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One of the sweetest feelings in the world is the moment you drive a brand-new Buick off the lot. But in order to continue enjoying the full power and performance you've come to expect, your Buick needs regular maintenance. Fortunately, nobody knows Buick maintenance better than the people who deal with them every day: the experts at your local Buick dealership. Here's just a taste of how we can help you keep your car performing at its best. more What Services Does Your Buick Really Need? Here’s What Matters Most 1. Oil Changes Whether it's by mileage or by month, sooner or later, your Buick will need to have its oil filter replaced and its oil changed. Most drivers know that oil changes are crucial for vehicle health, but not everyone knows why. Fresh, clean motor oil doesn't just lubricate the engine and ensure the purr you've come to know from your Buick. It also helps remove micro debris from the engine and keep it cool, ensuring excellent performance mile after mile. Remember that motor oil breaks down with both use and with time, so if you're coming up on your oil's change date or mileage limit, don't wait. Give your engine the fresh, clean oil it needs to do its best. 2. Brake Services Car reviewers may gush about engine power and zero to sixty times, but when it comes to safety, there's nothing more important on your Buick than the performance of its brakes. That's why brake service is essential to keeping your journeys ending in joy, not sorrow. Our technicians will inspect your brakes, look for brake fluid leaks, and ensure everything is in top condition. Your Owner's Manual will tell you at what milestone Buick recommends a brake inspection, but if you even think your brakes might be acting up, don't wait. Brake troubles can manifest as vibration, uneven braking, or unusual noises like scraping or grinding when braking. A spongy feeling in the brake pedal or increased stopping distance are also urgent warnings to get your brakes serviced. 3. Multi-Point Inspections Multipoint inspections are like a doctor's checkup for your Buick. Our technicians work hard to make sure that your Buick is performing as it should. We inspect tires for wear and weakness. We test headlights, taillights, and brake lights for brightness and function. We check levels for windshield wiper fluid, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and more. The very best thing about a multipoint inspection? They're the perfect chance to catch developing problems early, before they can become big, expensive, or dangerous. Your Buick is designed to bring you that "just off the lot" spark of joy for years to come. Trust it to the professionals who know it best. Schedule your next service today at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When driving, you need to know that your brakes will work instantly if you need them. As time goes by, brake components will wear out or become damaged, and your brakes will become less responsive. If you're close to Carmel, IN, we can quickly and efficiently repair any brake problem. We'd like you to know some signs you need to visit us for a brake repair. more Soft Brake Pedal Your braking system requires force and pressure to bring your wheels to a stop. The brake fluid in the system is highly pressurized and provides the essential hydraulic pressure that pushes the calipers against the rotors to generate the friction necessary to stop your vehicle. You can feel the pressure in the system as it supplies increased resistance the harder you press down on the brake pedal. A soft brake pedal is a condition where you feel little resistance when you step on the pedal. This is a dangerous situation, as the lack of resistance means your brakes won't stop your vehicle as quickly as you may need to. Low resistance could be caused by a brake fluid leak or a blockage in the brake hoses. We'll investigate and fix the problem. Vibrations When You Brake If you feel strange vibrations when you hit the brakes, you could have a damaged brake rotor could be damaged. The rotors are flat metal disks positioned behind the wheels. They have smooth surfaces, which makes it easier for the calipers to grab and push against them to generate the friction that stops the wheels from moving. The friction generated between the pads and the rotors generates intense heat. The heat can cause some of the pad's adhesive to liquefy and spread across the rotor surface. The adhesive will swiftly dry on the rotor and create an uneven surface. When a caliper grabs the uneven surface, it will generate vibrations you'll feel through the pedal. We'll clean or resurface the affected rotors and the vibrations will disappear. Pulling to One Side When you hit the brakes, all four calipers grip the rotors simultaneously to stop your vehicle. If you feel your car pull to one side, you probably have a damaged caliper. If a caliper doesn't correctly engage, its rotor will continue to turn, and your car will pull toward the side of the working caliper. A caliper could fail due to a blockage in the hose carrying brake fluid to it, or it might have rusted. We'll repair the affected caliper, and your brakes will work correctly again. If you have a brake problem, contact our service department today at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN.

Going to your local GMC dealer for any repairs and parts replacements that you need is highly beneficial for many reasons. One major benefit of always seeking your car maintenance or repairs from the dealer is access to OEM parts, which are the parts you want in your car when you need to replace a component. more 1. The Parts Are Under Warranty For the first three years, your GMC is under warranty, which covers the cost of any necessary repairs. This includes the cost of parts. Dealers always use OEM components and honor your car's warranty. So, heading to the dealership and getting OEM components, which are covered under warranty, is always the smartest option financially, especially within the first three years of owning your car. 2. The Parts Are Always Extremely High Quality A dealership would never use parts that aren't high-quality, and OEM components are always made with the best materials for the job. These components are rigorously inspected and tested, ensuring they're as high-quality as they can possibly be. Aftermarket parts aren't tested to the same extent, and they're not always made with the same high-quality materials as OEM ones, either. In many cases, aftermarket parts are made of poor-quality materials that break down not long after they're installed. 3. The Parts Are Easy to Find and Fix With OEM components, the technicians at your dealership can more quickly understand the exact part your car needs and where to get it from if it's not already in stock. When the part arrives, it can be fitted into your car with no extra adjustments. The same can't always be said for aftermarket components. Because aftermarket parts are made to fit into as many car makes and models as they possibly can to be cost-effective, they often need to be adjusted before being fitted into your car. The adjustment adds time and labor costs to any parts replacement. 4. The Parts Are Always the Same When you replace broken parts in your car with aftermarket components, you can never be sure how the part will work. One aftermarket part may work much better than another, even if it's meant to be the same part. Plus, one aftermarket part may last five years, but another might just last one. When you get OEM components, you always know the parts are compatible with your car, and their longevity doesn't significantly vary. If you need a part for your car, then you can always get it through us. Visit Ed Martin Buick GMC or order parts on our website today.

Oil changes can be frustrating, but knowing when to get one is important in ensuring your car's health. Knowing when it's time for a car oil change is crucial and will limit the amount of time you need to spend servicing your vehicle. Here, we will discuss the most common signs that your vehicle needs car service in Carmel, IN. more Car Oil Change Light Some modern cars are equipped with a checking system to alert you when the vehicle needs an oil change. Older cars, however, may not be equipped with an oil change calculator. In that case, wait until the oil change light illuminates on the dashboard; when it does, look into getting an oil change as soon as possible. Odd Engine Noises Oil serves as a lubricant for car parts. It wets the parts of the engine that rotate to prevent metal-to-metal contact, so, with the right amount of oil, the engine should be quiet and without loud knocking sounds. If, however, your engine is making sounds that you don't typically hear, loud sounds of metal colliding, for example, this is probably a sign that your oil life is very low and your car should be taken for service immediately. Mileage Counter In the past, the general rule of thumb for getting an oil change was every 3,000-5,000 driven miles. With improved vehicles and synthetic oils, today, most cars can drive between 7,500 and 10,000 miles before needing an oil change. Research your car's oil capabilities, and count the amount of miles you have driven since the last oil change. When you reach your car's expected capacity for oil, it might be time to schedule an oil change. Black Exhaust Smoke A functioning exhaust pipe should be releasing translucent smoke, or if in cold conditions, white smoke. The white smoke that releases from your exhaust pipe is a mixture made of mostly water vapor. If the exhaust's smoke turns to a dark color, black or blue, for example, this could be a sign that your car has an oil leak or a lack of oil circulating through the engine. If you see a cloud of dark smoke, it is time to get your engine looked at by professional mechanics. If your car is showing signs of any of the four symptoms listed above, it is more likely than not that you are due for an oil change. Keeping your car regularly maintained is the key to a long-lasting, healthy vehicle. Is your car showing signs of a needed oil change? Contact us today at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN to schedule your car's service, and we'll be here to help with any additional questions.

