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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.

Skipping an oil change may seem harmless but can lead to significant engine trouble. With this in mind, it's wise to keep your oil in tip-top condition with routine changes at your local Buick dealer or GMC dealer. more The Importance of Regular Oil Changes for Your Buick or GMC Prevent Overheating The nemesis of all car engines is overheating. By lubricating and reducing friction, motor oil plays a large role in controlling the engine's temperature. If you neglect to change your oil, it will degrade and fail to lubricate properly, leaving the coolant alone to combat the rising heat. Optimize Lubrication Motor oil performs its lubricating and cleaning functions best when fresh. As the months pass, motor oil collects particles of dirt, metal shavings, and carbon deposits, which cause it to gradually thicken. Regular changes keep the oil's lubricating and cleaning qualities optimized at all times, which keeps your engine well-protected. Boost Fuel Efficiency When motor oil is functioning properly, the engine works at maximum output capacity. This means optimized gas mileage. And if the oil begins to degrade, you'll soon find yourself stopping more often for gas. Enhance Performance Your car's overall power and performance are also dependent on the motor oil. The better condition the oil is in, the better acceleration and overall handling you'll enjoy. Fewer Repairs Any repair work related to the engine can be costly. As motor oil is your engine's number one defense against wear and tear, it helps each moving component last longer. This reduces your long-term expenses on faults and part replacements. How Frequently To Change Oil at Your Buick Dealer For the majority of drivers, it's suitable to change oil twice a year. However, if you commute daily in heavy traffic, use your car mostly for very short trips, or put your motor oil under additional pressure in any other way, you may need more frequent oil servicing than this. Your GMC Dealer Can Set Up a Personalized Servicing Schedule Setting up a convenient schedule to refresh your motor oil is as easy as one two three. Once booked, our friendly technicians can send you polite reminders whenever an upcoming visit is due. This way you're very unlikely ever to forget to refresh your oil again. Visit Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN, today to have your motor oil refreshed by experienced professionals. For over 50 years, we've been dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience, whatever your automotive needs may be.

It can be easy to overlook the tires unless they're worn or flat, but tire damage comes in many forms. Damaged tires are responsible for numerous accidents in the US, as they increase stopping distance and reduce traction. As your Buick dealer, we want to tell you some signs that you need to visit us for new tires. more Signs You Need New Tires From Your Buick Dealer Cupped Tires Cupping is a strange wear pattern that looks like sections of the edges of the tire tread have been scooped out with an ice cream scoop. This damage is caused by an alignment or suspension issue. The alignment is the angle of the tires to the ground. Depending on your model, your tires could be perpendicular to the surface or angled inward or outward when viewed from straight ahead or from above. Alignment changes over time due to contact with the road surface, worn shocks or struts, or bumping the curb or any solid object. We can prevent this problem by connecting your wheels to our computerized alignment machine. We'll also check your tires and replace any that are severely worn. Over or Under-Inflated Tires The correct tire pressure for your tires is listed in your car manual and is also displayed on a plate or sticker on the inside door jamb of the front passenger side door. Underinflated tires sag, exposing more vulnerable sections of the sidewall to friction with the ground and increasing the chance of a puncture. Overinflated tires, in contrast, are more likely to suffer blowouts. When you're driving, the air inside your tires heats up due to surface friction. This increases internal tire pressure, which is already slightly weakened by stretching due to the excessive amount of air inside it. Our technicians can correct either issue in minutes, and we'll also check your tires to ensure they're still safe to drive on. Cracked Tires Your tires are made from high-quality rubber, and they're reinforced by steel and polymer bands in sections like the tread. Despite their superior construction, rubber will naturally lose elasticity over time, and reduced elasticity leads to cracks. When your tires heat up as you drive, the cracks will gradually widen and deepen. Cracks that extend far enough into the tire surface will compromise the tire, and it will leak or blow out. If you spot cracks in your tires, visit us so our experts can examine them and advise you. Driving on worn or damaged tires is dangerous. Visit us today at Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN.

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.

