4 Benefits of Getting OEM Parts From Your GMC Dealer

Even GMC components and systems will wear out as time passes due to old age. If this happens, it can cause numerous issues and potentially make your vehicle unsafe to drive. As your GMC dealership, we provide regular maintenance that can prevent these problems from happening. We'd like you to know a few signs you need to visit our service department for a repair. more Pulling to One Side When you hit the brakes, the calipers simultaneously clamp against the spinning wheel rotors. Brake pads inside the calipers produce friction against the rotors, slowing and stopping the wheels. If you apply the brakes and your vehicle turns toward one side and continues moving, you have a brake problem. This issue is due to a caliper failure, and the affected wheel continues to move until the calipers on the other three wheels stop it. The two main causes of this problem are a rusted or damaged caliper or a blockage in the brake hose connected to the affected caliper. If brake fluid can't reach the caliper, the caliper won't work. A rusted caliper won't move or close, so it can't stop its wheel. Our technicians will investigate and fix the problem. Random Electrical Problems Most of your GMC's systems depend on electricity produced by the alternator. Electricity can be fickle, and a minor issue could affect a system temporarily and then cease and never reappear, like the sunroof suddenly stopping, then resuming movement and closing. If you experience frequent seemingly random electrical issues, you could have an alternator problem. The alternator will gradually slow down due to age and worn parts. When this happens, the electricity supply will drop. Electricity production continues to fall until the alternator can't supply power to all the vehicle systems. When this happens, electrical issues will appear as the limited available electricity is shifted from system to system depending on demand. We'll test your alternator and repair or replace it, and the electrical issues will stop. Damaged Radiator Cap The radiator cap controls the cooling system's pressure. Coolant moves through your engine at high speed and absorbs heat. The heat is then transported to the radiator, where it's removed by heat exchange. The absorbed heat and fast-moving coolant raise the pressure inside the cooling system, and if it rises too high, the radiator cap opens to release excess pressure and then closes. The cap is securely screwed into the radiator and has seals that ensure an air-tight fit. In time, these seals can crack, and coolant will leak. We'll examine the radiator cap and replace it if necessary. These are just some ways we can ensure your vehicle is always in great shape. Contact us today at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN.

People often don't think about battery maintenance, but it's vital that you keep your battery in good condition. If your battery isn't storing enough energy, it can't provide the spark your motor needs to turn over when you turn your key in the ignition. To keep your battery functioning for as long as possible, practice the following maintenance tips and visit your local GMC dealer if you notice signs of battery failure. more Battery Maintenance Tips for Your GMC Numerous factors affect the longevity of your car battery, including your driving habits and whether regular preventative maintenance is performed. To extend the lifespan of your battery, you should keep your battery terminals and cables free from corrosion. Check your battery monthly and schedule an appointment if you see a buildup of flaky white or greenish material. Corrosion should not be ignored because it reduces your battery's efficiency. The harder your battery has to work, the sooner you'll need to replace it. You should also plan your trips carefully if you want to extend your battery's useful life. A lot of energy is drained from your battery when you start your car, and it takes time for your alternator to recharge your battery. Limit short trips to help keep your battery from discharging completely. What Else You Can Do for Your Battery Another way you can protect your battery is by unplugging accessories when you park your car. You should also check to ensure all your lights are off when you leave your vehicle. Signs You Need to Visit Your Local GMC Dealer for a New Battery Regardless of how well you take care of your battery, the need for a new battery is inevitable. The average car battery lasts around three to five years, so don't be alarmed if you start seeing signs of a dying battery if it hasn't been replaced in a few years. Sometimes, your car will warn you that a new battery is necessary with the illumination of the battery light on your dashboard. However, there are other signs you should keep your eyes peeled for. Dim lights are another common indicator that your battery isn't functioning as well as it did in the past. The most important role your battery plays is starting your engine, but it's also crucial for powering every other electrical component in your vehicle, including your lights. Car batteries usually last for a few years, but you may be able to go five years without replacing yours if you take good care of it. To confirm your battery is still in good shape, schedule an inspection at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN today.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Maintenance is essential for every vehicle, even a Buick. As time passes, parts will inevitably wear out or become damaged. Fluids will weaken, potentially damaging other components. Your Buick service checklist has been carefully planned to account for natural wear and tear and ensure your car is always in good shape. As your Buick dealership, we want to tell you about some of the services we offer. more Fluid Checks Your Buick contains many different fluids, and each performs an important role. Some fluids, like engine oil, lubricate engine components to protect them against friction damage. Other fluids like coolant help control engine temperature and protect it against overheating. Power steering fluid allows the power steering to work effectively, reducing the effort required to turn the steering wheel. Aside from fuel, the most important fluids in your Buick are engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and differential fluid. Each fluid has a pre-determined lifespan to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. Our technicians can easily check any of the fluids and replace them when necessary. We also replace the filters for fluids that require them, like engine oil and transmission fluid. Tire Maintenance It's a fact that your tires will eventually wear out. They gradually abrade over time due to friction with the surface. In addition, tires lose flexibility as the rubber ages, and this will result in cracks and leaks. Tire balancing and alignment issues can develop over time, increasing tire wear even further. Fortunately, tire wear can be reduced through regular maintenance. Tire balancing and wheel alignment should be checked every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Our technicians will also examine your tires for signs of wear or damage and repair them if possible. Your tires usually need replacement every six years, but this time can be increased or decreased depending on their condition. Battery Replacement The average lifespan of a battery is three to five years before it wears out and fails. Battery capacity naturally degrades over time as the battery chemicals break down. Extreme heat or cold, electrical system issues, and other problems can reduce battery life even further. We recommend regular battery checks, starting from your battery's third year. We connect your battery to our computerized battery tester. The tester subjects your battery to numerous strength tests to determine any weakness or identify a major capacity drop. If your battery is healthy, we recommend retesting in a year. If your battery is failing, we'll replace it for you. The full checklist for your Buick's services is listed in your car manual. If you'd like to know more about your services or to book a service, contact us today at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN.