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Without healthy ignition coils, spark plugs can't spark properly, and without good spark plugs, your engine won't generate any power at all. Ignition coils are hardy engine components that tend to last well over 100,000 miles. But eventually, all car parts begin to wear down. If you notice the following seven signs of a faulty ignition coil, visit your local Buick dealer right away to have it cleaned or replaced. Does Your Car Have a Faulty Ignition Coil? Your Engine's Misfiring Ignition coils deliver a strong and steady supply of electrical power to the spark plugs. When an ignition coil stops doing its job, the corresponding spark plug will begin to misfire. Misfiring usually makes the engine shudder and sputter noisily. You'll also see the engine's RPMs jumping around erratically. Your Engine's Struggling in Idle With a faulty coil, cars can really start to struggle while idling. You might find your engine shaking and coughing, and perhaps even stalling, when you slow down at traffic lights. Your Gas Mileage Is Dropping With a less efficient combustion process, an engine with a faulty coil is burning through fuel less effectively. You'll probably find the gas gauge on your dashboard dropping toward empty at a surprising rate. Your Exhaust Is Backfiring When a malfunctioning ignition coil causes the spark plug to misfire, unburned fuel can build up inside the combustion chamber. This can lead to all kinds of other problems. The collecting unburned fuel may suddenly ignite outside the cylinder's ordinary rhythm, just as the cylinder is opening. This would cause a loud bang from your exhaust, otherwise known as backfiring. Your Tailpipe's Emitting Smoke The excess of unburned fuel can also start to leak out of the cylinder and run back through the exhaust system. Here, the fuel will often turn into black smoke that you'll soon see billowing from your tailpipe. Your Check Engine Light's Blinking The various inefficiencies resulting from a bad ignition coil will soon be detected by the computerized sensors inside your Acura. This will trigger the check engine light to come alive on your dashboard, prompting you to see a technician at once. Your Buick Dealer Finds a Faulty Coil Regular servicing visits at your local dealership are the key to keeping every part of your car in tip-top condition. During your visits, the technician will observe and test how well your car is functioning. If one of your ignition coils is faltering, they'll quickly notice, let you know, and either clean or replace the faulty coil. Visit Crain Buick GMC today to have your ignition coils checked today. We're a family-owned dealership with a wide range of excellent vehicles, highly trained technicians in our service center, and a dedication to prioritizing customer experience above all else.

Purchasing an extended warranty is a great way to protect your vehicle once the factory warranty expires. You should ask your GMC or Buick dealer about your options when shopping for a used vehicle or getting your car serviced. When Does the Buick and GMC Factory Warranty Expire? The factory warranty that comes with new GMC and Buick vehicles lasts three years or 36,000 miles. Your brand-new vehicle also comes with a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended Warranty Options From Buick and GMC Once your factory warranty expires, your vehicle becomes eligible for a protection plan or service contract from the manufacturer. Buick and GMC offer options that last up to eight years or 100,000 miles, depending on your needs and budget. There are three levels of service: Powertrain Silver Platinum Powertrain Coverage A Powertrain protection plan is the most affordable option. It covers faulty engine components, transmission, drive axles, and the electric motor of your hybrid or EV. Silver Protection Plan If you opt for the Silver tier, you'll get coverage for the powertrain components mentioned above, as well as protection for your vehicle's suspension, electrical systems, steering, and brakes. Platinum Warranty A Platinum plan is the most comprehensive option. Besides covering everything included under the Silver plan, you'll get coverage for your car's navigation, audio, and infotainment systems. Benefits Overview The primary purpose of these protection plans is to cover repairs. However, you'll get additional perks and benefits, including: A transferrable warranty Roadside assistance Car rental coverage Trip interruption coverage Additional Plans Your GMC or Buick Dealer Offers Tire and Wheel Protection Regardless of the service contract tier you choose, you won't get coverage for your vehicle's tires and wheels. If you want to protect these components, your best option is to purchase a tire and wheel protection plan. GMC and Buick offer plans that last from one to seven years with no mileage limits. These plans cover repairs and tire replacements. Pre-Paid Maintenance A pre-paid maintenance plan allows you to pay in advance for oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point vehicle inspections over the next three, five, or six years. It's a great way to save money on maintenance since prices for these services might go up in the future. Gap Coverage In the event of a total loss, your auto insurance provider might not cover the full amount you owe on your auto loan. It's where gap coverage comes in and makes up for the difference not covered by your insurer. If your factory warranty is about to expire, now is the perfect time to compare service contracts from Buick and GMC and choose an option that makes sense for your needs. Contact us at Crain Buick GMC in Conway, AR. We can answer all your questions about extended warranties and help you pick the right plan.