Combustion produces large quantities of heat, and the radiator acts as a heat exchanger to remove this heat by replacing it with cooler outside air. The radiator and the rest of the cooling system operate under high pressure and in high-temperature conditions. Over time this can cause damage to the system. As your Buick dealer and GMC dealer, we'd like you to know a few signs that you need to visit us for a radiator repair. Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your GMC Dealer or Buick Dealer Engine Temperature Rising The temperature gauge on your dash gives you a heads-up on your engine temperature. As you accelerate, the engine temperature will rise and the cooling system will speed up to reduce the temperature again. Although your engine works most effectively at a temperature between 185 F and 230 F, this sustained heat level will damage sensitive engine components like gaskets and seals. If your engine temperature rises for no apparent reason and continues to climb, this is a sign of danger. An engine can suffer serious, even fatal damage if the temperature isn't reduced. We advise pulling over as soon as it's safe to do so and contacting us right away. Our expert technicians will find the cause of the problem and repair it. more Damaged Radiator Fan Liquid coolant is pumped through the engine and absorbs heat as it moves. This heat is trapped inside the coolant and transported to the radiator. Inside the radiator, the flow of cool air through the radiator grille removes the heat from the coolant. When you're idling, airflow through the grille is very restricted. In this situation, the radiator fan at the back of the radiator switches and blows the heat inside the coolant out through the radiator grille. If the radiator fan fails, your engine will start to overheat any time the engine is idling. Coolant Leaks A coolant leak is generally very easy to spot as coolant is available in bright colors like pink, blue, and green. If you have a coolant leak, we advise that you contact our service department ASAP. If you drive while your engine is leaking coolant, your engine can rapidly overheat. A coolant leak can be caused by a rusted radiator, a leaking radiator hose, or a damaged radiator cap. We'll examine your cooling system, find the cause of the trouble, and fix it. If your radiator is worn or damaged, contact us today at Schepel Buick GMC in Merril l ville, IN.

When your car needs a brake repair, you'll notice some issues going on with the vehicle. When these issues rear their heads, you'll need to visit your dealer as soon as possible to get the braking system examined and repaired. Some of the most common issues you'll experience our outlined below. 5 Signs Your GMC or Buick Needs a Brake Repair 1. Brake Noise If there are any noises happening when you hit the brakes, then you should definitely head to the dealer for an inspection. Often, you'll hear a screeching sound, like metal scraping against metal. This happens when your brake pads wear down and the brake pad wear indicators scratch against your rotors. Make sure you regularly listen out for this sound so you can keep on top of getting your brake pads replaced. It's usually too subtle to be heard if you have the radio on, but it can be heard when the windows are up. If you hear a grinding or growling sound, then it means your brake pads are long overdue for replacement, and now your brakes or rotors may be damaged. more 2. Brake Responsiveness Issues You're probably used to how long it takes to fully stop when you hit the brakes. If it starts taking longer than usual to come to a complete stop, then you have a problem. You might have a brake fluid leak, so visit the dealer to have the leak repaired and your brake fluid topped up. 3. Brake Pedal Sinking There's normally some resistance when you activate the brake pedal, but if you're having brake issues, then you might find that your pedal sinks right to the floor without resisting you. One issue that can cause this is a brake fluid leak, but there are other problems that can make your brake pedal sink right to the floor, too. 4. Brake Pedal Vibration When your brake pedal vibrates or pulsates, it means your rotors are most likely warped. However, make sure the anti-lock brakes aren't engaged, as they can also cause the brake pedal to pulsate or vibrate. If the vibrating or pulsating is happening while the anti-lock brakes aren't engaged, then visit the dealer to have the rotors repaired. Long periods of heavy braking can cause this rotor damage. 5. Braking Causes Pulling If you hit the brakes and the nose of your car pulls to one side, then you need to take a trip to the dealer as soon as you can. It's very likely that your brakes need to be adjusted or that you need to replace the brake fluid. Brake issues should always be repaired ASAP. Come and get the braking system fixed at Shepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN.

To ensure your Buick or GMC never lets you down, rely on top-quality OEM parts from your Buick dealer and GMC dealer. ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts are designed and manufactured to your vehicle's specifications, guaranteeing reliability, durability, safety, and optimal performance. Best of all, when you use original equipment parts, you can rest assured that your investment is well protected. Why OEM Parts From Your Buick Dealer and GMC Dealer are Essential for Your Buick or GMC The Certainty of Quality ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts are the parts installed during the manufacturing process of Buick and GMC vehicles. ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts are designed with the utmost care, engineered with precision, and manufactured with great attention to detail to ensure a customized fit. Moreover, each part is approved and backed by GM Motors, guaranteeing exceptional quality, durability, and reliability. more The Assurance of Reliability and Performance When you choose ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts, you can be confident that each component has been meticulously developed to ensure seamless integration with your Buick or GMC vehicle's systems. By installing original parts, your vehicle is equipped with the highest quality components available. The replacement parts you purchase are exact replicas of the ones initially installed during your vehicle's manufacturing process. They function like the part you are replacing, offering the same outstanding reliability, safety, and superior performance. The Guarantee of Warranty Protection Your Buick or GMC's warranty is designed to offer you valuable protection. We recommend only installing ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts when you need replacements to safeguard your investment and extend the years or miles covered under warranty. This ensures you can maximize your warranty while getting the best possible performance from your Buick or GMC. It's also important to note that installing aftermarket or third-party parts will not give the same level of quality and may void your warranty. We proudly provide limited warranties for two years and unlimited mileage on a majority of ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts. The Silver line warranties cover parts for one year and unlimited miles. The Preservation of Your Vehicle's Resale Value If you want to preserve the value of your Buick or GMC, use ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts. Not only will top-quality original equipment parts ensure that your vehicle runs optimally, but you will also increase the resale value of your car when you decide to trade it in or sell it. When your Buick or GMC vehicle needs replacement parts, rely on ACDelco Original Equipment and GM Genuine parts specifically manufactured for your car to provide a custom fit. Stop at Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN, today. We will assist you in finding the right replacement part for your vehicle, and our qualified technicians will perform a professional installation.

