives or in hot weather. Watch for Road Hazards Road hazards—such as potholes, debris, and sharp objects—pose a significant risk to tire integrity. While some hazards are unavoidable, being vigilant can help minimize the chances of encountering them. Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles to give yourself ample time to react to sudden obstacles on the road. If you spot a pothole or debris ahead, slow down and steer clear of it if possible. Rotate Tires Regularly Uneven tire wear is a common problem that can increase the likelihood of tire blowouts. Rotating your tires regularly helps distribute the wear more evenly, prolonging tire life and reducing the risk of failure. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tire rotation intervals, typically between 5,000 and 7,000 miles. Also, at the shop, we can tell you if your tread has gotten too low, which increases the risk of a blowout, and means you should get new tires. 24/7 Roadside Services in Jackson, MI When you need towing or roadside assistance in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair. We also provide top-quality auto repair in the greater Jackson, MI area. Our local tow truck drivers will show up ASAP to get you out of harm’s way!

At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Service, we aim to always exceed our customers’ expectations by providing top-notch towing services, fair rates, and flawless auto repairs. Our team takes great pride in earning our customers’ trust by completing each job to the highest standards. And we appreciate it when our customers’ offer feedback. Here are some of our recent customer reviews. “We needed our spare tire put on ASAP when our tire went out. We were 2 plus hours away from home and this shop was the only shop open. They did a great job and everyone there was friendly and professional. I would highly recommend this business to everyone.” —Bushra B. “Prompt and excellent and friendly service from Bob, the tow driver who rescued us after our tire went flat on I-94 a little east of Albion, Michigan.” —Peter B. “Thank you guys. My daughter was stranded with a flat and could not get the spare tire removed thanks to a rusted winch cable. It was a very busy afternoon with snow and slick roads causing many accidents, but you guys came to the rescue and got her back on the road. Did I mention this was the Sunday after Thanksgiving- one of the busiest travel days of the year significantly hampered with the weather. Thanks again.” —Dan C. “Thank you Jimmie's for your prompt and friendly service! It was appreciated.” —Brittany S. “We are full-time RVers and this is our first time in Michigan. We were unhooked and experienced an issue with our 3500 Ram dually while in town. It was a Saturday and Jimmy's was open. The dispatcher was very helpful and we had a tow within 30 min. Not only were they courteous and polite, but also gave us a ride to our campground. BIG THANK YOU to Jimmy's for making a challenging situation a little easier.” —April W. “The driver Noah was so kind, patient and just awesome!! I appreciate him, felt like a friend by the end of the tow. Thank you Noah.” —Judy A. 24/7 Towing in Jackson, MI When you need towing in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair. We also provide top-quality auto repair in the greater Jackson, MI area. Our local tow truck drivers will show up ASAP to get you out of harm’s way!

A healthy alternator is essential for keeping the battery charged and the electrical system running smoothly. Ignoring signs of alternator trouble can lead to sudden breakdowns, making it important that you get to the shop when you first notice signs of a problem. At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Jackson, MI area. Here are five symptoms of alternator trouble. Dimming or Flickering Lights One of the most noticeable signs of an alternator problem is dimming or flickering lights. If you observe your headlights, interior lights, or dashboard lights fluctuating in brightness, it could be a sign that the alternator is struggling to maintain a consistent flow of electrical power. Dashboard Warning Light Commonly shaped like a battery, this warning light will illuminate when the alternator is not generating sufficient power. Ignoring this warning can lead to a dead battery and a stalled vehicle. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle An alternator is responsible for charging the battery, which provides the necessary power to start your vehicle. If you're experiencing difficulty starting your car, it might be due to a weakened or failing alternator. A simple battery replacement may not solve the issue, so it's crucial to have the alternator examined. Malfunctioning Electrical Accessories The alternator provides power to a variety of accessories, such as power seats, power windows, and the radio. If these components aren’t working properly, it could be due to an issue with your alternator. Strange Noises Strange noises coming from the engine compartment can be a sign of alternator trouble. A failing alternator may produce grinding, whining, or squealing sounds. These noises often result from worn-out bearings or a belt problem. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, it's best to bring it to the mechanic’s attention. Auto Repair & Towing in Jackson, MI When you need auto repair in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair at (517) 435-0314. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. We also provide fast 24-hour towing in greater Jackson, MI. Give us a call today if you’re having car trouble!

