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One of the best things about Conway, AR, is the variety of interesting things to do and see here. There is plenty to do with the kids, history to immerse yourself in, and ways to relax too. One of our favorites is Lake Conway, a 6,700-acre man-made lake, which is well worth a visit as it is the biggest of its kind in the country. 6 Fun Activities to Enjoy at Lake Conway Go Fish There are lots of sportfish in the lake so grab your tackle and head down to catch yourself something special. If you catch something smaller than 10-inch you must throw it back so this means the lake is full of large crappie. There's also bass, catfish, bream, bluegill, and many more besides. There are handicapped-accessible fishing piers here too. During the season, it is legal to take game fish with spear guns. Paddle About Grab a kayak and experience the lake up close. It is so big it is rarely overcrowded with boats and the peacefulness of the paddles in the water means you can get closer to any wildlife without scaring it away. Use the boat ramps to enter the water safely and enjoy the tranquillity of the area. You Can't Beat Boating If you've got a boat, you can launch it at the lake at the public docks. You can also rent one from one the lakeside shops. This is a great way to spend some quality time with others, fishing or just enjoying the scenery, and visiting all the 8 miles of the length of the lake. There are a good variety of clearly marked boat trails to keep you safe from any unseen dangers in the water, like stumps or logs. Birds of a Feather At the right times of the year, you could see pelicans and egrets, ducks, wild and water turkeys, geese, and seagulls. A variety of migratory birds use the lake as a feeding stop en route. There are even bald eagle nesting areas so if you're really lucky, you'll see our national bird caring for its young. Want to Hunt? If hunting is your thing, next to the lake is the Camp Robinson Wildlife Management Area. There are small game you can hunt here, as well as turkey, and deer. Not only that, there are plenty of trails to enjoy walking and even an archery range to release your inner Robin Hood. Stay under Canvas Thanks to the various campsites around the perimeter you could even camp lakeside. Pitch your tent and relax under the night sky. The perfect way to relax to really feel like you are part of nature. In the morning, restock at one the lakeside bait shops and get the catch of the day before anyone else is even out of bed yet. The whole area is so beautiful, it's really worth a visit. Whether you're looking to visit with one friend or the whole family, towing a boat or carrying a kayak, it's important to have the right vehicle. Visit us at Crain Team Conway and we can help you choose from our selection of new and pre-owned vehicles to suit your needs, lakeside, seaside, and roadside.

Nothing is more aggravating than not being able to start your car when you need it most. Often, the culprit is a dead battery, but there are some signs to know when and how often you should get a new car battery to make sure you don't get stranded with a car that won't start. How Often Should You Get a New Car Battery? Typical Battery Life Many car batteries can last for at least five years, especially if you drive in ideal conditions and you take care to maintain the battery as much as you are able. However, on average, a car battery will start losing charge and wearing down after about three years. With every charge, your battery becomes a little less efficient and holds a little less charge. Eventually, it becomes challenging for the battery to provide enough power for the car to start. After approximately four years, you shouldn't rely on your battery to start every time. Even if you've had no problems in the first few years, your battery is not as efficient as it once was, and just like your phone battery, when the charge level hits a certain point, it starts to drain even faster. It's always a good idea to get your battery checked when you get your oil changed to ensure it's still holding an adequate charge. Battery Maintenance While you probably shouldn't let your battery go for five years, just because you never know if it's truly reliable or not, there are some maintenance tasks you can perform to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible. Clean the top of your battery and the cables regularly with a water and baking soda mixture and a non-metallic brush to prevent corrosion. Use a post cleaner to clean the terminals and remove any debris or corrosion. Visually inspect the battery's case to make sure it is still in a rectangular prism shape. If it's bulging or caved in anywhere, you need to replace it. This is an indication that something has shorted inside the battery that could cause damage to other vehicle components or even make the car unsafe to drive. Have your battery's fluid levels checked when you get an oil change to make sure the level is appropriate for continued use. How to Tell If You Need a New Battery If your car hesitates when starting up instead of turning over right away, it could mean that your battery is no longer providing sufficient charge to start your car. While your car will eventually start, the hesitation indicates that your battery is working harder than it should. Additionally, if you notice your headlights or interior lights flickering, that's a sign that the power is not distributing properly and that there's not enough charge to power your electronics and your car. In most cars, if the battery is going bad, you'll get a warning light on your dashboard. Typically, this is the "Service Engine Soon" light, but some makes and models might have an actual battery light. This is the most obvious indication that you need to replace your car's battery. Regular inspection and cleaning can extend the life of your battery, but even then, you should probably replace it after about three years. Come by Crain Buick GMC in Conway, AR today and we'll install a new battery for you.

Buying a new GMC is an exciting prospect! If you're in the market for your next car, here are a few reasons why you should visit your local GMC dealer. 4 Benefits of Buying Your Car From an Authorized GMC Dealer 1. You'll Know the Car Is Quality You can try your luck at a private seller, but unfortunately, there's no way to guarantee that the car you're looking at is good quality. And you may not find out that it's not a good quality car until it's too late! But when you go straight to your dealership, you can trust that the vehicles are all high-quality. Dealers and manufacturers work hard to provide their customers with reliable products that last: their reputation is on the line! If you want to trust in the quality of your new vehicle, going to a dealership is your best bet. 2. Your Dealer Will Offer You a Warranty Warranties make sure that if the unexpected happens and something goes wrong with your car, you and your vehicle will be kept safe. At the very least, knowing that you have a warranty on your car can give you great peace of mind. You won't often be able to get warranties from private sellers! This means that if something happens to your car, you're responsible for paying for all the repairs that need to be done, which can set you back a fair chunk of money. 3. Buying from a Dealer Is More Convenient Going to a dealership to buy your car means being able to take your time. Everything is in one location, and if you feel on the fence about a vehicle, most dealerships will let you have a day or two to think over your decision. Buying from an independent seller, on the other hand, can often feel rushed. You might feel pressured into making a decision that you regret later. If you want to maintain a clear head while you're car shopping, visiting a dealership will help you do that. 4. The Dealership Is Staffed with Experts The customer service representatives that work at your local dealership are used to working exclusively with this brand of car. This is beneficial to you because it means that you're talking to the experts when you go to your dealer. The staff will be able to answer any questions you might have about their vehicles and will be able to direct you towards the make and model that works best for your lifestyle. Don't expect that kind of expertise when you go to a private seller! They may know the general facts about the vehicle they're selling, but they most likely won't be able to get into any of your more complicated questions. While shopping for a new vehicle can be exciting, it can also be very stressful. With so many options out there, the whole process can be overwhelming. Skip the stress of scrolling through online ads and head to Crain Buick GMC where you'll get expert advice, high-quality cars, and the best service possible.