It might be gas that keeps your engine going, but your car also relies on its electrical systems to get it going, keep it going, and make your drive comfortable and safe. It's therefore worth staying vigilant to the signs of electrical problems, so that you know when to contact your GMC dealer without delay. 5 Electrical Problems You Should Always Fix at Your GMC Dealer 1. An Engine That Won't Crank When you turn the key or press the ignition, the chirping noise that your engine makes before it roars into life shows that it's cranking. But this needs a charge to make it happen, so if your car is struggling to crank it could be a sign of electrical faults. A clicking or grinding noise can suggest that there's a problem in your starting motor. If there's no response when you try the ignition, check to see if the lights are working. If they are, you may have alternator problems; if they aren't then it could be that your battery is flat. And any of these problems require an appointment for an electrical diagnostic right away. 2. Individual Fuses That Keep Blowing If a single electrical component, such as a brake light, stops working when everything else is fine then it's usually the sign of a blown fuse. This is a relatively simple fix, and it happens from time to time. But if you notice that the same fuse keeps blowing, there's likely an electrical fault behind it. 3. A Battery That's Damaged or Leaky Batteries have a lifetime of between three and five years, so it's important to make sure that they're still operating at optimum capacity. Make a quick visual check every time you pop the hood, and look for stains or buildup around the terminal. Remember that the contents are corrosive and can cause injury if there's a leak, so exercise caution when checking and be proactive about getting a worn battery replaced. 4. Electrical Components That Fail Your car's electrics keep multiple systems running, so if they start failing then it can be a sign that something is amiss. This can include sluggish electric windows, a failing entertainment system, or dim and flickering lights. 5. A Smell of Burning Plastic The plastic insulation around the wires can burn or melt if there's an electrical fault, so this odor can be a tell-tale sign of trouble. If you smell burning plastic, take your car off the road and seek advice immediately. Electrical faults might mean small malfunctions and gradual brownout, or the sudden dramatic failure of your car's components, so it's important to pay attention to your car's charge. If you think there might be a problem, contact us at Crain Buick GMC so that our factory-trained technicians and state-of-the-art technology can get your car back in the best shape.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX is a subcompact crossover SUV that is reasonably priced, quiet, and comfortable. The Encore GX features the perfect compromise in space between a sedan and a large SUV with a luxurious interior. The cabin of this SUV is packed with incredible features your family will love, combined with many of the capabilities you have come to expect in an SUV. Read on to learn about the three trims of the '23 Encore GX. 3 Trim Levels of the Buick Encore GX 1. The Encore GX Preferred The '23 Encore GX Preferred hits the streets with a turbocharged Ecotec 1.2L powertrain that delivers 137 horsepower at 5000 rpm. This engine also produces 162 lb-ft of maximum torque. The Preferred has impressive fuel economy, with front-wheel-drive models getting 29 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with 30 mpg combined. The interior of the '23 Encore GX Preferred is spacious, with comfortable seating for five passengers. The 6-way manual driver seat makes it easy to change your driving position to suit your preferences. The 4-way manual flat-folding passenger seat keeps your front passenger comfortable and provides extra storage space when folded flat. The rear 40/60 flat-folding rear seats are comfortable and have plenty of space for passengers. 2. The Encore GX Select The '23 Econcore GX Select comes standard with an Ecotec 1.2L powertrain but is available with a turbocharged Ecotec 1.3L powertrain that boasts 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm with 174 lb-ft of maximum torque. Front-wheel drive models of the Select have a fuel economy of 29 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. On the other hand, all-wheel drive models get 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The '23 Encore GX Select features seating for five with a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. The lumbar support is fantastic for eliminating back pain and reducing driver fatigue on long drives. The '23 Select boasts heated front seats that keep you and your passenger warm and toasty in the colder months. The Select also features remote start, so you can warm the car up before you venture outside. 3. The Encore GX Essence The '23 Encore GX Essence comes standard with the turbocharged Ecotec 1.3L engine. This powerful engine provides excellent acceleration and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission for smooth gear changes. This SUV features auto on/off LED headlights with a delay feature and LED taillights that ensure you are easily visible. This trim also features black carbon metallic moldings that look excellent. If you are looking for a luxurious compact crossover SUV ready for adventure this year, check out the trim levels of the '23 Encore GX. Contact us at Crain B uick GMC to schedule a test drive in your new family vehicle today.

