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Image via GMC Using genuine GMC accessories will boost the value you receive out of your vehicle. Because these accessories are endorsed by the manufacturer, you know they meet the same quality guidelines as your favorite trucks and SUVs. Keep reading to learn about some of the best accessories available for your GMC. more Genuine GMC Accessories Assist Steps and Running Boards You'll need to stop by with your GMC to check the fitment for the various assist steps and running boards we keep in stock. They're designed to maintain a factory appearance so that you get the benefit of being able to get in and out of your GMC easily without detracting from its stylish exterior. We also carry rocker panel guards which provide a subtle enhancement to the edges of your GMC while also protecting the rocker panels from rock chips and other damage. Exterior Decals and emblems are some of the simplest yet impactful ways you can personalize your GMC's exterior. When you visit our dealership, you'll find front grille and tailgate emblems in black and red as well as some that are illuminated. We also offer side emblems in a range of attractive color options, such as Tech Bronze and Performance Red. Other exterior accessories include: Fender flares Accent lighting Grilles Deflectors Lamp alternatives Interior Cargo Management Between the updated consoles, under-seat storage, and cargo bed organizers, there's a wide array of accessories to help you keep everything inside your GMC secure and out of the way. Nearly all of the interior cargo accessories are designed to fit specific models to maintain a factory look. Additional interior cargo management accessories include: Cupholders Cargo nets Cargo shelves Cargo shades Exterior Cargo Management Hitch carriers and roof racks are among the most popular exterior accessories found at our GMC dealership. The Thule ski carrier is perfect for anyone driving to the slopes, while the variety of available bike racks will come in handy when the mountains thaw out. We also carry Thule roof-mounted cargo boxes where you can store more luggage to free up interior space. Floor and Interior Protection Flooring Protection We offer floor mats and liners constructed from plush carpeting as well as resilient all-weather materials. All of our protective mats and liners are vehicle-specific so you get a tailored fit, and most are available for every row of seating. To protect the floor of the cargo area, we also offer heavy-duty liners that can protect the factory flooring material from scratches and spills. Seating Protection Carhartt is one of the primary brands producing attractive, heavy-duty seat covers for GMC vehicles. Most seat covers are available in a dark grey or the traditional Carhartt light brown color. Additionally, Carhartt makes seat covers for every row of seating. Accessorizing your GMC allows you to showcase your personal taste as well as boost the functionality of your vehicle. To discover more GMC accessories and see how they fit on your vehicle, visit Hart Motors GMC in Salem, VA.

A new car warranty acts as a guarantee from your car manufacturer so you can have protection from repairs related to mechanical defects. When you purchase a vehicle from your GMC dealer, you will automatically gain access to a collection of standard warranty plans. Learn more about these specific plans and limitations today. more Ask Your GMC Dealer: What's Covered By a Standard GMC Car Warranty? Your new car GMC warranty will provide comprehensive coverage for virtually all vehicle components with a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty. This level of comprehensive coverage lasts for 36,000 miles or up to three years. Most parts of your vehicle that are damaged by defects will be covered by this warranty. This warranty will also cover towing fees to your local dealership for repairs. Other coverages included in your standard warranty include: Powertrain Limited Warranty Coverage for your powertrain will last for 60,000 miles or five years. For certain heavy duty models, the powertrain warranty will last for 100,000 miles or up to five years. Specific powertrain components covered by this warranty include the transmission, drive systems, engine, and transfer case. This warranty does not cover parts such as hoses, connectors, sensors, or the clutch. Corrosion Protection GMC offers corrosion protection for the outside panels of your vehicle for 36,000 miles or three years. To maintain this warranty, you should refrain from using materials or products that may cause rust on the vehicle. Rust-Through Protection GMC also provides rust-through protection for 100,000 miles or as long as six years. This particular warranty is an automatic extension of the corrosion protection warranty. Under the rust-through protection warranty, repairs for holes in the body panels of the vehicle caused by rust will be covered. First Maintenance Appointment Unlike many other car manufacturers, GMC will cover the cost of a new vehicle's first maintenance appointment, which should take place during the first year of vehicle ownership. The first maintenance appointment will include services such as a vehicle inspection, tire rotation, and oil change, among other routine maintenance tasks. Roadside Assistance For peace of mind on the road, your new GMC also comes with 100,000 miles or five years of complimentary roadside assistance. Roadside assistance is a key resource if you get a flat or experience a mechanical breakdown on the road. What About Protection Plans? In addition to the standard warranty that comes with your new GMC, you may also want to purchase a protection plan from your dealership. Protection plans such as GAP Coverage, Pre-Paid Maintenance, Appearance Guard, and Tire & Wheel Protection can fill in coverage gaps so you can customize the level of protection your GMC has. The GMC standard warranty includes several coverages, which can greatly reduce the cost of covered vehicle repairs. Gain more insight about your warranty protection when you speak with the finance experts at Hart Motors GMC in Salem, VA.