The 2021 GMC Acadia offers all of the amenities of a full-sized SUV in the convenient package of a mid-size. The impressive features and capabilities of the Acadia are paired perfectly with the service and loyalty you'll find at Crain Buick GMC. Intelligent Cabin Design The Acadia's beautifully designed cabin seats up to 7 with a removable second-row middle seat to give the convenience of Captain's chairs. The Smart Slide® system of the second-row seats provides easy access to the third-row, while the passenger-side tip option allows the seat to slide forward and angle slightly. The driver and front-seat passengers will enjoy the available heated and ventilated perforated leather-appointed seats, while every passenger will benefit from the standard tri-zone climate controls strategically placed around the cabin. Adaptable Cargo Space Both the second and third-row seats fold flat to deliver cargo space up to 79 cu. ft. The split-folding seats and Smart Slide second row gives the Acadia an entirely adaptable storage area for all business and recreational needs. This SUV also features a large under-console storage area accessible by both the driver and front-seat passenger, designed to keep the front seats clear of distractions. The 2021 GMC Acadia Models GMC offers the 2021 Acadia in four trim levels, all with standard 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLE and SLT models both start at $33,600, the AT4 starts at $41,100, and the Denali starts at $46,300. The SLE and SLT models are both available in the new Elevation Edition which features black exterior accents. Tailored to Your Needs The Acadia offers many features to customize your driving experience. The convenient keyless entry and push-button start begin your journey, while the Dual Skyscape® Sunroof enhances it. The available leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel complements the heated, adjustable side mirrors on those cold mornings, and the hands-free, programmable power liftgate, standard on the SLT and above, gives easy access to load your cargo by waving your foot under the rear bumper to open the liftgate. Informative Displays GMC's standard 8” diagonal Infotainment System offers available navigation and standard safety features. With Apple CarPlay® compatibility and Amazon Alexa Built-In, you can check the weather, place calls, control smart home devices, find parking, and get directions all with voice-activated technology. Use the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi® Hotspot to connect up to seven mobile devices without using up any of your smartphone's data plan. GMC's technology is designed to keep you safe by utilizing the available 6” diagonal color Head-Up Display, which uses your windshield to project safety warning alerts and keep you informed about your speed, fuel levels, and more. The rear-view mirror also doubles as an available Rear Camera Mirror giving the driver a less obstructed view from the vehicle's rear. GMC pulls out all the stops with the 2021 Acadia. Its versatility and adaptability are what make it one of the most innovative and forward-thinking mid-size SUVs on the market. Call or stop by Crain Buick GMC in Conway today to see how the Acadia will fit into your life and your budget.

You may never have considered living in Conway, AR, but if you ask us, it's one of the greatest places in the nation to make your home. Here are some reasons why we love this town. Why We Love Living in Conway, AR The Arts Are Important Conway is a hotbed for live theater, musical concerts, and other cultural productions. In the summer, you can visit Hendrix Village Green to watch a variety of Shakespearean plays, including some humorous ones such as A Comedy of Errors and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Of course, there's serious drama as well, as is evidenced by last year's production of Hamlet. The University of Central Arkansas also puts on live plays throughout the year, including popular productions during the holidays. Hendrix Village Green is also known for its major musical events, which has featured artists such as Chance the Rapper and Macklemore & Lewis in the past. You'll also enjoy concerts by lesser-known musical artists who may end up hitting it big: this has happened several times throughout the years. Don't forget to take in the more classical concerts of the Conway Symphony Orchestra and help support music programs at local schools. Recreation Is Everywhere Whether you visit the many city parks or go to one of the two sports centers in town, you'll have no problem finding a place for recreation. Conway's Parks and Recreation department organizes dozens of adult and children recreation programs all year long so you can take advantage of organized activities no matter what the weather is outside. Well-maintained walking and mountain biking trails, tennis courts, and racquetball courts are also available to the public for a nominal fee. World-Renown Libraries Bring the Education Known as the City of Colleges, Conway is home to several world-class libraries such as the ones at Hendrix and UCA. Not only can you visit these revered libraries to find a book you want to read, but you can also attend numerous lectures from speakers such as Neil deGrasse Tyson and other distinguished lecturers. You'll always find acclaimed poets and authors ready to share their craft at these amazing institutions of learning. Downtown Is Lively and Diverse Conway is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arkansas, and its downtown area reflects its growth through its bustling retail and restaurant scene. You'll find both small-town boutiques and big-city chains open for business, and the local restaurants can compete with any five-star eatery in the state. Downtown is especially wonderful during the holidays, as the stores go all-out with their window displays, and the giant Christmas tree ushers in the spirit of the season. Cost of Living is a Value If the arts, recreation, and education don't bring you to Conway, the cost of living will. The median home value here is $167,000, which is significantly less than in most other cities in the region. The median household income is nearly $47,000, a higher amount than you'll find in comparable cities. With only 65,000 residents, you'll get a small-town atmosphere with all the conveniences of a big city at a relatively low price. We could go on and on about how much we love living in Conway, but don't take our word for it. Come by Crain Buick GMC of Conway and we'll show you what makes this town so special.