It’s always best to be proactive about getting to the shop when you first notice that your car isn’t firing up as easily as usual. This way, you’ll have the best chance of taking care of the problem before it gets worse and prevents your engine from starting at all. At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and fixing problems that cause hard-starts and no-starts. Here’s a look at five common problems that prevent cars from starting up. Dead or Weak Battery One of the most frequent culprits behind a non-starting car is a dead or weak battery. As they get old, batteries naturally degrade, losing their ability to hold a charge. Extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, and leaving lights on when the engine is off can accelerate this process. Faulty Starter Motor The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine when you turn the key. If the starter motor is malfunctioning, your car won't start, and you might hear a clicking sound. Ignition Switch Issues A faulty ignition switch can prevent the electrical circuit from connecting properly, resulting in a no-start situation. Signs of ignition switch issues include difficulty turning the key or flickering dashboard lights. Fuel System Problems Issues within the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump, can prevent the engine from getting the necessary fuel to start. As fuel system issues develop, they may cause sputtering. Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition System Spark plugs play a crucial role in igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine. If the spark plugs are fouled or the ignition system is faulty, the engine may fail to start. Bad spark plugs can cause rough idling and poor acceleration. Auto Repair & Towing in Jackson, MI When you need auto repair in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair at (517) 435-0314. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. We also provide fast 24-hour towing in greater Jackson, MI. Give us a call today if you’re having car trouble!

For a smooth and safe ride, it’s crucial that your suspension is healthy. When you first suspect that suspension trouble is brewing, you’ll want to have the mechanic conduct an inspection. At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Service, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Jackson, MI area. Here are five symptoms of a suspension problem. Knocking or Clunking Sounds You have cause for concern if you hear strange suspension noises, such as knocking or clunking, when driving over bumps or rough terrain. These sounds often indicate loose or damaged components, such as worn-out bushings, ball joints, or stabilizer links. Uneven Tire Wear If you see that the tread on your tires is wearing down unevenly, it could be an indication that your suspension system is not functioning properly. Misaligned wheels and worn-out suspension components can lead to uneven tire contact with the road, causing irregular and premature tire wear. Excessive Bouncing or Swaying A healthy suspension system keeps your vehicle stable and prevents excessive bouncing or swaying. If you notice that your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump or continues to sway when turning, it's a clear indication of suspension issues. Worn-out shocks or struts are common culprits in such cases, compromising the vehicle's stability. Visible Fluid Leaks Suspension components, such as shocks and struts, contain hydraulic fluid. If you notice fluid leaking out onto suspension components, then you should alert the mechanic ASAP. Nose Diving When you apply the brakes, a healthy suspension system helps to ensure that your vehicle maintains a level stance. If you observe excessive nose diving (the front of the car dipping forward) during braking, it could indicate worn-out shocks or struts. This compromises braking efficiency and overall safety. Suspension Repair in Jackson, MI When you need auto repair in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair at (517) 435-0314. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Winter can bring a dangerous set of challenges for drivers. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are liable to turn the roads into treacherous terrain. However, with the right preparation, you can navigate winter roads more safely. But if you do find yourself stranded in winter weather, you’ll need someone to show up ASAP to help you out. At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair, we provide expert 24/7 towing in the greater Jackson, MI area. Here are some helpful tips for safe winter driving. Check Tires To be able to more safely grip slippery winter roads, it’s important that you’re driving with healthy tread and proper tire pressure. You might also consider investing in a new set of high-quality winter tires that provide superior traction in wintry conditions. Increase Following Distance When driving in snowy weather, it’s best to increase your following distance to at least ten seconds, which will reduce the risk of sliding into the car in front of you when you need to brake. Clear Your Vehicle of Snow and Ice Before hitting the road, take the time to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle, including your windows, mirrors, and lights. This ensures maximum visibility and prevents snow from blowing onto other drivers. Brake and Accelerate Gently Avoid sudden, jerky movements with the pedals. When braking, apply gentle, steady pressure to avoid skidding. When accelerating, do so gradually to minimize wheel spin. Be Mindful of Bridges and Overpasses Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than regular roadways because they are exposed to cold air from above and below. Exercise extra caution when approaching and crossing these areas. Stay Informed and Plan Ahead Keep an eye on weather forecasts and road conditions. Before starting your journey, check for road closures and traffic updates. It's a good idea to plan your route in advance and inform someone of your travel plans. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit Prepare a winter emergency kit that includes items like a blanket, flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a small shovel, snacks, and warm clothing. These essentials could be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded in the cold. Stay Calm and Patient Winter driving can be stressful, but it's important to remain calm and patient. Avoid aggressive maneuvers, road rage, and distractions. A calm mindset is crucial for making good decisions on slippery roads. 24/7 Towing in Jackson, MI When you need towing in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair. We also provide top-quality auto repair in Jackson, MI. Our tow truck drivers will arrive ASAP to get you out of harm’s way!