We all know how important good headlights are on a vehicle, and while a light that's completely obviously means you need new headlights, there are also some other signs to watch for. Noticing these will let you get a jump on things before the light actually dies, and your GMC dealer can help you find just the right headlights for your vehicle and driving needs. more 5 Signs You Need New Headlights From Your GMC Dealer Dimming or Flickering Lights One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle's headlights need replacing is when they begin to dim or flicker. Dimming headlights can significantly reduce your visibility at night, even though it can be hard to notice at first. The main way to tell will be that it just seems harder to see at night, or you feel like you're using your brights more than you used to. Don't just flip on your high beams to deal with this, either. They're not meant for normal driving conditions and shouldn't be used all the time. Meanwhile, flickering lights are a sign of an unstable power supply to the headlights, indicating potential electrical issues or the end of the bulb's lifespan. Uneven Illumination If you notice that one headlight is brighter than the other, it's a clear sign that the dimmer headlight needs attention. Uneven illumination not only affects your visibility but can also be distracting to other drivers or even confuse them about what's coming at them. Since bulbs are usually installed in pairs, if one needs to be replaced, it's usually best to just do them both. Changes in Light Color Pay attention to any changes in the color of your headlights. If they start to appear yellow or less white than they used to be, this is a sign of aging. Older bulbs can lose their intensity and clarity, which can significantly impact their effectiveness. Visible Damage to the Headlight Lens Physical damage to the headlight lens, such as cracks, chips, or fogging, can affect the brightness and direction of the headlight beam. This damage can allow moisture to enter the headlight, too, potentially shortening the life of the bulb. Warning Lights on the Dashboard Some modern vehicles have dashboard indicators specifically for headlight issues. If a headlight warning light appears on your dashboard, it's an immediate sign that you need to check your headlights and might need to replace them. Typically, the issue is electrical rather than something wrong with the bulb here, so be sure to take it to the dealership for a good look. If you notice any of these signs, don't wait to be left in the dark. Come talk to us at Hart Motors GMC, and we'll make sure you're safe on the road.

Your GMC is strong and reliable, but to keep it in top condition, you have to maintain it. One of the most critical pieces of routine maintenance is the humble oil change. You might wonder just how often you need to visit the GMC dealership for this essential service. more How Often Should You Change Your Oil? The best place to start is your GMC's owner's manual. Modern GMC vehicles, especially those using synthetic oil, typically require fresh oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.However, if you're still using conventional oil, the interval might be more in the range of 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Your driving habits also play a significant role in how often your oil needs changing. If you frequently drive in challenging conditions like extreme temperatures, on rough roads, or in heavy traffic, your engine will be working harder and may require fresh oil more frequently. Signs That It's Time for an Oil Change Oil Indicator Light Most newer GMC models are equipped with an oil life monitoring system. When it's time to change your oil, this system will alert you with an indicator light on your dashboard, which is a straightforward reminder to schedule that oil service. Dirty or Dark Oil Regularly checking your oil using the dipstick can tell you a lot about its condition. Fresh, clean oil should be amber and somewhat transparent. If it's turned dark and gritty, it's a sign that your oil is old and needs a refresh. Engine Noise and Knocking Oil acts as a protective barrier for your engine's moving parts. If the oil is too old or too low, you might notice increased noise or even a knocking sound coming from your engine. The Consequences of Skipping Oil Service at the GMC Dealership Engine Damage If not changed regularly, the oil in your engine can break down to the point that it no longer does its job. As your oil becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, friction in your engine will increase, potentially leading to expensive damage or even engine failure. Sludge Build-Up Old oil can turn into sludge, clogging your engine and hindering its performance. This sludge buildup restricts the flow of oil, meaning even once you add fresh oil it may not be able to reach the places it is needed the most. If it's been a while since your last oil service, or if you're noticing any signs of trouble, a visit to your locale dealership is in order. We can provide a professional service to help ensure your GMC is well-prepared for all the journeys ahead. Call Hart Motors GMC to schedule your oil service today.