When purchasing a new vehicle from your Buick dealer, it's important to understand what is included in your new car warranty. When you lease or purchase a new Buick GMC, you receive a vehicle warranty with a number of important benefits. What Is Covered in the Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Car Warranty from Your Buick Dealer? Your new vehicle warranty from Buick covers your new vehicle for any necessary repairs to correct any defects in workmanship or materials, which includes labor and parts. This coverage is good for 36,000 miles or three years, whichever may come first. Tires are also covered against defects in workmanship. Additionally, your warranty covers having your vehicle towed to the closest authorized dealership for repairs covered under the warranty to be made. It should be noted that this warranty does not cover routine maintenance. Damage resulting from misuse or accidents is also not covered under this warranty. Powertrain Limited Warranty Coverage Your new Buick GMC also comes with a powertrain limited warranty. The powertrain warranty is good for up to 60,000 miles or five years, whichever may come first. The warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drive systems in your vehicle. The following components are not covered in this warranty: Coolant Radiator Hoses Wiring Sensors Connectors Cooling lines Roadside Assistance In the event that you should experience a flat tire, become stranded, or your vehicle runs out of gas, you are also protected by Roadside assistance. This assistance is available around the clock, 365 days per year. Services available through this protection include: Vehicle unlock service Towing to the nearest authorized dealer Emergency fuel delivery Jump-start for vehicle battery Courtesy Transportation If your vehicle should require repairs that are covered under your vehicle's warranty, there is no need to be concerned that you will need to be without transportation. Your warranty will provide either alternate transportation or reimbursement for allowable transportation expenses. First Service Visit Protection When you purchase a new Buick GMC vehicle, your vehicle's first maintenance visit is also covered. This maintenance protection will cover an oil change, tire rotation, and multi-point vehicle inspection for your first service visit. In order for this visit to be covered, you must schedule the visit within one year of purchasing your vehicle. Additionally, the maintenance visit must be scheduled at a participating Buick GMC dealer. When you purchase a new Buick GMC vehicle, you can gain peace of mind in knowing that your vehicle is covered by an extensive new vehicle warranty. This warranty includes a bumper-to-bumper limited vehicle warranty and much more. To learn more about Buick GMC warranties or view a selection of new vehicles, contact us at Crain Buick GMC in Conway, Arkansas.

