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.
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.
Does Your GMC or Buick Vehicle Need New Headlights?
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.
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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.
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.
Here at Crain Buick GMC, we know that warm weather brings with it plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy, such as going camping or relaxing at the beach. However, these experiences can suddenly become much less pleasant when you’re stuck dealing with car air conditioning issues during the ride back home. Is your car AC not working? Check out this list of common car AC issues and what you can do about them.
Leaking Refrigerant
First on our list of common reasons why your car AC isn’t working is leaking refrigerant. A refrigerant leak can occur at any point in the air conditioning process and so it’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. However, the most common place where leaks are found is at AC unit hose connections. You may also see an oily substance accumulating around these connections, which is likely the source of the leak.
Blocked Condenser
Your GMC’s air conditioning unit relies on a condenser to re-cool hot refrigerant. As part of the re-cooling process, the refrigerant is compressed using the airflow that comes through the front of your car while you drive. If the condenser is blocked by debris, then it will be unable to properly cool the refrigerant and your car’s air conditioning system will continue to operate with overheated refrigerant. If this issue occurs, it will quickly cause the AC unit to only expel hot air.
Broken Condenser
If you’ve taken a thorough look at your condenser and there doesn’t appear to be anything blocking it, then it’s possible that the condenser may be broken altogether. There are several things that can cause your GMC vehicle to suffer from a broken condenser, such as a puncture from road debris going through the grill of your car and damaging the part or equipment failure.
Contact Your GMC Dealer to Resolve Issues With Your Car AC Not Working
Whether you’ve confirmed that one or all of these issues is responsible for your AC troubles or you’re having trouble confirming the cause, contacting your local GMC specialists is a great way to get your AC problem solved. These specialists have experience with popular GMC models such as the GMC Terrain and can resolve AC issues quickly.
GMC specialists can seal refrigerant leaks with specialized sealants and examine vehicle components for blockages and failures so that you can get back out on the road with your GMC’s air conditioning restored to tip-top working order.
As you can see, there are several reasons why your GMC’s air conditioning may not be working. Fortunately, GMC specialists are standing by to assist you with your air conditioning woes. To resolve your air conditioning issues, give us a call at Crain Buick GMC today!
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5 Things to Love About the 2022 GMC Canyon
The 2022 GMC Canyon is a high-performance midsize pickup truck with excellent off-roading capabilities. The Canyon is available with an extended or crew cab and two bed lengths, so you can customize it to suit your needs. There’s lots to love about this fantastic vehicle, and after reading our list of its top features, we’re sure you will love it too!
5 Things to Love About the 2022 GMC Canyon
Awesome 2022 Updates
GMC has added a new edition to their lineup, the Denali Black. This head-turning vehicle sports a sleek black exterior enhanced by black assist steps, exhaust tips, and 20-inch rims. Inside the cab, the new Canyons are fitted with all-weather floor liners to protect your car after you have been out getting dirty in the great outdoors.
Advanced Technology
The GMC Canyon is fitted with an awesome 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that makes it safe and easy to access navigation, music, and more! Prefer to use voice commands? No problem! use the available built-in Amazon Alexa for hands-free access to maps, music, lists, and more. Charge your devices through one of four USB ports, or choose the available wireless charger if you have a compatible smartphone.
Impressive Cargo Bed
The 2022 model features E-Z-lift and a lower tailgate to give you easy access to your truck bed, which are an incredible help when loading up the back of your truck with heavy cargo. All keyfobs have a button to lock the tailgate for your convenience. Additionally, you can add the available spray-on bed liner to keep your truck in tip-top condition. The non-skid surface covers the entire bed and will keep your vehicle safe from scrapes and stains.
Luxurious Interior
When planning your next family road trip, you don’t have to worry about anyone being uncomfortable in this super spacious truck. The crew cab model can seat five people comfortably, and each passenger will be delighted with their ample legroom. Higher trim levels feature heated, ventilated leather-appointed seating to keep you cozy and stylish simultaneously!