Keeping your GMC's tires in great shape is essential for safe and smooth driving. Tires are your direct connection to the road, and their condition can have a massive effect on how your car handles. Here's how tire maintenance with the help of your GMC dealer can make sure your tires last longer and keep you cruising comfortably. more Start Checking That Tire Pressure One of the easiest things you can do to help your tires last longer? Keep them properly inflated. Both under and over-inflated tires can wear out quickly and mess with your car's fuel efficiency. Try to check your GMC's tire pressure about once a month and before any long trips. You'll find the right pressure levels in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door. Remember to adjust the pressure with the changing seasons, as temperature shifts can affect it. Rotate Your Tires Regularly To wear your tires down evenly, make sure to rotate them every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This means moving them from one position on your car to another, like from front to back or side to side. This helps all your tires wear down at the same rate, which can make them last much longer. Keep Those Tires Aligned and Balanced Keeping your tires aligned and balanced is super important if you want to avoid uneven wear or frustrating vibrations. If your GMC starts pulling to one side or you notice odd wear patterns on your tires, it might be time for an alignment check. If your steering wheel vibrates, your tires might need balancing. It's a good idea to have these checked every two years or whenever you get new tires. Inspect Your Tires for Damage When was the last time you looked at your tires? Get into the habit of checking them regularly. Signs of wear or damage like cracks, cuts, punctures, or bulges on the tire walls can be bad news. Also, keep an eye out for uneven wear. That could mean that your tires aren't aligned properly or that there's an issue with your suspension. Drive Smoothly How you drive has a big impact on how long your tires last. Hard starts, stops, and turns can wear your tires out quickly. Try to drive smoothly. Accelerate gently, brake softly, and take it easy on the turns. Don't forget to watch out for potholes and rough roads that can beat up your tires. Team Up With Your GMC Dealer for Tire Maintenance Swinging by your local dealership for regular tire checks can really help keep your tires in great shape. Our expert technicians have all the right tools and know-how to give your tires a thorough inspection, making sure they're aligned, balanced, and properly inflated. We're also great at catching any wear or damage that might otherwise go unnoticed. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your tires significantly. Call Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN to schedule your next tire service today.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Regular GMC maintenance keeps your vehicle working efficiently and reduces repair costs. Maintenance allows our technicians to identify small issues and fix them before they turn into potentially expensive problems. As your GMC dealer, we want to tell you about some examples of the maintenance we provide. more Battery Replacement A dead battery is stressful and annoying, but fortunately, it's preventable. Many drivers don't realize that the battery has a limited life. On average, your battery will work effectively for three to five years before it wears out. This limited lifespan is due to the natural breakdown of the battery chemicals that enable it to store and supply electricity. We can test your battery and give you a heads-up on its current and future condition. We'll hook it up to our computerized battery tester. This system tests your battery to identify any weaknesses or other issues. If your battery is in good condition, we advise retesting it in a year. If it's weak, we can replace it with a new one in minutes. Tire Maintenance Your tires are made from high-quality rubber but will eventually wear out. Tire rubber becomes less elastic over time, and this can cause it to crack and eventually leak. The tread gradually wears down due to friction, reducing tire grip on the surface and increasing braking distance. In addition, wheel balance or alignment issues can develop, causing further wear. We offer a range of services to extend your tire life. We can correct your tire pressure, as over or under-inflated tires suffer additional wear and tear. Our technicians can re-balance your tires by connecting them to our tire balancing machine. Wheel alignment problems can also be easily solved as our wheel alignment machine will adjust your wheels. When the time comes for new tires, we can fit and balance them for you. Fluid Checks Your vehicle contains many different fluids that keep the engine clean, control its temperature, enable the transmission to function, and force your brakes to engage. These fluids gradually degrade as time passes, and poor-quality fluids will impair your vehicle's performance. Some fluids, like coolant, will become corrosive and can cause engine damage. Some of the most important fluids in your GMC include transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. Our technicians can easily test your fluids to ensure they're in good condition. We can drain and replace any old fluids and will also replace the fluid's filter if it uses one. Replacing fluids is inexpensive and helps your vehicle to work efficiently. If you want to know more about our other services, contact our service department today at Ed Martin Buick GMC in Carmel, IN.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

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.