GMC and Buick Maintenance Tips

Maintenance is key to your vehicle’s performance and safety, and Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond has GMC and Buick maintenance tips to help you stay right on schedule. And while you should plan for routine maintenance at a certified service center, there are quite a few DIY tasks that you can take care of on your own. So whether you have a GMC Sierra HD in Henrico or a Buick Enclave in Glen Allen, read on to learn about the recommended Buick and GMC service schedule to keep your vehicle on track!

DIY Maintenance Basics

While every make and model will differ slightly, there are plenty basic GMC maintenance tips that will benefit nearly all vehicles. Here is a general overview:

1. Know the Manual: Your owner’s manual will give you the most specific information about your make and model, and you can use the included GMC or Buick service schedule to plan for your next maintenance appointment.
2. Inspect the Vehicle: Your manual will also help you identify the different parts of your vehicle, so you can easily spot things like fluid leaks and tire damage. This helps to catch minor issues before they become major problems.
3. Check Your Tires: Proper tire pressure affects your ride quality, your safety, and even your fuel economy. If you don’t have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, pick up a tire pressure gauge from our parts department. You can also pick up a tire tread depth gauge or just use a penny to keep tabs of your tread depth.
4. Check the Engine Oil Level: Oil decreases friction and heat in your engine, which reduces wear and tear. Check the oil levels and the color of the oil, and replace your oil if it looks dark or burnt.
5. Check the Engine Coolant: Use your owner’s manual to find information about your car’s proper coolant formulation, and be sure to top off your coolant with a funnel if the levels are too low.
6. Inspect the Engine Air Filter: Engine air filters should be checked regularly to make sure the air can flow freely. If the filter looks clogged or dirty, pick up a replacement.
7. Use the Right Fuel: Does your car need standard or premium gas? Check your owner’s manual to make sure your car is getting the recommended octane rating, particularly if you drive a performance car that’s prone to engine knocks.
8. Inspect Light Bulbs: Make sure that your car’s lighting system is working properly. If you notice any burnt out bulbs, they are quick and easy to fix – and they make a huge difference on the Goochland roads.
9. Inspect the Windshield Wipers: Windshield wipers keep your vision clear in bad weather, so inspect the blades from time to time. Pick up a replacement set if you notice any damage or worsening performance.
10. Keep Track of Maintenance: While your dealership will keep a log of your last scheduled visits, we recommend taking note of your DIY maintenance tasks as well for future reference.

Stay on Top of Your GMC Service Schedule at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond

We’ve gone through the basic GMC maintenance tips, but what if you still have questions? Contact us at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond for more information or schedule your appointment in Richmond at your convenience. You can even browse our service specials or learn more service tips and tricks online!