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Let’s be honest. Our vehicles don’t take care of themselves. You can drive a GMC Sierra, Yukon, or even a Hummer EV SUV, but at some point, it’s going to need attention. Not because something’s wrong, but because that’s how machines work. Ignore that, and things get expensive fast. At Schepel Buick GMC, our service department is about keeping your vehicle working the way it was built to. No shortcuts. No guesswork. Just the right work at the right time. Why Routine Service Actually Matters A lot of people wait until something feels off before scheduling service. By then, you’re already behind. Regular maintenance like oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations keeps small issues from turning into big ones. It also keeps your vehicle running efficiently, which matters if you’re driving every day or putting your truck to work. If you’re not sure where to start, sticking to a consistent oil change schedule and routine multi-point inspections is a solid baseline. It’s simple, and it works. GMC Oil Changes Done Right Oil changes are one of those things people tend to overlook. They shouldn’t. Your engine depends on clean oil to reduce wear and manage heat. Skip it, and you’re asking for problems. At Schepel Buick GMC, every GMC oil change service uses the right oil and OEM-approved filters for your specific vehicle. While it’s in the bay, technicians also check for early signs of wear or leaks. It’s not just a quick in-and-out. It’s a chance to catch issues before they cost you more time and money. More Than Just Oil Changes Oil is just the starting point. A properly maintained GMC needs attention across the board. That includes brake service and inspections, tire rotation and alignment services, and battery testing, especially as seasons change in Indiana. These aren’t optional add-ons. They’re part of keeping your vehicle reliable. If you’re driving a newer model or something more advanced like a Sierra EV or Hummer EV SUV, specialized service matters even more. These vehicles require the right tools and training, which is exactly what a certified GMC service center provides. Work Done by People Who Know GMC There’s a difference between general service and brand-specific service. The technicians at Schepel Buick GMC are trained specifically for GMC vehicles. They know what to look for, what tends to wear first, and how to fix it correctly the first time. That saves you from repeat visits, unnecessary repairs, and a lot of frustration. Keep Your GMC Ready for the Long Haul At the end of the day, maintenance is about one thing. Keeping your vehicle dependable. If you’re commuting, towing, or just trying to avoid unexpected problems, staying ahead on service makes a difference. For north Indiana drivers, Schepel Buick GMC offers everything from routine GMC maintenance services to more involved repairs, all in one place. Schedule Your GMC Service in Merrillville If your vehicle is due for service, don’t wait for a warning light to remind you. Schedule a service appointment online or visit Schepel Buick GMC for professional-grade care that keeps your GMC running the way it should.

There is a moment when you realize a standard SUV just is not enough. Not enough space, not enough presence, not enough capability. That is exactly where the 2026 GMC Yukon XL steps in. It does not try to compete with smaller SUVs. It replaces them entirely. Space, and Then Some More Space Let’s start with the obvious. The Yukon XL is enormous. Not “spacious for its class,” not “roomy,” but properly, gloriously big. You get seating for up to 8, and not the sort where the third row feels like a polite afterthought. Everyone has space. Actual space. The kind where knees are not part of a negotiation. Cargo capacity reaches up to 144.5 cu. ft., which is less “trunk” and more “mobile storage facility.” Weekend trip? Fine. Family vacation? Easy. Entire hardware store run? Still fine. Technology That Feels Like It Belongs Front and center sits a 16.8-inch display with Google built-in. It is large, sharp, and refreshingly intuitive. No digging through menus like you are trying to crack a code. Rear-seat entertainment keeps passengers occupied, which, if you have ever driven with bored passengers, is arguably one of the most important features here. Safety tech is present and accounted for too. Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking operate in the background, stepping in when needed rather than constantly reminding you they exist. Power That Matches the Size Now, here is where it gets interesting. Because something this big cannot afford to feel slow. 5.3L V8: 355 hp and 383 lbs. ft. of torque 6.2L V8: 420 hp and 460 lbs. ft. of torque Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel: 305 hp and 495 lbs. ft. of torque Each engine has its place. The 5.3L is steady and capable. The 6.2L feels properly strong, especially when merging or towing. The diesel is the long-haul specialist, delivering torque exactly where you need it. Paired with a 10-speed automatic and available 4WD, the Yukon XL does something slightly absurd. It makes something this large feel composed. Not small, never small, but controlled. Why It Stands Out in Merrillville Most SUVs try to balance everything. The Yukon XL does not bother. It leans fully into size, capability, and presence, then refines the experience so it never feels clumsy. It is not for everyone. And that is precisely why it works. If you need space, real towing ability, and something that feels substantial every time you drive it, this is the answer. Not a compromise. Not a halfway solution. The full thing. See It for Yourself in Merrillville The GMC Yukon XL is one of those vehicles that makes more sense the moment you stand next to it. Then even more sense once you drive it. If you are around Schepel Buick GMC take the time to see it in person. Walk around it. Climb into it. Drive it. Because reading about something big only tells you so much.