Regular vehicle maintenance isn't just about keeping your car running smoothly. It's an investment in safety and efficiency that can actually save you money in the long run. One often overlooked service that ticks all these boxes is tire rotation. Taking your vehicle back to the GMC dealer for this simple service has a range of benefits you might not expect. more 4 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation at Your GMC Dealer 1. Your Tires Can Wear Evenly The tires on your GMC don't wear evenly by default. The front tires usually bear more of the vehicle's weight and are responsible for steering, which often leads to them wearing out faster than the rear ones. Moving your tires from one position on your vehicle to another is called rotating them, and it helps ensure that wear is distributed more evenly across all four tires. This can help maintain the handling and traction your GMC was designed to deliver. 2. Longer Tire Life When your tires wear evenly, they last longer: it's as simple as that. If you let your tires go too long without rotation, they may wear out in one specific place, meaning you may find yourself replacing them much sooner than necessary. Purchasing new tires is not only a significant expense, but it's a serious hassle. Taking care of the tires you have allows you to go longer between replacements. 3. Improved Safety The safety benefits of rotating your tires are clear and critical. Unevenly worn tires can lead to decreased grip on the road, especially in wet and slippery conditions, making it harder to stop quickly or navigate sharp corners. Even wear helps to maintain the handling you need to drive safely. Additionally, poorly maintained tires are more prone to blowouts, which can be dangerous at high speeds. When you take your vehicle to the dealership, we'll rotate the tires and check their overall condition, including tread depth and any potential damage. 4. You Can Save Money Rotating your tires on a regular schedule can actually save you money over time. With evenly worn tires, you won't need to replace them as frequently, but the savings don't stop there. Well-maintained tires can also help improve your GMC's fuel efficiency. Regularly rotating your tires at the dealership is an easy way to care for your vehicle that pays off in the long run. Not only do you ensure even wear on your tire set, but you also maintain the performance and safety of your vehicle. Next time you're due to rotate those tires, call Hart Motors GMC to keep that rubber rolling smoothly.

You should be stopping by the GMC dealer at least once a year for checkups and tune-ups on your car or truck. Every couple of years, the technicians at the dealership will recommend you get a new car battery during your regular service. Sometimes your battery will fail before your next service, though, and we'd like to talk to you about what happens when the battery needs replacing. more Does Your GMC Vehicle Need a New Car Battery? Things To Look Out For Your GMC Dealer Recommends It You might not be having any battery issues, but if your dealer recommends you replace the battery anyway, then it's a good idea to follow that recommendation. Factory-trained GMC technicians know that the batteries in GMC cars and trucks should be replaced every 3 to 5 years, and it's better to replace the battery before it fails. Your Engine Is Starting Slowly When your engine stops turning over as quickly as it used to, then your battery is telling you that it's getting ready to fail completely. Pretty soon, there'll come a time when your engine just won't turn over at all. You may be able to breathe some life back into your battery by jumpstarting it, but eventually, even that won't bring your battery back to life. Your Headlights Stop Working If your headlights aren't working anymore, then it doesn't necessarily mean you need new bulbs. Battery issues could actually be causing your headlight problems. Your battery is what powers the headlights, so when they get dim or they stop working completely, then your battery might be having problems powering everything that it needs to. You might notice that other electrical components get slow or stop working, too. Your Battery Is Leaking Gas Never ignore weird smells in your cabin, as sometimes they're caused by something going wrong under the hood. Damaged batteries will sometimes leak gas, and this gas smells like rotten eggs. The odor might penetrate the cabin, or you might not notice it until you pop the hood. Either way, it's a very bad sign, and your leaky battery needs to be replaced ASAP. Your Check Engine or Battery Light Is On Keep an eye on the dash for symbols telling you something's wrong under the hood. A rectangle with minus and plus signs might show up, indicating a problem with the battery. You might also spot an engine-shaped graphic, indicating there's an engine issue impacting your battery. A faulty alternator, for example, can cause battery performance issues. Stop by Hart Motors GMC any time you notice one of the issues above cropping up in your car or truck. Our factory-trained technicians will take a look under the hood, replace the battery if needed, and fix anything else that's not working as it should.