Are you looking for a car that has all the latest safety features? If so, you should consider purchasing a vehicle from your local GMC Dealer. Our Buick and GMC vehicles offer a range of cars with innovative safety features that can help keep you and your family safe on the road. Below, we'll take a closer look at a few of our car safety features available. 6 Car Safety Features You'll Find at Your Local GMC Dealer Integrated Cameras The integrated camera system gives you a clear view of your surroundings, making it easier to avoid accidents. The rear-view camera can help you navigate safely while parking. Also, some of our Buicks are equipped with an additional bird's eye view camera for an increased view of your surroundings. Forward Collision Alert The forward collision alert feature uses sensors to detect when a collision is imminent and then alerts the driver so they can take evasive action. Forward collision alerts can help prevent accidents or decrease the severity of a collision, making it a vital part of any car's safety arsenal. Automatic Emergency Braking In the event of an accident, automatic emergency braking can help minimize the damage caused by a collision. This feature kicks in when a sensor detects an imminent crash and automatically applies the brakes to help reduce the severity of the accident. This system is designed to work even if the driver doesn't have time to react. Tire Pressure Monitoring System An often overlooked but essential safety feature is a tire pressure monitoring system. This system helps you keep tabs on your tire pressure, so you always know when it's time for a new tire or tire inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated is crucial for maintaining control of your vehicle and reducing your chances of getting into an accident. Lane-Keep Assist and Departure Warning The lane-keep assist and departure warning systems use sensors to detect when your vehicle is veering out of its lane and then give you an audible or visual warning so you can take corrective action. Additionally, the Lane Change alert feature can help detect cars in your blind zone to prevent collisions. Teen Driver Mode Finally, our Buick and GMC vehicles also come with teen driver mode, which is designed to help new drivers learn the ropes while staying safe on the road. Teen driver mode limits certain features like volume control while also providing warnings when certain driving thresholds are exceeded (like the speed limit). It also provides a report on the teen's driving performance. Driving should be a stress-free experience and we want to make sure our customers have the best and safest ride possible. That's why Buick and GMC vehicles are equipped with some of the latest and greatest safety features. From integrated cameras to auto emergency braking, our cars have got you covered. So next time you're in the market for a new vehicle, stop by Crain Buick GMC and check out our selection of safe and reliable cars.

Tires are the only part of your car in contact with the surface. This surface contact will cause wear and tear on the tire and can lead to damage. If your tires are worn, your GMC dealer can help you. We have a full range of new tires and can fit replacements for you very quickly. These are some signs that you need replacement. 3 Signs You Need New Tires From Your GMC Dealer Your Tread Is Low The tread is the raised groove pattern on your tires. It enables your tires to grip the surface and maintain stability when you're driving. The tread slowly wears down due to abrasion within the surface. As the tread wears, you'll notice your tire's grip is less sure, and you take longer to stop. The legal requirement is your tread can't be less than 1/16" thick. You can test the tread using a Lincoln penny. Put the penny upside down between the tread and look at Lincoln's face. If you see only part of his face, your tread is in great condition. Seeing Lincoln's face below his hairline means your tires are wearing and need to be checked. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tire is worn and must be replaced ASAP. You Have a Leak It's normal for your tires to lose air pressure during the month. On average, each tire will lose 1 to 3 PSI (pounds per square inch) per month. This loss is caused by your tire pressure equalizing with the external pressure. If you see that your tires seem to be losing more air than this, you could have a slow leak in the tire. A leak could be caused by a nail or other sharp object that's stuck in the tire. It could also be caused by a damaged air nozzle. The nozzle is one of the most common parts of a tire that can get damaged.  If a small crack develops in the rubber by the nozzle, you can lose air very quickly. We'll need to examine your tires to fix the problem. Bubble in the Sidewall A bubble is an obvious bulge in the surface of the tire. It usually occurs in the sidewall, but it can sometimes occur in the tread. A bubble is caused by sections of your tire being pinched against a hard object. If you bump the curb, for example, part of your tire will be caught against the concrete. Driving with a bubble is dangerous, as the bubble could blow at any time, and this could cause an accident. A tire with a bubble needs to be replaced right away. Damaged tires can cause an accident. Call us today at Crain Buick GMC, and we'll replace them for you.

