5 Car Maintenance Tips to Keep Your GMC Vehicle in Great Shape

Image via GMC GMC pickup trucks and SUVs are known for their incredible hauling capability, which goes beyond their impressive engine power. With the available GMC ProGrade Trailering System, you'll have access to integrated tools that can simplify the hitching and towing process. Learn more to see why you should consider adding this feature to your new eligible GMC vehicle. more Understanding the GMC ProGrade Trailering System How Does It Work? While specific features vary depending on the model, the trailering system mainly uses cameras, an In-Vehicle Trailering app integrated with the infotainment system, and an integrated trailer brake controller to make your towing experience a breeze. Pre-Departure Checklists When it comes to connecting your trailer to your vehicle, the infotainment screen can display a step-by-step pre-departure checklist of each required task. If you're new to trailering, you'll have the option to expand the steps to see illustrated examples of the connections you'll need to make. Custom Trailer Profiles Once your trailer is connected, you can save it to a custom profile within the app based on its name and type to help keep track of its mileage, maintenance interval reminders, trailer brake controller gain settings, and more. Trailer Light Test The trailer light test feature lets you press a button on the screen to run through a specific lighting sequence, including applying brake lights and turn signals, so you won't need a second person to confirm that everything is connected and working properly. Camera Views The system also provides access to up to 15 available camera views to help you navigate with confidence. The available industry-first transparent trailer view lets you virtually see through your trailer as if it were invisible. This is made possible by rear-mounted cameras that enable the system to piece together views of the area behind your vehicle. myGMC Mobile App For ultimate convenience, you can download the myGMC mobile app, which lets you access select trailering features and trailer profiles directly from your smartphone. Within the app's virtual Trailer Garage, you can create, edit, remove, and delete profiles, share the profiles with other users, and sync your information with the In-Vehicle Trailering app. The Tools menu within the app includes similar light test and pre-departure checklist features as the in-vehicle app, plus a load calculator where you can input the weights of your vehicle, trailer, and load to help ensure safe hauling. You can also view videos to learn more about trailering process details and features, and access a glossary of trailering terms. Whether you need a highly capable vehicle for work or play, a GMC pickup or SUV is a great choice for your hauling needs. Contact or visit us at Hart Motors GMC in Salem, VA to learn more about the latest models and state-of-the-art towing features.

Cold winters put additional demands on various systems, but these can be reduced by preparing for them. As your GMC dealer, we want to advise you on a few types of GMC maintenance that will help your vehicle perform easier and more efficiently in the cold days ahead. more From Your GMC Dealer: GMC Maintenance To Prepare You for Winter Battery Check The battery is one of your vehicle's most important systems, as without it, you could be stuck looking for a jump-start. The battery provides the electrical charge that powers the crank, allowing the combustion process to start. They have a working life of three to five years on average, but as a battery ages, its electricity storage capacity drops causing, it to weaken and eventually fail. Low temperatures cause the battery's electrolyte solution to partially solidify. This reduces its power by 20% or more, which can cause an old battery to fail. We'll test your battery by hooking it up to our computerized battery tester. This machine gives a clear indication of the battery's remaining strength. If your battery is weak, we can quickly install a new one to ensure your engine starts easily. Oil Change Engine oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It's pumped through your engine by the oil pump and lubricates countless components. This lubrication protects them against friction damage, reducing wear and tear on your engine. It contains various additives that break down deposits to keep your engine clean and prevent rust from forming. Oil accumulates dirt and other debris as it moves through the engine, causing older oil to move more slowly. This reduces its efficiency, leading to an increase in worn components. Low temperatures worsen this situation as they cause the oil to thicken even further. Our technicians will fix this problem by draining your oil, replacing the oil filter to improve oil flow, and then refilling your engine with fresh oil. Tire Checks Your tires experience wear and tear daily as minute pieces of rubber break off due to surface friction. As the tread wears down, it grips the surface less securely, increasing the stopping distance when you hit the brakes. The rubber in older tires gradually loses its flexibility, and this can cause racks to form on the surface. As time passes, these cracks reach deeper into the tire and can cause a leak. Low tread makes gripping snowy or icy surfaces more difficult and your car could slide. We'll examine your tires and replace them if they're worn. New tires will provide a more secure grip on the surface and ensure you can drive safely. Book your winter maintenance by contacting our service department today at Hart Motors GMC in Salem, VA.

Image via GMC Many GMC vehicles are perfect for towing heavy cargo. While the needs of each individual and trip are likely to vary, there's sure to be a truck or SUV at your local GMC dealer that suits your towing needs. Whether you're interested in the rugged Sierra HD or the powerful Yukon, here's a towing guide to help you make the most of your new vehicle. more Towing Guide for Vehicles From Your Local GMC Dealer Check Your Capacity Each ​vehicle has a specific towing capacity and overall weight limit ​listed in the owner's manual. These capabilities can even vary within the same model based on the trim levels and options selected. Once you learn the overall weight limit of your vehicle, ​check the weight of your trailer, and be sure any cargo added to the trailer and/or vehicle don't put you over the limit. Interior cargo and passengers also count toward the overall weight limit, so if you find that you're coming close to the ​weight limit, consider cutting back or making ​multiple trips. For all the nitty-gritty details about the latest GMC tow ratings, check out the brand's trailering guide. Evenly Distribute Weight ​As you load your trailer with cargo, be sure that items are evenly distributed along the left and right sides to prevent the trailer from veering off to one side throughout your trip. Additionally, weight ​should be fairly evenly distributed between the front and back, with ​any extra weight toward the front of the trailer. This can prevent a heavy back-end from swaying ​side-to-side as you accelerate. Keep Tires Inflated Properly inflated ​tires ​ensure that your vehicle is traveling efficiently. ​Low tire pressure can force your engine to work harder than necessary to power your vehicle forward, ultimately lowering your towing capacity and putting extra strain on your vehicle. New GMC vehicles have tire pressure alert systems to let you know when it's time to add extra air. However, before long trips, it may be worthwhile to check your tire pressure manually and compare ​it to the recommended level listed in your owner's manual. ​Don't forget to check the tire pressure on your trailer as well. Utilize Helpful Safety Features ​Many GMC vehicles come equipped ​with impressive tech features that allow you to keep an eye on your trailer and around your entire vehicle as you tow. For example, the Sierra 1500 and Yukon come with trailer blind spot ​zone alerts ​that let you know if a vehicle enters the blind spot around both your vehicle and trailer. If you're ready to experience the towing power of a new GMC truck or SUV, contact Hart Motors GMC at 1341 East Main Street in Salem, VA. Our friendly team can help you understand all the options available that suit your hauling needs and make the most of the powerful features that come with these various models.