Preparing Your Vehicle for Arkansas Weather: Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Bryant Drivers

Like every other system in your car, your air conditioning needs service if you want it to continue to provide you with cool air on demand. GMC AC service at a GMC dealership will keep this important feature of your vehicle in decent shape. Here's a few signs that it's time for a service. You're Hearing Noises When your air conditioning is in good shape, it shouldn't make much of any sound. If you start to hear rustling, this probably means that something is stuck in the system, like leaves. This could be a minor issue, but if it's left undealt with for long enough, it can develop into a more critical concern. Then, you have rattling or clunking noises. These are usually more serious because they are typically caused by loose or damaged components within the AC system itself. While it could be something less serious, like gravel in the system, it's still a good idea to let us take a look at it and find the cause of this noise. We can clean out the system and repair any parts that have been damaged. You've Got a Leak You're not going to be able to see that you have a refrigerant leak in your system, but you'll be able to tell because you won't be getting the chill air out of your system that you expect. The refrigerant is the colorless and odorless gas that kills the air before it gets blown into your cabin. When the system is working properly, this gas gets pumped through the system by the compressor and changes from gas to liquid and back to gas as it absorbs water from the air and chills it. Sometimes, refrigerant can start leaking because there's a worn or damaged seal within the system. You can't spot this, since it is odorless and colorless, but we can use a dye that we add to the refrigerant and a portable UV viewer to follow its progress through the air-conditioning system to identify whether there is a leak and exactly where it is. The Carpet Is Wet If the carpet is wet over by the front passenger foot well, it's likely due to the AC. As mentioned above, the gas removes air from the water before it chills the air, and this water is supposed to be stored in the evaporator heater box and then drained onto the ground. If the drainpipe gets blocked, it can start leaking all over the floor. If you notice leakage, we can fix it. Whatever your AC problem is, reach out to us today at Everett Buick GMC in Bryant, AR for service, and we'll keep you cool.

Combustion and the continuous movement of hundreds of engine components generate intense heat, which is swiftly removed by your Buick's cooling system. Heat removal is essential, as sustained high temperatures can quickly damage sensitive engine components. As your Buick dealership, we want to tell you a few signs you need to visit us for a cooling system service. Jammed Thermostat The engine works most efficiently and effectively at temperatures between 185°F and 230°F. When the engine temperature reaches 180°F, the thermostat opens and releases coolant. The coolant is then pumped through the engine at high speed, absorbing engine heat as it moves. The heat is then transported to the radiator, where it's removed by heat exchange with cooler air flowing in through the radiator grille. The thermostat can become worn and jammed. If the thermostat jams open, coolant will be released and flow through the engine as soon as your Buick starts. As a result, your engine will use more fuel to reach the required operating level. If the thermostat jams closed, coolant won't be released, and your engine will quickly overheat. We can fix this problem in minutes by installing a new thermostat. Leaking Coolant Coolant is highly pressurized to allow it to move quickly through the engine. Any damage to the cooling system, like worn gaskets, a hole caused by a sharp object thrown upon from the surface, or perforation damage from rust, will cause a rapid loss of coolant. As the coolant leaks, pressure in the cooling system drops, and the remaining coolant will slow down. Fortunately, coolant leaks are noticeable as the fluid is available in colors like pink, green, orange, or blue. An internal coolant leak is also easy to spot, as the exhaust smoke will become thick and white. The engine temperature gauge will climb rapidly as coolant is lost, and the engine can suffer major damage if the leak isn't repaired. We'll trace and fix the leak, then refill the coolant. Damaged Radiator Cap The radiator cap on the top of the radiator controls pressure in the cooling system. If the pressure rises too high, the capo temporarily opens to bleed off the excess pressure, then closes again. Tough, heat-resistant rubber seals secure the radiator cap. A cracked or damaged seal will allow coolant to escape, and the leaking coolant leaves white marks below the cap. A leaking radiator cap will cause the engine temperature to rise, and the check engine light will illuminate. Our technicians will examine the cap and replace it if it's damaged. If your cooling system isn't working correctly, contact our service department ASAP at Everett Buick GMC in Bryant, AR.

Your vehicle's suspension system is responsible for ensuring you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride with easy handling. When your suspension system is off, you should promptly schedule a suspension check at your Buick dealership to repair issues so that you can enjoy reliable vehicle performance. Check out the top signs you need for suspension repair to see if it's time to book a service appointment. 1. Steering Difficulty Increased difficulty steering your vehicle is a major sign of suspension trouble. Steering difficulty can make it harder to keep your vehicle centered in your lane or cause you to put more effort into turning the wheel. Sometimes, the root cause of steering difficulty is related to low power steering fluid, while other times, your suspension system can be to blame. 2. Excessive Bounce A well-maintained suspension system reduces the feel of bumpy roads because shock absorbers soften the feel of the road. When you start to notice every dip in the pavement or coming off a speed bump causes your vehicle to bounce, your suspension system likely needs a tune-up. For this issue, replacing struts, coil springs, and shock absorbers is the usual remedy. 3. Dipping or Pulling Your suspension system may need repairs if you notice the steering wheel pulls to one side when you are driving straight. Typically, pulling is caused by poor vehicle alignment, but it may also be related to worn-out struts or other damaged parts of the suspension system. A Buick mechanic can correct pulling by aligning your wheels and replacing worn parts. You may also notice that your vehicle seems to roll to one side when you are cornering. This is caused by an unsupported suspension system that allows your vehicle's weight to shift to the side when you corner, which can make your vehicle feel unstable. Sometimes, the front of your vehicle may seem to dip when you apply the brakes, which can also be related to an unbalanced suspension system. When Should You Schedule a Suspension Check at Your Buick Dealership? In general, Buick recommends a suspension inspection every 45,000 miles or so, which is every three or four years for average drivers. You can ask to have your suspension system checked during your annual maintenance appointment, particularly if you are preparing for a long trip. Aside from your Buick's recommended suspension system service interval, you should schedule service as soon as you notice suspension performance issues. If you hit a pothole and notice an immediate change in the handling of your vehicle, you should book an appointment right away to ensure your vehicle wasn't severely damaged by the road.  When your suspension system is off, your vehicle may have unusual performance issues like excessive bumpiness or difficulty steering. Book your suspension service appointment at Everett Buick GMC in Bryant, AR.