Your car needs quality tires if you want to get anywhere, but it's not always easy to know when it's time to replace them, so take a look at these signs that you need to visit your Buick dealer for new tires. Worn-Out Tread Your tire tread is what provides your car with traction, especially while driving in wet or slick conditions. An easy way to check if your tread is too low is by using a penny. Place the penny into your tire's tread upside down: if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are too worn. more Visible Damage to the Sidewall Take a good look at your tires and inspect the sidewalls. Can you see any cracks, cuts, or grooves? If so, your tires might be developing leaks or preparing to fail. Damage to the sidewall cannot be safely repaired, so you'll have to replace your tires. Blisters on the Tire's Surface Blisters, bumps, or bulges that stick out of your tire's surface deserve a specific mention here. This type of damage means there is a weak spot in your tire and you are at risk of a sudden blowout. Low, Leaky Tires Adding air to your tires after the temperature suddenly plunges is completely normal: topping up your tires every week or two all summer is not. If the pressure in your tires is consistently low, you probably have a slow leak. A professional inspection will tell you whether the leak can be repaired or your tire needs to be replaced. Tread Wear Indicator Bars Tread wear indicators are smooth rubber bars that are integrated into your tire tread. When tires are new, you won't notice the indicator bars much. As your tire wears down, however, the bar rises to the top. Once your tread wear indicator bars have reached the surface of your tire, it's a clear sign the tire needs to be replaced. Tires That Are Too Old Age affects your tires, even if you don't drive on them very much. The rubber they are made of breaks down and becomes more brittle over time, and once your tires are six years old it's no longer recommended to drive on them. It's time to spring for a new set! Shop for New Tires at Your Buick Dealer Your local dealership offers a selection of high-quality tires from top brands. After you choose your tires, our technicians can mount and balance them for you, as well as check for other potential issues, like alignment problems, that might affect the performance of your vehicle. If you notice any signs of tire trouble, don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals at your local dealership for help. Visit Schepel Buick GMC to let our technicians take a look at your tires.