When you drive at night or in other low visibility conditions, good headlights are essential. Your lights allow you to see the road, other vehicles, and potential problems easily. When you need new headlights, your friendly GMC dealer can quickly fit them for you. These are a few signs that your lights need replacement. Do You Need New Headlights From Your GMC Dealer? Damaged Lenses Your headlight bulbs are protected by clear plastic lenses. These lenses prevent water and dirt from entering the headlight cavity and damaging the bulbs. Since covers are plastic, they can get damaged. Salt from the road, grit, and other hard objects thrown up as you drive can scratch the lenses. They can also crack if they've already been damaged. Cracked lenses can allow rain to enter the cavity. Water can create a short in the bulb's wiring and corrode the bulb socket. These problems can lead to frequent bulb changes. Replacing the bulbs, however, doesn't fix this problem. Our technicians will clean and repair the wiring and sockets and replace the lenses. Dim Lights Dim headlight bulbs can mean that they're worn out and ready to blow. Depending on the type of bulb you have, your headlight bulbs can last from 500 hours to 30,000 hours. Eventually, the bulbs will fail and need replacement. Dim bulbs could also be a sign of a serious problem with your electrical system. The main cause of this type of problem is a worn alternator. The alternator generates the electrical power for your car. As it ages, it grows weaker and starts to supply less power. Eventually, your alternator will supply less power than your car needs. The dim bulbs mean that your headlights are receiving just enough power to light up. Our technicians will test the bulbs and your alternator to find the cause of the problem. Blown Bulb The most frequent cause of a blown bulb is age. Headlight bulbs will wear out and need replacement. If one of your bulbs has failed, we advise replacing both bulbs. The reason for this is that bulbs are installed in pairs. If one bulb has already failed, the second bulb will also fail soon. Replacing them together saves you time and money. Bulbs can also blow due to damaged wiring, a worn alternator, or corrosion in the bulb socket. Headlight bulbs are sensitive to electrical fluctuations. Your bulbs need a consistent and constant supply of power to work effectively. Electrical fluctuations play havoc with the bulbs and shorten their lifespan. Our technicians can replace your bulbs and check the electrical system for any signs of trouble. Drive with confidence at night again. Come into Crain Buick GMC today and get that headlight problem solved. Image via pixabay.com by wilkernet

Car maintenance is a simple process for drivers who want to maintain their cars in between trips to the dealer, save time and money, and avoid expensive repairs. If you prefer to have your dealership handle the maintenance because you feel out of your depth, your GMC dealer can help you, too. Dealer technicians will keep comprehensive records of all your services, use approved filters and fluids, and make sure every part of your vehicle is in good working order. 4 Car Maintenance Tips From Your Buick GMC Dealer 1. Fluids Regularly check your fluids and replace them when they are depleted or dirty. Oil is the most important fluid because it helps your engine avoid friction and heat, major causes of engine wear. When checking your oil, check it at least once a month. If you must change the oil, most manufacturers recommend changing it every 3,000 miles, so check the manual to make sure. Take your vehicle to the dealer if you don't feel comfortable changing fluids. Other fluids you want to check are brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. If any of these fluids are low, add the correct fluid based on your owner's manual. If you notice a spot on the ground from any of these fluids, it is a good idea to take your vehicle to the dealer and schedule service so the technicians can find the source of the leak and fix it. This will help you avoid future problems. 2. Lights Check the outside lights, including your fog lights and high and low beam lights. Some cars may have a special tool that allows you to easily change these lights. Otherwise, you should visit the dealership mechanic to do this for you. Brake lights and blinkers are also important. Making sure these parts work ensures the safety of you and your passengers. 3. Tire Pressure Tire pressure should also be checked regularly because low tire pressure will affect fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires control tire wear and help avoid problems with vehicle alignment. Make sure to check the pressures in your tires at least once per month when you check your fluids.  It is also important to check the spare tire as well. 4. Battery Batteries are another important part of your vehicle that should be checked regularly. Batteries should be replaced every four or five years. Cold weather can lead to weakened batteries. Fortunately, dealers will test batteries for free, so take advantage of this service to get your batteries checked. Having them tested is a good idea to avoid getting stuck when the vehicle won't start. Regular routine maintenance is important because it saves you from expensive repairs and helps your vehicle last longer. Visit us at Crain Buick GMC to schedule your next maintenance on your Buick or GMC vehicle.