Proper car maintenance is essential if you want to keep your car, truck, or SUV in top condition. But maintaining your car doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. It's just a matter of paying attention to how your vehicle operates and following the service schedule recommended by your local GMC dealer. more 5 Car Maintenance Tips From your GMC Dealer 1. Keep an Eye on the Battery There's nothing more frustrating than being stranded by an old, dead battery. You can avoid this inconvenience by keeping tabs on the age and vitality of your battery and replacing it before it dies. Clean off any white residue you see building up on the battery. And if your battery is older than three years, have one of our technicians test it occasionally to make sure it's holding as much of a charge as it should. 2. Pay Attention to Dashboard Warning Lights If any of the warning lights on your dashboard light up, schedule a service appointment for your vehicle soon so that we can check things out. These lights are a sign that some part of your vehicle is not functioning as it should. One of our certified technicians can diagnose and repair the problem. 3. Keep Automotive Fluids Topped Off Your vehicle relies on several fluids to keep it lubricated and cool. Motor oil, power steering fluid, transmission and brake fluid, and coolant are all essential and need to be maintained at proper levels. Try to check these fluid levels once a month and top them off if necessary. If you schedule an oil change with our service department, we'll check all of your automotive fluids as part of that appointment. 4. Routinely Replace Your Filters Three filters on your car support the performance of your engine. The air and oil filters clean the air flowing into your engine and the oil being used, and the fuel filter keeps impurities out of the fuel your car runs on. Replacing those filters at the intervals recommended for your particular model keeps your vehicle's performance high. During your service appointments, we'll check the condition of your filters and recommend replacing them if it's time. 5. Investigate Unusual Odors, Noises After you've driven your vehicle for a few weeks, you'll become accustomed to the way it handles and will develop an understanding of what's normal. Once you've learned the vehicle, be sure to take note of any new or unusual noises or odors that develop. These changes could be a sign that something is wrong and should be taken as a signal that it's time to schedule a service appointment. Keeping your car in good condition allows you to enjoy every mile behind the wheel. When you're ready to book your next service appointment, call Hart Motors GMC.

Image via Shutterstock The engine is the heart of your vehicle, so when your engine starts having trouble, it's important to schedule service as soon as possible. It's better to fix engine problems quickly than allow them to get worse over time. Check out a few of the most urgent problems with your engine that can be fixed by your GMC dealership. more 1. Ignition Trying your ignition without getting a response from your engine can be a frustrating problem. Ignition troubles can be caused by a few things, such as a faulty ignition coil, old spark plugs, bad wiring, a blocked fuel filter, or even an issue with your battery. To correctly diagnose the problem, you will need to have your vehicle towed to your local dealership. GMC mechanics can quickly resolve your problem, so you can get back on the road. 2. Overheating Your engine produces a significant amount of heat, so issues with overheating can be worrisome. Sometimes, your engine may overheat because of old oil, while other times, there may be issues with the cooling system. If an overheating engine isn't addressed promptly, the heat under the hood can damage or warp the engine. If you are driving when your car overheats, the best thing you can do is pull over to give your engine enough time to cool off before driving to your dealership for service. 3. Low Oil If you notice that your vehicle is consuming oil very quickly, then it's time for service. Your engine should consume oil at a steady pace, so if you are constantly topping up your oil at home, then there could be a problem with the piston rings or gas valves in your engine. Only an expert GMC mechanic will be able to identify the cause of fast oil consumption and make the correct repairs. 4. Stalling If your engine is stalling, misfiring, or backfiring, then it might be in serious condition. There are various causes for a stalling engine, such as poor engine airflow or a clogged fuel filter. Stalling on the road can be dangerous for you and other drivers, so resolving this issue quickly is important. 5. Exhaust Smoke While some smoke from your exhaust is normal when you first start the car, excessive smoke or dark smoke from your exhaust is a major concern. Exhaust smoke is often caused by issues related to coolant in your fuel, oil leaks, and other issues. A GMC mechanic will examine each part of your engine to identify the cause of the smoke and make the necessary repairs. When your engine is healthy, your car can live a long life. However, engine issues such as overheating and stalling can be dangerous, so you should schedule service as soon as possible. Book your engine service appointment at Hart Motors GMC today.

