Getting New Headlights for Your GMC/Buick Vehicle

November 30, 2023 · 3 min read

Blue 2024 Buick Encore GX parked in driveway with vehicle headlights and grill facing front and two women walking toward vehicle

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.

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.

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Sep 06, 2024 in Merrillville Buick Service

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes for Your Buick or GMC

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.

view of a Buick engine that had an radiator repair

Apr 30, 2024 in Merrillville Buick Service

Radiator Maintenance for Longevity in Your Buick or GMC Vehicle

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.

View of a GMC tire and wheel with the brake visible on a black GMC vehicle

Feb 28, 2024 in Merrillville Buick Service

5 Signs Your GMC or Buick Needs Brake Repair

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.