Excellent Inclusivity
GMC endeavors to make its vehicles accessible to everybody, including old and short passengers who typically struggle to clamber in and out of large trucks. The 2022 Canyon is fitted with 5-inch chrome assist steps with a non-slip coating to ensure ease and safety.
If you are looking for a vehicle that can easily ferry you around town or through the woods, then you need to check out the new GMC Canyon. Perfect for hauling timber or taking the kids to school, this truck does it all. Come see us at Crain Buick GMC and take one out for a test drive! We’re happy to answer questions you might have about this vehicle or any others we have in the showroom, and can assist you with financing if needed.
How Often Should Your Car Get Brake Service?
Your braking system is the hardest-working component of your car’s safety mechanism, so it’s important to make sure that it has everything it needs. Regular brake service with your GMC dealer is one way to guarantee that you’ll always have stopping power and precision control, but for the safest and most cost-effective maintenance schedule, you’ll need to get the intervals right.
How Often Should You Book a Brake Service With Your GMC Dealer?
A service will involve inspection of the braking system, including the brake pads, calipers, lines, and hoses. The pads and shoes are relatively inexpensive to replace and will prevent costly damage by protecting the metal components from abrasion, so you should always schedule a checkup before they have a chance to wear out.
Time Your Service
Regardless of your driving conditions and habits, the brake pads will eventually wear down, so it’s important to stay alert to their condition. They should be checked at least once a year, and many drivers will schedule their service alongside their six-monthly oil change and tire rotation.
If you’d rather watch your odometer than a calendar, then brake pads should last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles. This range is quite wide, however, so factor in the other variables when deciding on the best intervals for a checkup.
Check Your Driving Habits
Certain driving styles will put more pressure on the braking system than others, so be honest with yourself about your habits. If you rely heavily on the brakes to decelerate, or if you’re prone to late, sharp stops, then you’ll wear your brake components out more quickly and will need to shorten the wait between inspections.
Evaluate the Conditions
Some driving conditions will also shorten the lifespan of your braking components. Extreme high or low temperatures, heavy traffic with stop-start driving, steep mountainous roads, sharp turns, a heavy payload, and sandy, dusty, or wet driving conditions will all put more pressure on the brake pads, so adjust the timing of your service to reflect this.
Stay Alert to Warning Signs
If things aren’t right in your braking system, your vehicle will let you know. Strange noises are one clue, with a screeching, squealing, or low rumbling sound when the brakes are applied. A vibrating or spongy pedal, a sluggish response when braking, or the loss of that precision control during maneuvers are other signals that you need to schedule an appointment immediately.
As well as protecting your own safety and the health of your vehicle, a suitable brake maintenance routine will give you peace of mind. Life’s too short to worry about things that can be easily fixed, so call us at Crain Buick GMC and trust us to give your vehicle’s brakes the very best of care.
Protect your vehicle by knowing the five signs your GMC or Buick needs a new catalytic converter, or “cat.” At Crain Buick GMC, our service team has seen it all, including plenty of broken cats. Discover the most common indications of a bad cat below.
5 Signs Your GMC or Buick Needs a New Catalytic Converter From Your GMC Dealer
1. Check Engine Light
If your check engine light turns on, it could mean one of many things, including a broken cat. Sometimes, a check engine light comes on because there is a problem with one of your sensors, rather than the cat itself. Other times, the sensors detect an actual problem with the performance of your cat.
If you take your vehicle to your local GMC dealer, a service technician will look for trouble codes. The codes will tell the technician precisely what happened to your vehicle.
2. Failed Emissions Test
Another sign that your cat called it quits is a failed emissions test, although it could mean one or more other problems instead. Generally, a vehicle fails an emissions test for one of three reasons:
- Vacuum leaks
- Broken oxygen sensor
- Faulty air injection system
While a vacuum leak may cause a bad cat, a bad cat will not lead to a vacuum leak. That said, if a cat’s oxygen sensor proves faulty, that could lead to a failed emissions test.