Your automatic transmission features numerous important components that work together to direct power from the engine to your wheels. Because transmission issues can escalate quickly and become very expensive to fix, it’s always best to get to the shop at the first sign of trouble in this department. At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair, our local mechanics are highly experienced with automatic transmission repair in the greater Jackson, MI area. Here’s a look at seven important parts in an automatic transmission. Torque Converter Torque converters are types of fluid couplings that pressurize automatic transmission fluid, creating the necessary force for your car to shift gears. They also enable your car to stay in gear while stationary. Automatic Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid provides fluid pressure, cooling, lubrication, and rust prevention. This makes it very important that you’re driving with the right amount and that it’s uncontaminated. You should get your transmission fluid exchanged at the mileage point specified in your owner’s manual. Pump A healthy pump does the vital job of creating the required pressure to direct fluid away from the filter and to the transmission’s other areas. Fluid pressure plays a crucial role in your transmission’s ability to function properly. Valve Body Your valve body has various passageways that pressurized transmission fluid flows through to get to the necessary valves. Planetary Gear Set Your planetary gear set is composed of planet gears, a sun gear, and a ring gear. For all aspects of your automatic transmission to work optimally, your planetary gear set needs to be healthy. An important function of planetary gear sets is that they determine gear ratios. Clutches & Bands Clutches and bands are integral to maintaining correct rotating, engaging, and disengaging in your transmission Speed Sensors While moving, speed sensors take note of the gear ratio, and then do the important job of determining which gear is the correct one to be in. Transmission Repair in Jackson, MI When you need auto repair in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair at (517) 435-0314. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

In your vehicle, there is no safety system more important than your brakes. If a reckless driver comes charging toward you, it’s crucial that your brakes work perfectly. So if you notice any indications of brake failure, you should promptly visit the shop for an inspection. At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair, we provide top-quality brake repair in the greater Jackson, MI area. Warning Signs of a Brake Problem An illuminated ABS warning light means you should get to the shop to figure out what is triggering it. This light may come on due to issues such as faulty wheel speed sensors, a malfunctioning ABS module, or low brake fluid. If your vehicle has a brake fluid leak, then you’ve got a major safety hazard. Another dangerous brake problem is that your car drifts to one side when the brakes are engaged. This may happen if corrosion causes a caliper to freeze up. In this situation, there’s a significant risk of an accident, so you shouldn’t drive your car in this condition. Rather, it’s best to get towed to the shop for the repairs to be done before you drive the car again. Problems with brake pads often cause symptoms of brake trouble. If you hear a loud squeaking sound coming from your brakes, then you have an indication that the little piece of metal attached to the brake pad has started to rub against the rotor. Worn-out brake pads can lead to grinding, which may result in damaged rotors. While brake pads often need to be replaced by 30,000 miles, how frequently you need new pads will have a lot to do with how hard/gentle you are on your brakes during your daily driving routine. Vibrations are another issue that should be addressed by the mechanic. Vibrating may occur if there’s a degraded area on the rotor, causing the pad to unevenly transfer to it. Brake Repair in Jackson, MI When you need auto repair in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair at (517) 435-0314. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Transmission fluid provides cooling, lubrication, fluid pressure, and rust prevention. This makes it immensely important that you’re driving with the proper amount of uncontaminated transmission fluid. If you do notice evidence of a transmission fluid related problem, then you’ll want to visit a transmission expert. At Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair, we provide top-quality transmission service in the greater Jackson, MI area. Our local mechanics will make sure that your vehicle is able to smoothly get through the gears. Symptoms of a Transmission Fluid Issue One common transmission fluid problem is that a leak has developed. Your car might be leaking transmission fluid if there’s red-to-pink colored fluid accumulating beneath it. Further evidence that the leaking fluid is indeed transmission fluid is that it has a somewhat sweet scent. Another potential indication of a leak is that you check your transmission fluid and there’s a very low reading on the dipstick. It’s smart to check your transmission fluid every month so that you’ll know if it's getting too low or starting to burn. Generally, it’s best to check transmission fluid with the car still running. If you have a transmission fluid leak and the fluid level gets too low, then you may notice symptoms such as rough or delayed shifting. Transmission fluid leaks often form due to faulty pan gaskets and cracked transmission lines. Another common sign of transmission fluid trouble is that the vehicle abruptly jumps out of gear while you’re driving. Gear slippage could occur if pollutants in your transmission fluid obstruct the fluid’s flow, causing fluid pressure to drop to the extent that the vehicle doesn’t reliably stay in gear. Other indications of contaminated transmission fluid include whining noises and grinding. Transmission Repair in Jackson, MI When you need auto repair in Jackson, MI and the surrounding area, contact Jimmie’s Towing & Auto Repair at (517) 435-0314. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!