Most families do not realize how small their vehicle feels until the first long trip with luggage, coolers, and three rows of passengers. That moment usually changes priorities quickly. The 2026 GMC Yukon XL exists for drivers in Merrillville, IN who already understand that extra length translates directly into everyday usability. Extended Wheelbase Interior Space and Cargo Function Yukon XL builds its identity around measurable interior volume. The extended wheelbase increases rear passenger comfort and improves third row practicality. Seating capacity reaches up to 8 depending on configuration. Entry and exit access remain straightforward, which matters during school drop offs or multi stop errands. Cargo capacity grows significantly when rear seatbacks fold flat. Large suitcases, sports equipment, or bulk home supplies fit without complex loading strategies. The long rear cargo floor improves packing efficiency before longer drives across Indiana. Engine Options and Towing Capability GMC offers three powertrain paths shaped around sustained strength. A 5.3L V8 delivers about 355 hp and 383 lbs. ft. of torque. Drivers seeking stronger acceleration and load response often select the available 6.2L V8 producing roughly 420 hp and 460 lbs. ft. of torque. The available Duramax® 3.0L Turbo Diesel Inline-6 produces about 305 hp and a substantial 495 lbs. ft. of torque. Properly equipped models support towing capacity approaching 8,400 lbs. This level of capability suits larger travel trailers or multi equipment hauling tasks. A 10-speed automatic transmission maintains smooth power delivery during highway travel or hill climbs. Available 4WD improves traction on wet pavement or uneven rural access roads near Merrillville. Interior Technology and Passenger Connectivity Cabin technology focuses on clarity and usability rather than visual overload. A large central touchscreen integrates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for seamless smartphone functionality. Available Wi Fi hotspot capability supports passenger connectivity during extended regional travel. Digital driver displays present navigation and vehicle data in clean layouts. Control placement remains logical, helping reduce distraction during longer journeys. Driver Assistance and Long-Distance Confidence Advanced safety systems contribute to stable highway behavior. Adaptive Cruise Control supports consistent spacing in heavier traffic flow. Lane Keeping Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking enhance situational awareness during sudden speed changes. These features operate quietly, supporting driver confidence without constant intervention. Explore Full Size Capability at Schepel Buick GMC Large SUVs tend to prove their value through daily use rather than showroom impressions. Visit Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN to evaluate the 2026 GMC Yukon XL firsthand. Step into the third row. Review cargo flexibility. Decide how extended wheelbase engineering fits real family travel demands.

The 2025 Buick Enclave shines with a full redesign this year. Experience the generous space and refined luxury of this three-row midsize SUV. Power and Performance The Enclave is equipped with a 328-horsepower engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. You'll be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The FWD model provides up to 27 highway miles per gallon. Choose from an array of eye-catching 20-inch and 22-inch wheel designs. Interior Space and Features The roomy Enclave cabin comfortably seats seven. It gives you 23 cubic feet of space in the rear, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97 cubic feet behind the first row. A floating center console offers smart storage for your smaller items. The base model features synthetic leather upholstery, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient interior lighting with customizable colors, and three-zone automatic climate control. You'll also have a remote start, keyless entry, and a hands-free power liftgate. As you move up the lineup, you'll find perforated synthetic leather or quilted and perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a universal home remote, heated second-row outboard seats, and a panoramic sunroof. You can also add one-touch folding and sliding second-row seats and power-folding third-row seats to configure the flexible cabin of the Enclave in seconds. Connectivity Tech Standard tech in the Enclave includes a 30-inch digital display, built-in Google apps, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Control your SUV with your smartphone from anywhere with standard remote commands. Upgrade the tech package with a 16-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display. Safety and Driver Assistance Enjoy peace of mind in the Enclave with standard features such as traffic sign recognition, cyclist alert, a safety alert seat, a surround-view camera, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Super Cruise Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, named the best hands-free driving system by MotorTrend, is also available. Standard OnStar provides an automatic crash response along with real-time traffic and navigation data. You can also add hitch guidance and hitch view if you plan to tow with this SUV. Customize your 2025 Enclave with a palette of six stunning exterior colors and a selection of three well-appointed trims. Visit Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN to test drive this exciting all-new model today.

From every angle, the 2025 Buick Envision impresses with its elegant style and sophisticated features. Whether it's the Envision's smooth and quiet ride or its intuitive technology, this compact SUV's features turn everyday drives into mini getaways. Inside the five-passenger Envision, you'll enjoy a comfortable and quiet cabin, made possible by standard QuietTuning technology and an automatic climate control system that continuously works to maintain your selected temperature. The entry-level Preferred trim comes with leatherette-trimmed seats, while the Sport Touring and Avenir trims have seats trimmed in leather. The Envision also has 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space for your daily errands, plus a 40/60 split-folding rear bench seat for even more storage. When you step inside and start the 2.0-liter turbo ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine, you can leave your key fob in your pocket or purse, thanks to standard Keyless Open and Start. The Envision's engine, paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque with an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined efficiency. For optimal traction, every Envision comes standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive that responds automatically to changing road conditions. Intuitive 30-Inch Display The Envision comes with the largest screen in its class, a 30-inch ultrawide display that includes the gauge cluster and infotainment system. This display has Google built-in, giving you access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play apps with an active subscription to OnStar Basics, included for 8 years. You can also connect the display to your smartphone with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so you can mirror apps and play music on the nine-speaker Bose audio system. Driver Assistance Technology Parking in a tight parking spot is easier than ever with the Envision's standard HD Surround Vision. This technology uses four different cameras to provide you with a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, so you can avoid obstacles in your path. When you're backing out of a parking space, Rear Cross Traffic Braking can even detect vehicles approaching from either side behind you and apply the brakes automatically to prevent or mitigate a collision. The Envision also makes it easier to keep your eyes on the road with its standard Head-Up Display, which projects important driving information onto the windshield. To experience it for yourself on a test drive, get in touch with our sales team at Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN.

The 2025 Buick Envista is a modern SUV with sharp style, advanced technology, and world-class performance specs. This compact crossover SUV is perfectly suited for your daily commute thanks to impressive highway gas mileage. You can also enjoy customizable cargo space in this five-passenger model if you ever need more cargo room for your recreational pursuits. The entry-level Envista is outfitted with an eco-friendly 1.2-liter EcoTec turbocharged motor that offers an output of 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This urban-tuned powertrain is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and a selectable start/stop engine system for optimized fuel consumption. This model gets 32 MPG on the highway and 28 MPG in the city. Cabin Features The Envista has a maximum cargo capacity of 42 cubic feet, which is enough space for several large suitcases, golf clubs, and other large items. This model has a rear bench seat that can fold with a 40/60 split so you can seat a maximum of five passengers or a minimum of two when the rear seats are folded flat. The Preferred model has an 11-inch diagonal touchscreen on the front dash to house all of your infotainment apps. This multi-function HD touchscreen can manage connectivity options from Bluetooth-enabled devices, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Envista's infotainment system also enables hands-free pass-through phone features like text messaging or phone calls. An eight-inch diagonal Driver Information Center is also standard. Buick Driver Confidence The Envista maximizes your on-road safety with the standard Buick Driver Confidence package. Key safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Forward Collision Alert can warn you in ample time of a potential frontal collision. If you don't respond to the collision warning promptly, automatic braking technology can prevent an accident. This package also comes with Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. This advanced system keeps your SUV in the center of your lane to prevent unintentional drifting and will emit an alert if you try to enter a neighboring lane without using turn signals. A standard Following Distance Indicator ensures you keep enough space between your Buick and the car ahead. The refreshed 2025 Envista has a refined style and advanced technology perfect for contemporary drivers. This compact SUV even has enough flexible cargo and seating space for growing families. Contact Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN to schedule a test drive today.