3. Rattling Noise Upon Ignition
Most of the time, a rattling noise indicates a problem with your cat, especially if it occurs during startup and then becomes fainter as you drive. However, you should not ignore this symptom.
The cause of the rattle usually involves broken pieces of mesh inside your cat. Once you start your car, the broken mesh pieces start rattling around in there. An arrhythmic beat represents a dead giveaway that you have broken mesh inside your cat.
4. Exhaust Smells Like Rotten Eggs
When your cat works as it should, it converts stinky hydrogen sulfide into odorless sulfur dioxide. However, when your cat begins to break down, you may begin to smell something like rotten eggs or a stink bomb. If other drivers start indicating to you that your car’s exhaust smells bad, you may need to schedule a service appointment for your malfunctioning cat.
5. Reduced Power
One of the earliest symptoms of a bad cat involves reduced power output from your engine. This problem may manifest as a lower top speed or slower acceleration than normal. If you notice your engine seems sluggish in general, you might have an issue with your cat.
Does your trusty GMC Sierra exhibit one or more of the previous five signs? If so, it could mean that your cat finally gave out. Call Crain Buick GMC at 501-329-6825 to schedule a checkup with one of our service technicians.
A Closer Look at the 2022 GMC Yukon XL
The new 2022 GMC Yukon XL is making waves with its spacious interior and new premium features. With impressive levels of customization and standard features that feel luxurious, this ride is the perfect fit.
Your All-Terrain, Full-Size SUV
GMC’s full-size SUV features three rows of seating and an extended length compared to the original Yukon. Released in late 2021, it still features the large size and comfort of the previous year’s model with some new special features that are sure to impress.
Check Out What’s New for the 2022 GMC Yukon XL
GMC’s full-size SUV comes with more standard safety features compared to older models. A new digital platform that significantly improves driveability has been added. The 2022 edition also comes with a navigation system standard, which is new from last year.
Spacious, Yet Rugged
Generous Seating
The Yukon XL continues to offer immense space that makes it comfortable, even for adults riding in the third row. With an overall length of 225.2 inches and 36.7 inches of third-row leg room, it’s incredibly roomy for the ultimate passenger comfort. A cargo volume of 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row makes it easy to bring along anything you need.
Great Performance
All that extra space hasn’t affected the XL’s tough capabilities. It comes standard with a 5.3 L V8 engine and the option to upgrade to a Duramax® 3.0L turbo-diesel engine. With 7,400 to 7,800 lbs of towing capacity, the Yukon is ready for action.
Convenience at Your Fingertips
Standard Features
There is no shortage of special features that make this vehicle a joy to drive. Rainsense front wipers come standard to keep the windshield effortlessly clear. Keyless entry comes standard with this year’s edition.
Optional Add-Ons
Convenient add-ons are also available. Optional power-retractable assist steps and a hands-free programmable liftgate make it simple to get in and load up. A power-sliding center console is available to optimize space and organization in the cab depending on what you need.
A Striking SUV
Classic Look
The Yukon XL comes with GMC’s signature C-shaped design LED headlights and taillights and 6-spoke machined aluminum wheels, making the standard option impressive to look at. It also comes with attractive leather-appointed interior seating with accent stitching in either dark walnut/slate or jet black.
Customize Your Ride
You have many options when it comes to personalizing your ride. Premium wheel options, like carbon or gloss, and 8 different shades of exterior paint are available to make this vehicle your own.
Safety Comes Standard
Safety features that previously were optional now come standard on the XL this year. Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning ensure you and your passengers are safe. Cross-traffic alert keeps you aware of any pedestrians in the area. Blind-spot monitoring is still an optional feature this year but is available for added security.
The Yukon XL is the epitome of rugged performance, advanced safety, and comfort. Come to Crain Buick GMC to see how we can help you customize the vehicle of your dreams. We are ready to fit you with the right vehicle today.
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