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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.

A wheel alignment is an important part of your GMC's maintenance schedule. It involves checking and correcting the alignment of your wheels to ensure that they're in the correct position for safety and efficiency. As your GMC dealer, we want to tell you more about why you should get a routine alignment. Advice From Your GMC Dealer: What Is a Routine Alignment for Your Wheels? What Is a Wheel Alignment? Your axles are straight, and your wheels should be perpendicular to your axles. When you first drive away in your car, the wheels are perpendicular. Over time, wear and tear or possible damage to the wheels or tires can alter the angle of your wheels. This places additional strain on the tires, braking system, axles, suspension, and other car components. During a wheel alignment, we connect your wheels to our computerized alignment machine. The machine will make a series of adjustments to the angle of each wheel until all your wheels are perpendicular to the axle. Why Do You Need a Wheel Alignment? The angle of each wheel in relation to the axle is determined by its camber and toe. The camber of a wheel is the position of the wheel viewed from the front. A positive camber means that the wheel points outwards, while a negative camber means the wheel points inwards. The toe position is the angle of a wheel viewed from above. A toe-in wheel means the wheel points inward, while a toe-out wheel points outwards. As we've seen, your wheels should all be perfectly perpendicular to the axle and point directly forward. In this situation, your fuel efficiency is highest, wear and tear on the axles and wheels is greatly reduced, and your tires will suffer much less wear. An incorrect camber or toe angle, in contrast, will wear down the tire tread faster and provide resistance when you drive. When Should You Get a Wheel Alignment? Generally, a wheel alignment should be performed every 6,000 miles. This figure can vary between GMC models based on your vehicle's body type, drivetrain, and driving conditions. The correct wheel alignment schedule is listed in your car's manual. In some cases, for example, if you've bumped a curb, you may need to get a wheel alignment earlier than expected. Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment It can sometimes be difficult to determine if your wheels are correctly aligned simply by looking at them. We've listed some signs you need to come in for an alignment. Your car is pulling to one side The tire tread is wearing unevenly Your steering wheel vibrates An alignment can increase the lifespan of your tires, reduce damage to the steering and braking systems, and increase fuel efficiency. Call our service department today at Crain Buick GMC.

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 GMC Sierra 3500 is basically what happens when someone takes a proven design for a truck, and then makes a big heavy version of it, and then says, "Hey, let's add some more truck to this." Everywhere you look on the 3500, it's been engineered to maximize capability. Under the Hood of the GMC Sierra 3500 There's no doubt that the 3500 is built for big jobs, so the base engine is a massive 6.6L v8, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This gas-powered setup provides 401hp and is augmented with features like a heavy-duty air filter, an external engine oil cooler, and an external auxiliary transmission oil cooler, because all of that power is intended to be heavily used. To take advantage of the Sierra's maximum hauling and towing ability, you can upgrade the powertrain to use a Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel, which bumps the horsepower to 445 and can produce up to 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel version of the v8 gets a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission with auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode to make life easier when you're moving a heavy load. Inside the Cab It probably goes without saying, but the cab offers plenty of space. Beyond just being roomy, the Sierra's interior comes with a wealth of options to choose from to get things setup just how you prefer. Adapt to the weather, for example, with a power sunroof for nice days, and heated seats and steering wheel for when it's miserable outside. Many of the interior options combine convenience with practicality. The head-up display is especially useful on long drives, as are the integrated navigation system and compass. When you get where you're going and need to park, possibly with a huge trailer, you can make things easier by using the Sierra's camera views, of which you can get up to 15, to keep an eye on where everything is. Behind the Hitch The enormous engine at the front of the Sierra is there, in part, because sometimes you'll have something enormous to tow behind the Sierra. Without investing in any options, the Sierra is able to tow more than 14,000 pounds. Given that the payload capacity itself starts at over 4,000 pounds, any way that you choose to customize your truck will result in a machine that you can load up with confidence. If the kind of towing jobs you have in mind are of the extreme sort, then you can select options, like the diesel v8 or a towing package, to increase the towing capacity to more than 30,000 pounds. Any version of the Sierra 3500 is a powerful workhorse, but every job is a bit different, and choices like the size of the cab, or whether to go with four-wheel drive, are what make your truck exactly the one to meet your needs. Visit Crain Buick GMC and we'll help you pick the combination of features that's right for you.