For a stylish yet practical luxury SUV, set your sights on the 2025 Buick Encore GX. It offers a spacious, comfortable cabin and generous standard features. Interior Design and Amenities Although it's a subcompact SUV, the Encore GX gives you more than 50 cubic feet of cargo space. This two-row model accommodates five people. Frequent road-trippers can add optional roof rack cross rails and mounted side rails. Standard convenience features include keyless entry and push-button start. QuietTuning across the lineup gives you a peaceful driving experience. You can also add a hands-free power liftgate, power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power panoramic moonroof. Leatherette or perforated leather upholstery is also available. Performance and Efficiency The standard turbo engine of the Encore GX produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An upgraded version pushes this crossover to 155 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Each powertrain features standard front-wheel drive with a continuously variable automatic transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. The latter adds selectable drive modes. The Encore GX gets up to 31 highway miles per gallon, and it's equipped with a fuel-saving stop-start system. Available trailering equipment lets you tow up to 1,000 pounds. This SUV comes with either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels depending on the trim. Every model has an electronic stability control system with traction control. Infotainment and Connectivity The Encore GX incorporates an 11-inch infotainment screen, an 8-inch driver information screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker stereo. You'll also have standard wireless smartphone connectivity with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging is available as part of the Advanced Technology Package, and a Bose seven-speaker audio system is included in the Avenir Technology Package. Driver Assistance Tech Every model comes with Buick Driver Confidence, which includes automatic emergency braking, automatic headlights, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a following distance indicator, and front pedestrian braking. ​Standard LED daytime running lamps provide enhanced visibility. The standard Teen Driver system lets you monitor new drivers in your household with an assigned key fob. Safety options include the HD surround vision camera, rear parking assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The 2025 Encore GX comes in three refined trims. Visit Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN today to test drive this appealing luxury crossover.

The small and sporty 2024 Buick Encore GX has everything you need for a thrilling driving experience. This five-passenger compact SUV has several advanced standard features, a refined exterior that echoes the luxury of the Buick brand, and an affordable price tag that fits into every budget. more Four Reasons Drivers Love the 2024 Buick Encore GX 1. Eco-Friendly Performance The entry-level Encore GX Preferred model has an estimated fuel efficiency of 30 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the freeway. The key to this small SUV's outstanding fuel efficiency is the 1.2-liter turbocharged EcoTec motor. This efficient engine produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque for plucky acceleration. A Selectable Start/Stop system can automatically shut off the engine in idling traffic for even better fuel economy. 2. Automatic Headlights With Delay Automatic LED headlights make it easy to navigate the road since these headlights can switch on when it gets dark outside. LED headlights are energy efficient since they use less juice from the battery and will last for several years before needing to be replaced. These headlights are paired with IntelliBeam technology, which can turn the high-beam headlights on and off when the SUV travels above 25 MPH. The automatic LED headlights also come with a delay feature that keeps the headlamps on for a short time after the engine is off so you can find your front door more easily. You can customize the delay feature so the headlights stay on for as long or as little as you need. 3. QuietTuning Whether you have small children or you want to enjoy a quiet cabin environment, the standard QuietTuning feature is a great addition to the Encore GX. QuietTuning combines noise-dampening technology to cancel out the sound of the engine and the road, so the cabin environment is quiet. This can benefit the quality of passenger conversations or enhance your music listening experience since the speakers won't need to battle traffic noise. 4. OnStar Remote Access The Encore GX comes with a three-year trial for OnStar Remote Access. This advanced service allows you to use your smartphone to check your fuel levels or tire air pressure, or even remotely start your engine. You can renew this plan at your Buick dealership. The Encore GX is fun to drive with an eco-friendly motor, intuitive exterior lighting features, and a peaceful cabin environment. Drop by Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN for a test drive or to discuss available financing.

The first-ever 2024 Buick Envista is making lots of waves in the SUV market with its sophisticated style, smooth ride, and generous standard features. This five-passenger crossover is available in three trims with distinct styling and features, including the comfortable Preferred, the bold Sport Touring, and the plush Avenir. more Trim Levels of the 2024 Buick Envista 1. Preferred When you choose the Preferred, you'll enjoy exciting features like 17-inch Bright Silver aluminum wheels, cloth and leatherette seating, and LED headlamps, tail lamps, and Daytime Running Lamps. It achieves EPA-estimated efficiency of 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway with its 137-horsepower ECOTEC 1.2-liter turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. QuietTuning technology keeps outside noise from getting in, and automatic climate control keeps your cabin at the right temperature automatically. The Preferred's 6-speaker audio system is controlled using an intuitive 11-inch HD touchscreen, which also incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability to connect your compatible smartphone. Buick Driver Confidence is standard on the Preferred as well, with six driver assistance technologies that monitor your surroundings and help you respond to danger. Features include Forward Collision Alert to warn you of a potential collision and Automatic Emergency Braking to help you avoid or reduce its impact. 2. Sport Touring The Sport Touring comes with an exclusive grille and 18-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels that are styled to turn heads. Outside, this trim also has gloss-black trim and LED-accented tail lamps, while inside, it's adorned with leatherette seat trim with ST embroidery. 3. Avenir Elegant and luxurious, the Avenir features exclusive 19-inch Pearl Nickel aluminum wheels, a Black Ice chrome Avenir grille, and perforated leather-appointed, heated front seats. Its Watts Link System rear suspension creates an even smoother ride and increases handling stability. The Avenir also includes convenience features, like Keyless Open and Start, which lets you get in and start your Envista without taking out your key fob. You can even open the power liftgate with just the press of a button. Keeping your smartphone charged is easier in the Avenir, too, thanks to its wireless smartphone charging. This model also comes with a complimentary three-year subscription to the OnStar Premium Plan, with in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot data, Automatic Crash Response, and Roadside Assistance. Whether you have your sights set on the Sport Touring's gloss-black wheels, the Preferred's driver assistance technology, or the Avenir's leather-appointed interior, you can't go wrong with the all-new Envista. To find out more, call or stop by our showroom at Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN.

If you're looking for a new car, comparing the available features can help you make the right decision. The 2024 Buick Enclave offers a suite of standard and available features that will make each drive feel like a luxury experience. Find out more about the top features you'll love in this vehicle. more 5 Features of the 2024 Buick Enclave 1. Buick's Driver Confidence Plus System Make your daily commute safer. With Buick's included safety technology package, you'll enjoy driver-assistance features and alerts to improve your awareness and safety. These technologies include: Forward collision alert Lane keep assist with lane departure warning Following distance indicator Lane change alert with side blind zone alert IntelliBeam auto high beams Buick also includes other standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, StabiliTrak stability control system, teen driver features, and three years of OnStar Remote Access. 2. Key Comfort Features Stay comfortable no matter the temperature with the standard heated steering wheel, heated leather front seats, and tri-zone climate control. Plus, the six-way power front passenger's seat and eight-way power driver's seat will keep you comfortable. Forget about a noisy drive with QuietTuning and active noise cancellation. The process reduces, blocks, and absorbs vibration and noise to create a quieter environment. 3. Engaging Infotainment Features Cars do more than just get you from point A to point B. Nowadays, they're where you listen to music, catch up on podcasts, or even finish an audiobook. With the included eight-inch diagonal IntelliLink touchscreen,you can easily access a suite of entertainment features, including wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto when paired with capable devices. Plus, all three rows have two USB ports to charge your devices. 4. Hands-Free Power Liftgate Juggling your groceries while trying to access your trunk is a hassle. With the standard power liftgate, you'll never find yourself in this position. All you have to do is simply approach your vehicle with your key fob, and your liftgate will open automatically. 5. Driver Mode Control Looking to get the best performance based on your preferences and road conditions? Take advantage of the included driver mode control feature. With these flexible options, you can experience improved fuel efficiency, sportier performance, and better towing ability. The base trim of the Enclave includes AWD and stability control buttons. The 2024 Enclave offers an assortment of standard and available features you'll love. Ready to test drive your future Buick? Call Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN, to schedule yours today.

