Keep Your GMC Running Smoothly: Schedule Your Regular Maintenance Check

Certain warning signs will appear when you need a brake repair from your local GMC dealership. The problems are hard to miss, so you'll know when it's time to visit the dealership before the problem goes on for too long and causes major problems with your car. more 1. The ABS Light Is On Cars have a built-in mechanism that tells you when there's something wrong with the braking system. If the ABS light illuminates on the dashboard, then get to the dealer straight away, even if your car isn't showing other signs that there's a problem. 2. The Brakes Make Noise When Used Brakes make squealing or grinding noises when used because they need new brake pads. When the problem isn't bad, you'll hear squealing, like a small piece of metal is scraping against another metal surface. This is a built-in component of the brake pad designed to alert you to the fact that the pads need to be replaced. Over time, more and more of the pad wears away until there's little to no brake pad left. This leaves the rotor and brake caliper to scrape against each other, and they'll damage each other over time. 3. The Rotor Has Grooves It's a good idea to perform visual inspections of various parts of your vehicle every few weeks. This includes your rotors. If you see grooves on them, or they look in any other way abnormal, then get to the dealer. They may need to be turned or replaced. 4. The Brake Pads Look Thin If your brake pads look thin, around 1/4 of an inch thick or less, then visit the dealership. You need 1/4 of an inch of pad minimum to drive safely, and pretty soon, you'll probably start hearing the brake pad wear indicator scratching against your rotors. 5. The Brakes Perform Badly If your brakes aren't responding or if it's taking longer for you to stop when you use the brake pedal, then you need to go to the dealership as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with your brakes and this condition can endanger you and others, especially if the problem gets worse over time. 6. The Brake Pedal Feels Different If your brake pedal feels different while in use, even if the difference is subtle, visit the dealership to get it checked out. It's common for brake issues to make the pedal feel spongy or like there's no resistance when you use it. Most of these problems are pretty simple to fix, and our technicians can tackle them head-on. Come get your braking system repaired at Oxendale GMC in Flagstaff, AZ.

Hauling heavy trailers and boats can stress some of your truck's most vital parts, such as the engine, brakes, and transmission. To ensure your truck is always in optimal trailering condition, you need to schedule routine GMC towing maintenance at your GMC dealer. Learn about the key systems that need routine service today. more When it comes to maintenance that supports the towing capabilities of your truck, it's best to start under the hood. A basic oil change can go a long way to enhancing the performance and power of your engine, particularly if you spend a lot of time on the road. Additionally, you will want to keep an eye on other fluid levels in your vehicle, such as differential fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Because trailering and towing require a lot of power from your engine to generate the torque necessary to move extra heavy loads, you will need to pay special attention to your cooling system. Depending on your truck, you may have a radiator and external coolers that prevent the engine from overheating, and the coolant for all of these coolers needs to be changed frequently so you get the best performance from your truck. Hitch and Wiring For trailering safety on the road, you should check your hitch and wiring systems any time you use your truck for towing. Taking the time to double-check the tightness of your hitch attachment and the security of your receiver pin can ensure your truck is ready to tow. If your trailer supports an electrical wiring system, be sure to check the connectors and performance of the trailer lights each time you prepare for travel. Tires and Brakes It's essential to have tires with good tread when you are hauling a trailer behind your truck. When your tires have high tread, you have better traction on the road that supports your torque and braking. Brake pads should also be routinely checked to make sure you can bring your truck and trailer to a complete stop quickly. When Should You Visit Your GMC Dealer for GMC Towing Maintenance? When you frequently use your GMC truck to tow heavy hauls, it's crucial to keep up with routine maintenance. Your owner's manual recommends service intervals every 7,500 miles for tasks like checking the quality of the brake pads, rotating tires, changing motor oil, and replacing the oil filter. For average drivers, this means scheduling service every six months to maintain the top towing capability of the truck. The most essential parts of your truck that need maintenance for optimal towing performance are the wiring system, brake system, and cooling system. Your local dealership is equipped with all the wear-and-tear parts you need to streamline your truck's towing capability. Schedule service at Oxendale GMC in Flagstaff, AZ.

Your GMC is a tough and reliable vehicle, and you can help it stay in that condition with a tire rotation from your GMC dealer. Here's why it's important. more What Is It? Rotation are a vital maintenance task that ensures even tire wear and prolongs the life of your tires. It involves changing the positions of the tires on your vehicle. Typically, the front tires wear faster than the rear ones, especially in front-wheel drive vehicles, due to the added responsibilities of steering and braking. By rotating the tires, you distribute the wear evenly across all four tires. This makes them last longer, and it also helps your vehicle respond more reliably to every maneuver. Signs Your GMC Needs Tire Rotation Uneven Tire Wear This can be gauged by just visually inspecting the tread depth on different parts of the tire. If the front tires show more wear than the rear ones, it's time for a rotation. Vibration at High Speeds If you notice a vibration in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds, it could be due to uneven tire wear. Rotating the tires can help balance the wear and reduce vibration. Reduced Traction or Handling Uneven tire wear can lead to a decrease in traction and handling capabilities. If your GMC doesn't handle or grip the road as well as it used to, consider checking your tire wear patterns. Benefits of Regular Rotations Extended Tire Life Regular rotation helps in even wear, thereby extending the life of each tire, so you get the maximum out of your investment. Improved Performance Evenly worn tires provide better handling, traction, and braking performance. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency Uneven tires can cause increased rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Rotation helps in maintaining optimal fuel efficiency. Safety Regular rotation ensures that your tires maintain good traction, reducing the risk of accidents due to tire failure. Recommended Rotation Intervals GMC recommends rotating your tires every 7,500 miles or as per the guidelines in your owner's manual. However, this can vary based on your driving habits and road conditions. Frequent driving on rough roads or in heavy city traffic might necessitate more frequent rotations, so come talk to us about what's going to be best for you based on your vehicle type and driving habits. Professional Inspection and Rotation This is a service that it's smart to have done by a professional. They can also inspect the tires for any other issues, like alignment or balancing problems, which can further enhance the performance and safety of your GMC. Regular rotations extend the lifespan of your tires and ensure optimal performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. If it's time for your next rotation, visit us at Oxendale GMC.