Image via Shutterstock It's important to look after the tires of your car. Not only does the condition of your tires affect your safety, but it also impacts overall vehicle performance and even maintenance costs. Here are a few key indications that it's time to visit your local GMC dealer for a set of new tires. more Excessively Uneven Tires Car tires wear down unevenly for a number of reasons. The different weights and pressures at either end of the vehicle are a major cause of uneven tire wear. Sometimes underlying problems like misaligned wheels or improper tire inflation can make the problem worse. If your tires are slightly uneven, you can probably resolve the problem by having them rotated. But when a set of tires has become excessively uneven, it might be too late for rotation. With uneven tires, your handling will suffer and you'll face an increased risk of blowouts, so it may be best to have them replaced. Worn Down Tire Treads When new, tires typically have a tread depth of around 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. This steadily wears down over time until the treads become too shallow to maintain proper traction on road surfaces. If your tires reach 2/32 of an inch in depth, it's time to swap them out for new ones. Cracked or Damaged Sidewalls The sidewalls of tires should be regularly inspected for signs of wear or damage. Tire rubber can slowly become dried out and degraded by exposure to UV rays in sunlight, extreme temperatures, or various chemicals on the road. Eventually, this will cause the sidewalls to develop cracks. Too many cracks weaken the rubber, making the tire unstable to drive on. Sometimes impacts with curbs or potholes can also damage tire sidewalls, creating blisters or bulges. This kind of damage also means the tire has to go. Deep Cuts or Gauges A few small cuts in the treads of tires are usually harmless. But if you ever find deep cuts of long gauges, the tire may be in danger of blowing out. Have a trusted technician inspect the damage to see whether it can be repaired. Too Many Years or Miles Have Passed All tires have a recommended lifespan, after which it's safest to replace them with new ones. The time limit on your tire warranty will provide a good indicator of when to replace your tires. Most tires should be replaced before they reach six years of age, and the mileage limit will usually be around 60,000 miles. Visit Hart Motors GMC today to have a new set of tires installed. We're a local full-service dealership offering terrific vehicles, financing, and customer service.

Your GMC's radiator keeps the engine cool and prevents overheating. When there's a problem with your radiator, and it's not repaired fast, it will cause severe damage to your Sierra, Terrain, or Acadia engine. Below are ways to tell when your car needs a radiator repair from the certified technicians at your GMC dealer. more You Get a High-Temperature Reading The job of your radiator is to keep everything cool under the hood and prevent your car's engine from overheating. When there's a problem with the radiator, you'll get a high-temperature gauge reading. When it's hot outside, your air conditioner is running, and your car's temperature gauge reading is higher than usual, it's normal. If the temperature stays consistently high, get it checked out by a certified GMC technician as soon as possible. The Coolant Is Dirty and Thick Coolant is usually a bright green, yellow, pink, or orange. Some are even red or blue and have a syrupy consistency. Over time and with use, the coolant becomes dirty and thick, loses its protective qualities, doesn't flow as easily through the cooling system, and clogs the radiator, causing your car to overheat. Your Car Is Leaking Coolant Your car is leaking coolant if you see pools of bright yellow, green, orange, or pink liquid on the ground under your vehicle. A lack of coolant will cause your car to overheat. Check the coolant level, top it off, and get the leak fixed by a qualified GMC technician as fast as possible to avoid extensive damage to your engine. Your Radiator Is Rusty Rust will play havoc with your radiator and cause holes that will result in leaks. If the coolant is brownish, it could be that rust has contaminated the coolant. Contaminated coolant will lose the ability to cool down the engine, cause overheating, and damage not only your radiator but also your engine. The Fins Are Damaged or Clogged The delicate tubes that run across the radiator carry hot coolant cooled by air that blows onto the tubes before it flows back to the engine. When leaves, bugs, or dirt clog or damage the fins, it blocks the airflow to cool down the coolant, and the engine will overheat. You See Smoke From Under the Hood or Tailpipe Your radiator might be the culprit when it gets too hot under the hood. If you see smoke pouring out from under the hood, don't continue to drive your car. Pull over in a safe place immediately, wait for your vehicle to cool down, and call your dealer to ask for assistance. If your vehicle leaks coolant, it could also cause smoke from your tailpipe. Check the coolant level; if it's low, it could indicate a leak. Act fast to avoid expensive repairs and replacements if your car shows any of these signs. Call Hart Motors GMC toda y, and the skilled technicians will repair your radiator expertly.