A group of people fishing at sunset

Would you like to enjoy some time out in the fresh air and maybe a bit of sunshine near Bedford? This beautiful city and the surrounding areas have something for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about our list of great outdoor activities in and around Bedford, Ohio.
Read the rest of this entry »

A man hiking

Hiking in northern Ohio, close to the edge of Lake Erie is always a magical experience, and the area near Burton, OH is no exception. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the proximity of the village to the city of Cleveland means that locals can enjoy the wonderful Cleveland Metroparks system, which includes some of the best natural areas the state has to offer, without having to live in the city!
Read the rest of this entry »

There are many SUVs on the market, including many full-size and mid-size models. Choosing a suitable model for you and your needs is essential; however, it can also be tricky. If you are looking for the perfect mid-size SUV for your family; you will love the 2022 GMC Acadia.

A First Look at the 2022 GMC Acadia

This mid-size SUV has a roomy interior that seats up to seven individuals. When selecting the right Acadia, you can choose between four models: the Acadia SLT, the Acadia SLE, the Acadia AT4, and the Acadia Denali. In addition to these models, you can choose from one of the special packages, the Elevation Edition or the Denali Ultimate Package.

Space

In addition to seating for seven, the 2022 Acadia features up to 79cubic feet of available cargo space. This area is easy to configure to your needs with the flat-folding seats in the second and third rows. Additionally, you will find storage space in the center console and the covered under the floor cargo area. In addition to this, the available hands-free programmable power liftgate makes accessing all of your storage simple.

Sunshine

The GMC Acadia has an available Dual Skyscape sunroof. This sunroof features two separate panels, one over the front seats and the other over the second row. The panel above the second row features a sunshade so you can decide how much sunlight gets in on long drives. Additionally, the front panel can slide open at the touch of a button so that you can enjoy the fresh air while on the road.

Comfort

Stay comfortable and warm in this SUV with the tri-zone climate control. This system uses multiple temperature settings to help ensure all passengers in the Acadia are comfortable. Staying cool in the heat and staying warm in the cold is easy with the heated and ventilated front seats; you can also opt for the available heated outboard heated seats in the second row.

If heated seats aren’t enough for you. This vehicle also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with available heating. This steering wheel has real aluminum trim that looks fantastic with leather wrapping. Additionally, you will find multiple sets of controls mounted on this steering wheel that allow you to control your audio, phone calls, driver information center, and so much more.

Technology

The 2022 Acadia has an available multicolor 6-inch head-up display that is fantastic. This system projects the most important information from your vehicle directly onto the windshield in front of the driver. Some of the information that can be displayed includes your speed, audio, turn-by-turn navigation, and vehicle alerts such as low fuel warnings.

Additionally, you will find the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system for this SUV especially handy. Use it to wirelessly integrate your smartphone devices into the vehicle with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and enjoy your favorite music on the road.

The GMC Acadia is packed with the best technologies available in its class. Contact us today to schedule a test drive!

When you’re considering buying from your favorite Akron GMC dealer, is safety one of your top concerns? Learn about these amazing car safety features and fret no more.

1. Monitoring Devices

GMC is a brand that prides itself on safety and security for drivers. Most vehicles under the GMC name come equipped with extensive driver assistance features known as Pro Safety and Pro Safety Plus. A central component of these packages is providing you with a broader range of vision. A majority of these surveillance devices are in high definition, affording you maximum clarity in seeing what’s around you.

For example, a high-definition rear vision camera enables you to view objects behind you. This feature is especially useful for backing out of crowded parking areas. You can view images directly on your dashboard from your infotainment display. High definition surround vision takes your capabilities a step further by providing real-time images of your surroundings from different perspectives.

2. Warning Systems

Avoidable collisions are the stuff of every driver’s nightmares. GMC vehicles lessen your worries by alerting you to imminent dangers. Avoid causing a fender-bender by taking advantage of a Following Distance Indicator that lets you know exactly how close you are to that vehicle in front of you. Then, prevent that imminent collision with the aid of a forward collision alert. Add in another layer of security with automatic emergency braking.

Similar alerts exist for other common incidents likely to lead to an accident. If you are about to drift out of your lane, a lane departure warning will keep you in line. You’ll also be warned when rear cross-traffic is near or when something mobile enters your side blind spots. While these warnings are often implemented through beeps, you can opt for a safety alert seat instead. These specially designed seats vibrate as a warning signal.

3. Driving Assistants

As an added benefit, your GMC can help you negotiate potentially problematic and tricky situations. The automatic parking assist features, for example, can actually steer you into an available parking space via text commands. You can even utilize this feature for especially stressful parallel parking. And if you start unintentionally moving out of your lane of traffic, the steering wheel can self-correct to a degree.

Best of all, your vehicle will make use of the most advanced radar technology to adjust your speed so that you can safely move with the traffic flow. With this adaptive cruise control benefit, acceleration and braking—and the potential mishaps that come with frequently performing these actions—are significantly reduced. If you need to monitor speed in challenging conditions, StabiliTrak helps you maintain good traction

4. Safety Lights and Bags

Automatic high-beam headlights make lighting the way in dark or murky conditions that much easier. On the other hand, if you are worried about your safety, take comfort in a comprehensive airbag system. Both drivers and passengers can be protected from side collisions or frontal collisions. A child presence detector can help keep your little ones safe by adjusting inflation levels.

If you are looking for a full-sized SUV that is a monster on the streets and ready for every adventure you throw at it, then you will love the 2022 GMC Yukon. This vehicle comes in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models so that you can get the perfect SUV for your family.

1. Dual Exhaust

The dual exhaust system, available on the Denali gas model, looks fantastic. The eye-catching twin polished stainless-steel tips boost the Yukon’s performance by allowing your engine to breathe easier and create better combustion. This design also adds to the overall sophisticated design of the GMC Yukon.

2. Off-Road Ready

The ’22 GMC Yukon AT4 is built rugged, tough, and ready for off-road adventures. This SUV boasts a strong skid plate to protect your car’s undercarriage and an impressive 32-degree approach angle. Horizontal red recovery hooks are striking and are placed perfectly for optimal vehicle recovery. The 20″ wheels are combined with Goodyear all-terrain tires to give you confidence even on rough terrain.

The available HD surround vision is perfect for maneuvering tight spaces. Avoid rocks, stumps, and other obstacles, as this system gives you a 360-degree view of your vehicle. This feature is available at low speeds and ensures you will never be caught by surprise while maneuvring tight trails again.

3. Driver Information Center

The driver information center is ideally positioned between your vehicle’s gauges and contains essential information. This center allows easy access to audio, phone calls, and the available navigation functions. You can control this system via buttons optimally placed on your steering wheel. Additionally, this system has multiple themes to choose from, so you can adapt the driver information center to your style preferences.

4. Infotainment System

Make way Alexa, the ’22 GMC Yukon has a 10.2-inch premium GMC infotainment system and is available with Google built-in. This allows you easy access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play, and hundreds of downloadable 3P apps. In addition, enjoy continuous real-time map updates that allow you to avoid traffic jams and accidents.

5. Rear Entertainment System

Long drives with kids can be highly taxing. However, with the ’22 GMC Yukon, you can enjoy peace with the available dual 1080P 12.6″ color LCD touch screens attached to the back of the front seats. In addition, an available built-in wi-fi hotspot keeps everyone connected and entertained. This entertainment system includes two Bluetooth headphones and two HDMI ports located at the back of the center console.

This system allows you to play games from devices like PlayStation or watch shows with Chromecast, Roku, Firestick, Sling TV, and more. Your gaming consoles can easily stay plugged in and your devices charged with the available USB and charging ports throughout the vehicle.

You need an SUV that can hold your family, tackle rugged terrain, and keep everyone comfortable during extended trips. The ’22 GMC Yukon is up for the task!

Your spark plugs are small, but they’re mighty! You’ll know it when you need a replacement from your GMC and Buick dealer. The signs outlined below will let you know when it’s time to get that replacement from your Conway, AR Buick and GMC dealer, so be sure to be on high alert for them.

1. Your Car Won’t Start

There are several reasons your car may be hard to start. Sometimes your battery or alternator will be having problems, so you can’t get the engine running. However, your plugs may also be the issue. They could be worn out or clogged, so they’re not producing enough spark to get your engine to turn over.

2. Your Engine Misfires

If your engine misfires, then you may have a faulty ignition coil, or perhaps you have low-quality fuel. However, a plug that’s too worn out to spark can also cause misfiring. Your engine might pop as it loses timing, then it later regains it. You might also notice your engine’s pace faltering, but it’ll catch back up shortly. This misfiring ends up damaging the catalytic converter, so come to the dealer ASAP.

3. Your Car Has Poor Fuel Economy

If your plugs are worn out, then your engine is trying extra hard to keep working to compensate. This means it’ll use up more fuel faster, lowering your fuel economy. If you notice you have to stop for gas more often than usual, then you may have an issue with your plugs.

4. Your Engine Is Noisy While Idle

If your engine is noisy while you’re idle, then you probably have a problem with your plugs. You’d better come to get them checked. The noises you can expect to hear when you need a checkup are rattling and knocking sounds that seem like they’re coming from your engine.

5. Your Car Won’t Accelerate

If you’re having trouble accelerating, then your plugs may not have enough strength to ignite the mixture of fuel and air inside your combustion chamber. This reduces your car’s ability to accelerate efficiently, and sometimes you won’t be able to accelerate much at all.

6. Your Engine Is Louder Than Usual

If one of your plugs starts malfunctioning, then your engine will start getting louder. This is because one or more of your engine’s cylinders are overworked, so it’s getting louder while it struggles to function. Get your engine inspected if it ever becomes noisier than usual.

Reasons to Visit Your Buick and GMC Dealer For Your Replacement

You deserve the best treatment when you need to replace something in your vehicle, and you’ll get that from us. We recommend coming to us for your replacement for three simple reasons:

  • We’re fast: We have lots of technicians on standby to work on your vehicle
  • We’re experienced: We know GMC and Buick vehicles inside and out
  • We’re helpful: We want to answer any questions you have while you’re here

A healthy braking system is necessary for the safety of both car and driver. It also helps to protect other drivers on the roads by helping to prevent accidents. Periodically replacing your brake pads is a major part of maintaining this vital vehicle safety system. But how do you know when it’s time to have the job done? Your Conway, AR area Buick dealer or GMC dealer can help you decide when it’s time for pad replacement.

Normal Wear

Pad wear occurs as a result of the normal operation of your car and is to be expected over time. Worn pads can cause difficulty in stopping your car. In extreme situations, excessively-worn pads can become a factor in the safety of the driver as well as others on the road. Increased stopping time or distance can even lead to an accident. Periodically replacing this vital component of your braking system is an important part of vehicle maintenance.

Signs and Symptoms

You drive your vehicle and you know what is “normal”; so you are likely to be aware when something doesn’t feel or sound quite right. A shimmy or shudder in the steering wheel can be an indication of worn pads. Squeaking or squealing from the pads when you step on the brake pedal is another sign of wear.

If you notice that it seems to take longer to bring your car to a full stop or that stopping quickly is difficult, you may need new pads. A mushy or unusual feeling when stepping on the brake pedal can be another signal that it’s time to visit the repair shop.

Getting a Diagnosis

The recommended way to learn about the condition of your braking system, including the pads, is to see a brake specialist. The mechanics and technicians at your local dealership are highly trained in evaluating the entire system and determining what parts are needed to perform any necessary repairs. Using the latest in automotive technology, they can assess the extent of the problem and recommend OEM parts to make it right again.

Service and Repairs

If you suspect it’s time to replace your pads, your local dealership is an obvious choice for having the repair done. They will conduct a thorough examination and propose a repair plan specific to your vehicle and your repair needs. They will consult with you and keep you informed throughout the entire process. And you can rest easy knowing that experts are dedicated to returning your car to its normal, healthy condition.

Having the pads replaced is a normal part of owning and operating any vehicle. Ignoring the signs and symptoms of worn pads can lead to decreased safety, as well as more serious – and considerably more expensive – repairs in the future. When you’re ready to have the pads replaced on your car or truck, call us to schedule your repair appointment with our experienced team of highly-trained brake specialists.

When you start your car, the battery supplies the power to the ignition, and your engine turns over. Once your car is moving, your alternator takes over and supplies power to your car’s electrical system and it also recharges the battery. If your alternator fails, your car’s battery can only supply power for about 14 minutes if it is fully charged itself. As your GMC dealer, we don’t want you to ever be stuck on the side of the road. These are some of the signs to watch for that you need an alternator repair.

3 Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alternator Repair at Your GMC Dealer

Battery Light Goes On

The battery light is a good indication that something has gone wrong with your charging system. The problem may be a minor one, but as with any problem, if it is not repaired it will grow worse. The light indicates that the voltage in the electrical system is less than your car’s electrical systems requirement.

The alternator supplies the electrical power to all your car’s electrical components, and if it starts to fail it will produce less power, and the warning light will come on. If the battery light comes or flickers on and off, contact our service department and we will find and repair the problem.

Dead Battery

A battery lasts for 3-5 years and then needs to be replaced. If you have an old battery and it dies, we will replace the battery.  If your battery is new and it dies, this means that there is a problem with your alternator. A failing alternate doesn’t provide enough power to completely charge the battery, and the battery will run down and eventually die. We will check the alternator, and if it is failing, we will replace it with a new one.

Strange Noises

Every driver is familiar with the sounds their car makes, and any unusual sound is cause for concern. The serpentine belt runs on pulleys through numerous engine components including the alternator. Due to constant friction and heat in the engine, this belt can fray and wear. The belt can also slip off one or more of the pulleys and it will start to make a squealing sound.

Bearings inside the alternator can also fail, and they produce a grinding sound. You might also hear a knocking sound, which can happen when one of the belts on the alternator snaps and hits against other engine components. We always recommend that you contact us if you hear any unusual sounds from the engine, so we can examine your car and fix the problem.

If you are in the Lake City, FL area you are always in safe hands if your alternator starts to fail.

Are you looking for a comfortable SUV with an elegant, stylish interior? Then make sure you check out the 2021 Buick Encore GX. Thanks to its cushioned seats and ample cargo space, this is a ride you and your passengers will love to hop into for fun trips to the city or the great outdoors. Let’s take a moment and see why this might be the next vehicle for you.

1. Smooth and Comfortable Ride

This Buick comes with rather impressive suspensions. You’ll notice as you drive down bumpy roads just how smooth the ride really is. Plus, when you hit a pothole or other annoying bumps in the road, you’ll notice a sharp decrease in how much you and your passengers get jostled around. This will be great when traveling outdoors along dirt paths and rocky roads.

2. High-End Interior

When you step inside this SUV, you’ll instantly fall in love with the soft-touch armrests. After sitting comfortably, you’ll notice the high-quality touchscreen that sits flush in the console area. This gives it a sleek appearance, rather than a protruding one like in many other vehicles. Once you take this all in, you’ll notice the high seating gives a great view of your surroundings, which will give you more confidence when driving.

Finally, you’ll notice just how soft and cushioned the seat’s really are, and you’ll be raring to go on a long drive right at that moment. Clearly, they didn’t hold back when it came to creating a luxurious interior that would impress anybody.

3. Infotainment for You and Your Passengers

You can get the most out of your ride by connecting it to your smartphone device. All you need to do is use Apple Carplay or Android Auto, and before you know it, you can use the 8-inch touchscreen to comfortably make phone calls, listen to your favorite music, or get driving directions.

Plus, you can get the available mobile hotspot, which lets you and your passengers get 24/7 internet. This is a perfect addition for those long trips so people don’t get bored. They can just watch Youtube or Netflix on their smart device and everybody’s happy.

4. Easy Access Driving

Don’t you hate fumbling around to get your keys out? Rather than searching for your keys every time you enter your car, you can just use the proximity keyless entry instead. As long as you have your key on your body or in a bag, it’ll automatically open the door with no hassle. Even better, this SUV has a push-button start mechanism, meaning you never have to deal with your keys again.

One other neat thing is the remote start feature. On those cold, rainy days when you just want to get in a warm car and leave, this is perfect. At the press of a button, you can start your vehicle from the comfort of your home, and then enter ten minutes later into a nice, warm car.

So when it comes to comfort, entertainment, and ease of driving, this SUV has you covered.

The radiator is a vital part of your car’s cooling system. It takes in hot coolant and uses airflow from the radiator grille to remove the heat and transport the cooled coolant back into the system. If your radiator fails, the hot coolant will cause your engine temperature to rise and your engine can overheat. As your GMC dealer and Buick dealer, these are some of the signs that you need a radiator repair.

Do You Need a Radiator Repair At Your GMC Dealer or Buick Dealer?

Worn Radiator Hoses

Your radiator has two hoses, one which brings hot coolant into the radiator, and the other which takes the cooled coolant back to its reservoir. These hoses are tough, and they are designed to operate under high pressure and at high temperatures. Hoses will wear over time, and they will either develop a leak or collapse and block the flow of coolant.

A coolant leak from the hoses is one of the most common causes of a radiator problem, and one of the easier to solve. We recommend checking the hoses regularly, as we do when we service your vehicle. Replacing a hose is as simple as unclamping the old one and fitting a new one. If one of the hoses collapses, it will block the flow of coolant, and your engine temperature will start to rise.

Low Coolant

Your cooling system is a closed one, and coolant should never be found outside the system. Coolant, a mixture of antifreeze and pure water, works to absorb the heat of your engine and transport it to the radiator where the heat is dissipated to the outside air. If your coolant level is low, the pressure in your cooling system will be reduced and the remaining coolant will not work efficiently.

We check your coolant levels when your car is serviced, but we advise checking your coolant especially if you have transported heavy loads. Low coolant can easily cause your engine to overheat, and we advise contacting us if your coolant seems to be consistently below its required level.

Cabin Heater Doesn’t Work

If you switch on the heater and it doesn’t blow hot air, this can be a sign that your radiator is failing. Your cooling system uses heat from the hot coolant to warm your cabin. As air passes of the radiator pipes filled with the hot coolant, the air heats up and this air is blown into your cabin when you switch on your heater.

There are several possible causes for a heater problem, including a coolant leak or a thermostat failure. Our technicians will check your engine, and they will find the cause of the problem.

If you are in Waterford Township, MI and your radiator is giving you trouble, give us a call. Our factory-trained technicians will check your radiator and cooling system, and find and repair the problem. Our family-owned dealership is committed to the safety of you and your car.