The next generation of Sierra 1500 trucks is finally here. Whether you're looking for a reliable work truck or a comfortable ride through rough terrain, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has something to offer everyone. From its spacious interior cabin to its high tow rating that helps you tackle tough jobs with ease, the Sierra is a great combination of strength, style, and performance. We'll discuss why the new Sierra is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after trucks today. Discover the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 At a Glance The new Sierra 1500 offers tremendous capability, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and unique off-road features. It's available in several trims, including the SLT, SLE, AT4, and Denali. There are various cab types and bed lengths available for the truck. You can choose from a single cab, double cab, or four-door crew cab, with beds measuring anywhere between 5.8 and 8.2 feet. Upgradeable packages like Autotrac Pro 2WD & 4WD ensure a smooth experience when your Sierra leaves the pavement. For those seeking increased capabilities offroad, there is also an available Off-Road Package that includes Rancho shocks, skid plates, and dual exhausts for navigating rugged terrain. Engine Efficiency and Performance Under the hood, the Sierra offers several engine options. These offerings include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. There's also a 355 horsepower 5.3-liter V8, a 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V8, and the Duramax turbodiesel, which produces an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque. The V8 variants pair with a precise 10-speed automatic transmission. A mild hybrid system (eTorque) installed on some models offers increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Further boosting performance are upgrades such as adaptive dampers and wheels up to 22" in diameter. Fuel Economy The 2023 Sierra 1500 offers several different powertrain combinations, allowing for more fuel-efficient options. The diesel engine option on the Sierra 1500 yields 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, making it an excellent choice for those needing reliable long-distance mileage. That said, most Sierras are powered by the 6.2-liter V-8, which earns up to 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway when paired with all-wheel drive. Overall, depending on the trim chosen, the new Sierra 1500 can satisfy both a driver's power needs as well as their budget by conserving fuel. Interior and Cargo Space The truck provides drivers with an impressive interior design that is full of quality materials and easy-to-reach controls. Plus, the rear bench seat can be conveniently folded to create 62.9 cubic feet of cargo space. If you're looking for the new 2023 Sierra 1500, we sell all trims of this truck here at Crain Buick GMC. Plus, our finance department offers custom financial packages tailored to your budget. Visit us at Crain Buick GMC in Conway to take a test drive today to experience all this impressive truck has to offer!

Compact SUVs are always a popular choice, and one contender this year is the 2023 Buick Envision. Tweaks and new features here and there have made it even better than last year's model, and it's certainly stylish, too. A Driver's Guide to the 2023 Buick Envision How Does It Drive? The Buick's driving experience is highly satisfying. It's the perfect car for everyday needs and nice family road trips. If you have teens in the house, then it'd be a great car to give them a few driving lessons in, as new drivers may find it easier to handle than something sportier. The designers paid a lot of attention to ride quality and comfort when designing this car. It's smooth, it corners well, and it does what you need it to do on the road. You won't find any part of the experience jarring, even when driving at speed. What's Under the Hood? There's one engine option, and it's a 2-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 228 hp. That's plenty of power for city or suburb driving, and it's excellent for highway driving, too. How's the Fuel Economy? The Envision's fuel economy is in line with what you'd expect from a vehicle in this class. If you select the front-wheel drive model, then expect 31 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Those of you opting for the all-wheel drive model will get 29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. What Are Its Top Features? Some of the most beneficial features for those spending long hours in the 2023 Envision include: Built-in navigation Wireless smartphone pairing Alexa 9-speaker Bose sound system Wireless smartphone charging Rear camera mirror Buick driver information center How Safe Is It? The 2023 Envision boasts an impressive range of safety features, including: Auto emergency braking Intellibeam auto high beams Lane departure warning and lane keep assist Following distance indicator What Are the Trim Options? 1. Preferred The Preferred trim is the Envision's base model, and it comes with a very similar set of features to the higher trims. Continuous Damping Control and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking are unavailable for this model. 2. Essence Continuous Damping Control and Automatic Emergency Braking are available if you opt for the Essence model. Other features available include 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and LED headlamps. 3. Avenir Continuous Damping Control and Automatic Emergency Braking are standard on this trim. Some other enticing features, such as a panoramic moonroof and the Technology I Package, are also standard. Does the 2023 Envision sound like the right car for your needs? Come to Crain Buick GMC so you can take it out for a spin, and maybe you'll want to take one home.

GMC is one of many auto manufacturers in the world but one of few that embodies innovative, reliable engineering that gets you from point A to B in style. A fan favorite, the GMC Acadia, is returning this year, and, unsurprisingly, it is everything you are looking for in an SUV. Whether you need a family vehicle, a personal vehicle, or just something to get groceries in, the 2023 Acadia has you covered. Check out the 2023 Acadia below. Basics About the 2023 GMC Acadia The Acadia is a four-door mid-size SUV. The four trim options are the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The SLE and SLT trims come standard with a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine. The AT4 and Denali come standard with a powerful 3.6L V6 engine. It is worth noting that the SLT has the option to upgrade to the 3.6L engine. The 2.0L is capable of 228 horsepower, while the 3.6L is capable of 310 horsepower. There are two editions for 2023: the Elevation Edition and the Denali Black Diamond Edition. Each edition adds a spin to the standard Acadia, adding aspects like blacked-out features and an enhanced technology package. What's New in 2023 Overall, the Acadia didn't receive any major updates this year. Instead, GMC decided to focus on the minutiae of this great SUV, focusing on fine-tuning and updating minor features. There are three new exterior colors: Ultra Blue Metallic, Sterling Metallic, and Volcanic Red Tintcoat. Technology Each trim comes with an eight-inch infotainment system, and the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims have the added capability of navigation. The SLT, AT4, and Denali also have an eight-way power driver seat, allowing you to find your ideal driving position. A Premium Bose eight-speaker system comes standard this year, except on the SLE trim. Each trim also comes with an HD rear vision camera, making backing up in tight spaces a breeze. Safety The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2023 Acadia high ratings in the crashworthiness category. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), another leading authority on automobile safety, rated the 2023 Acadia five stars for its exceptional crash safety and added safety features. The abundant safety features make the 2023 Acadia such a great SUV. Systems like forward collision alert, lane change alert, lane keep assist, and front pedestrian braking makes the 2023 Acadia an all-around great choice if safety is one of your primary concerns. The Acadia is the SUV to be driving in 2023. It brings countless capabilities, numerous safety systems, and innovative technology to the table. Deciding on the Acadia might have been the easy part, but now you have to find a trustworthy GMC dealer. Call or message Crain Buick GMC now to speak to a trusted GMC dealer and explore the Acadia in person.

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

Engine problems are the last thing any driver wants to consider. Most drivers imagine that any problem with the engine is expensive and time-consuming to fix. Fortunately, most problems can be quickly and inexpensively fixed if they're identified when they start. Your GMC dealership can fix any possible issue for you. These are some examples of problems we can repair for you. 3 Engine Problems You Should Only Get Fixed at Your GMC Dealership Blocked Radiator The radiator is responsible for removing the heat from your engine. It does this by heat exchange, as the heat generated by your engine is swapped for cooler outside air. This heat exchange occurs in the thin metal tubes in the front of the radiator. Liquid coolant in your engine absorbs the heat and transfers it to the radiator. The coolant, however, also absorbs rust, dirt, and other debris in your engine. This debris is left behind in the radiator when the coolant recirculates through your engine. In time, this debris can build up and block the tubes and radiator hoses. These blockages will prevent your engine from cooling, and the temperature will rise. Our technicians can find and clear the blockage. Starting Problems If your engine has difficulty starting, these problems can be caused by four separate issues. You may have a blocked catalytic converter, a worn battery, a damaged alternator, or a faulty starter solenoid. The battery provides the charge to the starter solenoid to start your engine. If the battery is weak, it may not produce enough power to charge the solenoid. If the solenoid is damaged, it can't fire the starter motor, can your engine won't crank. The alternator provides power for all your car's electrical systems. A damaged alternator may not produce enough power to recharge the battery. Finally, a blocked converter will cause the exhaust fumes to flow back into your engine. These fumes will prevent the spark plugs from sparking, and your engine will die in seconds. Our technicians will find the cause of the problem and repair it. Electrical Problems Most of the systems in your car require electricity. The alternator is responsible for producing all the electrical power for your car. This component has a relatively long life of approximately eight years. As the alternator ages, however, it will produce less power. The lack of power will cause problems for a wide variety of systems. If there isn't enough power available, your computer will have to shift the available power as needed. This shifting power will cause random electrical glitches. Our technicians can test your alternator and replace it if it's failing. If you experience any problems with your engine, call us immediately at Crain Buick GMC.