One of the key components of a car that often gets overlooked until it's too late is the battery. How can you tell when it's time to visit the GMC dealer for a new car battery? There are some tell-tale signs. Engine Cranks Slowly When you turn the key or press the start button, does your car take longer than usual to roar to life? If your engine is cranking slowly or sounds like it's struggling to start, it's often a sign that your battery is on its way out. more The Dreaded 'Check Engine' Light We've all been there: the check engine light pops up on the dashboard and all the horrible things that could be wrong with your car spring to mind. Sometimes this light can indicate nothing worse than battery problems, especially if it's combined with other signs on this list. The Battery Looks Visibly Damaged Pop the hood and take a peek at your battery. Does it look like it's seen better days? Signs like a swollen or bloated battery case, or any corrosion around the terminals, are clear indicators that the battery's life is coming to an end. The Age Factor A typical car battery only lasts about three to five years. If yours is within this age range, it might be time to start looking for a replacement. Keeping track of your battery's birthday can save you from unexpected breakdowns. Trouble in Cold Weather If the thermometer is scheduled to dip low, pay attention to how your car starts on those chilly mornings. Cold weather can be tough on batteries, and if yours is already weak, it might struggle to start the car in frosty temperatures. You've Jump-Started It More Than Once If you find yourself pulling out the jumper cables more often than you'd like to admit, it's a pretty clear sign that your battery is asking for a retirement party. Frequent jump-starts are a sign that your battery is struggling to hold a charge. Pick Up a New Car Battery From The GMC Dealer If you're experiencing any of these symptoms with your car, it's a good idea to head to the nearest dealership. We can test your battery, provide you with the right replacement if necessary, and ensure that everything is installed correctly. Plus, we can give your car a quick check-up to make sure everything else is in tip-top shape. Recognizing these signs and staying proactive about your car battery's health can save you a lot of time and trouble. After all, a well-maintained battery means a reliable, ready-for-anything vehicle. Call Schepel Buick GMC and schedule a check-up for your battery today.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, many drivers focus on oil changes and tune-ups. Those are important service appointments, but it's also essential that you maintain your headlights and replace them when it's time. Here's what you need to know about getting new headlights from your Buick dealership. Getting New Headlights at Your Buick Dealership Don't Wait Until the Bulb Is Out Don't wait until your lights are burned out to schedule a headlight service. Instead, watch for the signs that your headlights may be starting to fail and schedule service immediately. Headlights that blink on and off, or give off a foggy, yellowish glow instead of a direct beam of light, may be near the end of their life. If your headlights appear cracked or damaged, you may also need a replacement set. more Replace Both Lights at the Same Time Even if just one of your lights is acting up, it's a good idea to go ahead and replace both at the same time. The headlights on your vehicle are likely about the same age, and if one has started to decline, the other probably is not far behind. If you're bringing your vehicle in for service, it makes sense to have both headlights replaced. The Bulb May Not Be the Issue If you're bringing your car in because you're worried about the performance of the headlights, be prepared for the fact that you might not need new lights after all. A variety of factors can influence the performance of your lights, including wiring and fuse issues. In some cases, dirt and grime that has accumulated on the plastic lenses covering your lights may be the culprit. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your vehicle and determine whether you need new lights or some other type of repair. Expect Expert Service and Genuine Parts When your vehicle is in our shop, it'll be in the hands of a dedicated team of professionals who are experts on every Buick model, whether it has halogen or LED lights. You can trust our experienced technicians to diagnose the problem quickly and accurately, then perform the appropriate repair using genuine Buick parts and your new lights should last for years. You Won't Need to Wait Long Headlight maintenance typically does not involve a lengthy or involved service appointment. Unless you've combined headlight work with another vehicle maintenance, it won't take long to get you and your vehicle back out on the road. Driving without working headlights is unsafe, and it puts you at risk of being pulled over. Keep an eye out for signs that your lights may be faltering, and when you're ready to schedule your next service appointment, call Schepel Buick GMC.

Ignition coils lie at the heart of your car's engine, providing the electrical charge used to ignite the fuel inside each combustion chamber, thereby powering your car. Without healthy ignition coils in each of the cylinders, your engine won't have the voltage required to keep the whole combustion process combusting. So if you ever notice the following indications of engine trouble, a faulty ignition coil might be to blame. Visit your local Chevy dealer right away to have it repaired. 7 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil Blinking Check Engine Light Fortunately, it's far easier these days to catch engine problems early on because of all the sophisticated sensors throughout your car. So as soon as a bad ignition coil starts causing trouble, you'll see the dreaded check engine light come to life on your dashboard. If you notice this warning light, don't delay in having the underlying problem diagnosed by a technician. more Coughing, Sputtering Engine When a failing ignition coil prevents a spark plug from sparking, the cylinder begins to misfire. This causes the engine to cough, sputter, and shake as it struggles to keep going. The slower you drive, the worse these symptoms of misfiring are likely to become. Repeatedly Stalling Engine When a spark plug is misfiring because of a bad ignition coil, the unburned fuel that builds up in the chamber starts to foul the spark plug, worsening the problem. So a misfiring engine will inevitably get worse unless promptly repaired, eventually causing your car to stall. If you find your car's engine repeatedly dying at inopportune moments, one or more of your ignition coils might be the culprit. Slower Acceleration With bad ignition coils, as misfiring cylinders rob the engine of its power, you'll soon notice reduced acceleration speed. It will become harder to gain that necessary burst of power needed when crossing a busy intersection or coming out of a sharp turn. Dropping Gas Mileage Misfiring engines also tend to guzzle more gas for every mile you travel. If you realize your dashboard's gas gauge is swinging to empty far too often, your ignition coils may be malfunctioning. Backfiring From the Tailpipe When bad coils cause misfiring cylinders, the unburned excess of fuel will start to leak back through the exhaust system. As it does, this fuel may ignite in the exhaust's extreme heat, causing a loud bang and smoke to pour from the tailpipe. Your Chevy Dealer Finds a Flaw Good car maintenance requires regular trips to a trusted technician for servicing. While examining your vehicle, the technician will notice any engine problems stemming from a faulty coil and let you know when it's time for replacement coils. Visit Schepel Buick GMC today to have your engine and ignition coils checked. We're a family-owned dealership with a 40-year history of helping out the region's local drivers with terrific vehicles and customer service.