The 2024 Buick Envision is the ideal combination of luxury and utility, with a refined ride and plenty of room for up to 5 passengers and their cargo. It has a fresh, new look this year and impressive standard comfort and technology features that make it a pleasure to drive. And its advanced safety features monitor your Envision's surroundings to help you stay safer on the road. more 2024 Buick Envision Basics The Envision's cabin is designed to welcome passengers into a comfortable, quiet environment, starting with its QuietTuning technology that blocks and cancels outside noise. The front seats are power-adjustable, and the driver's seat and outside mirrors have a memory function that makes it easy to return to your preferred position after it's been changed. You can even customize the mood inside your Envision by selecting the color of its ambient interior lighting. The Envision is powered by a 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine that's paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. Standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive continuously adapts to the road surface to deliver power to the wheels with the most traction. And upper active aero shutters open to cool the engine at low speeds but close at high speeds to improve aerodynamics and efficiency, contributing to the Envision's EPA-estimated 28 MPG highway. Sport Touring With unique 20-inch Carbon Flash Metallic alloy wheels and a gloss-black mesh grille, the Sport Touring takes the Envision's sleek styling to the next level. Its sport-inspired design extends to the cabin, with alloy sport pedals and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. The Sport Touring's front seats are trimmed in leather with synthetic suede inserts and have ST-embossed head restraints. Impressive Technology Inside the Envision, the gauge cluster, navigation, infotainment system, and vehicle information are displayed on a single ultrawide 30-inch screen, which is the largest screen in its class. With standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can view your phone's apps on this display and listen to your phone's music on the 9-speaker Bose premium audio system. And the Envision's standard Head-Up Display projects important driving information onto your windshield so you can stay focused on the road. To learn more about the Envision's impressive features, call or visit us at Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN. One of our helpful sales representatives would love to show you our available vehicles and let you experience one for yourself with a test drive.

The average lifespan of a car battery is three to five years, but this can be reduced due to extreme weather conditions or undiagnosed issues in the engine, like a failing alternator. As your GMC dealer, we'd like you to know some of the signs that your battery is in trouble and you need to visit us for a new car battery. more Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your GMC Dealer Dim Headlights Dim headlights are often one of the first signs that your headlight bulbs need replacement. They could also indicate that your battery is weakening. When your engine is switched off, the battery uses its reserves to power your vehicle's systems. If the battery fails, it might not have enough stored power to supply all the systems sufficiently. You can perform a test to check your battery. Note the brightness of your headlights, then start your engine and check the brightness again. If the headlights don't look brighter, your bulbs probably need replacement. If the lights are much brighter, your battery is failing. We'll connect your battery to our battery tester to check it and replace the battery if it's wearing out. Rotten Egg Smell If you smell the stench of rotten eggs wafting into your cabin, your battery could be failing. This foul smell is due to hydrogen sulfide, a corrosive and toxic chemical that forms as a battery weakens. Chemical reactions inside the battery enable it to store electricity as chemical energy. One of these chemicals, sulfuric acid, gradually breaks down and releases hydrogen as part of the breakdown process. The hydrogen molecules will escape the battery and mix with sulfur in your engine to form hydrogen sulfide. This new chemical will start to corrode the battery terminals and other nearby metal components. Once a battery starts to release hydrogen, it's already in decline. The battery can't be repaired, but we'll install a new one to fix this problem. Battery Warning Light This warning light illuminates if sensors in your engine detect any issues in the electrical system. These sensors connect to each component in the electrical system and closely monitor their connected component for any problems. They're very sensitive, and can easily identify the smallest changes in a component and give you sufficient warning time to repair it before it fails. The battery can trigger this warning light as its electrical output drops. A healthy battery supplies approximately 13.5 volts. As it weakens, this output falls and the light will illuminate if the output drops to 12.5 volts or less. This is a sign that the battery can't supply all your vehicle's electricity demands. We'll test your battery to confirm this and will replace it for you. A battery will usually always provide some warning that it's failing. Visit us today at Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN.