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Happy couple shaking hands with a dealership representative after finalizing an extended warranty.

What's Included in an Extended Warranty on a Buick or GMC Vehicle?

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.

Technician performing a car tire alignment using computerized tools

How Often Should Your Car Get a Routine Alignment?

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.

Undercarriage of a vehicle in a service bay with fluid draining into a pan

5 Electrical Problems You Should Always Fix at Your GMC Dealer

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.

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Get to Know the 2023 GMC Terrain

The 2023 GMC Terrain is one of GMC's most popular models and their entry into the mid-size crossover market. Its large interior, peppy feel behind the wheel, and a comfortable ride all make the Terrain ideal for a large variety of purposes in both city and suburban life. Basics About the 2023 GMC Terrain The 2023 Terrain is a continuation of the design and performance of the 2022 model. The 2023 Terrain has been upgraded with an additional five horsepower, more color options, and additional options for wheels, accents, and other aesthetic choices at various trim levels compared to the 2022 model, giving you much more choice when customizing your vehicle. New Features in the 2023 Terrain Engine and Suspension All trim levels of the 2023 Terrain use a 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and come in either FWD or AWD. The FWD variants of the Terrain enjoy a 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway average fuel efficiency rating, while the AWD models average at 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The highlight of the Terrain is its top-tier suspension system, which keeps you comfortable on both long drives and twisting roads. Interior The 2023 Terrain has a ton of space for both passengers and cargo, especially when factoring in the 60/40 folding back seats and the fold-flat front passenger seat, there's a total of 63.3 cubic feet available. The trunk itself has 29.6 cubic feet of storage, which is more than enough to carry loads of luggage with a full car. The Terrain offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, as well as a mobile wi-fi hotspot that can keep you connected no matter where you may go. An optional heads-up display for the driver is available, which flips up directly from the dashboard. Safety Features The Terrain also offers a number of standard features that can help you stay safe on the road. Pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist are all standard. Additionally, you can choose to include a 360-degree camera that can help you navigate tight parking lots and roads and prevent you from experiencing the little dings and dents that can accumulate over the course of your vehicle's lifespan. Warranty The 2023 Terrain comes complete with warranty coverage designed to prevent any faults in the first few years of ownership. The limited warranty on the vehicle itself covers three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, while the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Thinking about upgrading your car and considering the 2023 Terrain? Contact us today at Crain Buick GMC to schedule your test drive!

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6 Car Safety Features You'll Find on Today's Buick and GMC Vehicles

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.

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3 Signs Your GMC or Buick Needs New Tires

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.

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4 Car Maintenance Tips Every GMC and Buick Owner Can Use

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.

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