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oil change

Getting an Oil Change for Your GMC or Buick Vehicle

To ensure your engine stays lubricated and protected, it's vital to regularly change your vehicle's oil. The oil in your GMC or Buick lubricates the moving parts and helps to keep everything under the hood running efficiently. A regular oil change at your Buick dealer will improve your vehicle's engine performance and ensure you enjoy your Acadia or Envision for much longer. more Getting an Oil Change for Your GMC or Buick Vehicle From Your Buick Dealer Oil Replacement Services Our team of skilled and experienced technicians provides top-notch oil replacements at prices that won't break the bank. They understand how vital it is to stay on top of routine oil replacements, using only the finest oil grades to keep your engine protected, clean, and running properly. Additionally, each oil replacement includes a thorough Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection and four-tire rotation, allowing our technicians to assess the condition of your vehicle and identify any necessary maintenance needed to keep it performing at its best. The Proper Oil For Your Vehicle Using the right oil to keep your engine purring like a kitten is essential. We suggest replacing your vehicle's oil with premium quality full synthetic oil, such as ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil, ACDelco dexos1 Full Synthetic, or Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil. These top-of-the-line oils are designed to provide excellent lubrication and protection. You can find the oil details for your GMC or Buick in your owner's manual, or feel free to ask your technician for help selecting the best oil for your particular model and engine type. Oil Specials Are you looking to save some money on your oil replacements? Look no further! We offer fantastic savings on oil replacements, which include a tire rotation. Head to the specials on our website or chat with one of our service consultants to learn more about our deals. Oil Replacement Intervals and the OLMS If you have an older model, replacing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months is generally recommended. If you drive a newer model, you don't have to worry about keeping track of the mileage. The Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) will do it for you. The OLMS tracks your vehicle's speed, mileage, engine temperature, and revolutions and calculates when new oil is required. When the OLMS light comes on, that's your cue to schedule an oil replacement. The Importance of Clean Oil The oil in your GMC or Buick helps to lubricate and cool the engine, reducing friction and heat that can cause damage over time. As the oil gets used, it becomes contaminated and loses its capacity to protect and lubricate the engine, leading to increased wear and fuel consumption. Following the factory-recommended oil replacement intervals will prevent damage to your engine, improve fuel efficiency, and increase overall performance, ensuring your vehicle lasts longer. Ensure your GMC or Buick never lets you down by relying on our expert oil replacement services. Schedule an appointment at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC today, and we will see to it that your engine is well-lubricated and protected.

catalytic converter under car

Need a New Catalytic Converter? Visit Your Chevy Dealer Today

As it converts fuel into energy, your vehicle's engine produces various toxic emissions such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The role of the catalytic converter underneath your car is to convert these unpleasant fumes into more benign gases. While cats are long-lasting car parts, they can occasionally go bad. If you think your cat is having trouble, don't hesitate to visit your nearest Chevy dealer to have it repaired. more Need a New Catalytic Converter? Visit Your Chevy Dealer Today Rotten Egg Smell A stinky rotten egg smell may mean that your cat has broken down. Unless your battery is leaking battery acid, that rotten egg smell is probably hydrogen sulfide, one of the more dangerous fumes that a car's engine emits. When working well, the cat converts hydrogen sulfide into odorless, relatively harmless sulfur dioxide. But if your cat is failing to clean up this toxic gas, you'll soon smell the difference; open the windows to let fresh air in and have your cat checked without delay. Rattling Sounds Inside the cat, there's a honeycomb mesh-like structure through which the fumes flow as they're converted into harmless gases. As a cat ages, or if the cat is damaged by a jolt or impact, this honeycomb mesh can break apart. When this happens, you may hear the loose pieces rattling around below you, especially when you rev the engine. Poor Engine Performance Cats can sometimes become clogged up by excessive carbon deposits or by portions of the meshwork melting. When clogging occurs, the entire outflow of gases through the exhaust system becomes hindered. As a result of this backup of gases, fresh oxygen can no longer enter the engine as easily. This creates an imbalance in the fuel-air mixture inside the engine's combustion chambers. You'll soon find that your engine lacks the power it once had, especially when you need a quick burst of acceleration while overtaking or crossing an intersection. Misfiring Cylinders The unbalanced fuel-air mixture that a clogged cat causes may create a buildup of unburnt fuel inside the combustion chambers of each cylinder. This causes the spark plugs to become fouled by carbon deposits, which leads to misfiring. With misfiring cylinders, your engine will start to cough and shake, especially when you pause with the engine idling. Lower Fuel Economy The engine problems that a faulty cat causes also lead to reduced efficiency in fuel consumption. When your cat goes awry, you may find that you can't cover as many miles on a full tank of gas as before; your monthly fuel budget will be steadily rising. Have your car's converter inspected and repaired today by experienced technicians at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC. We have an excellent range of new and pre-owned vehicles in our inventory, and courteous, knowledgeable staff on hand to help you with all your car-related needs.

transmission

4 Signs Your Chevy, GMC, or Buick Needs a Transmission Repair

The transmission system in your vehicle is one of its most complex components. It is responsible for shifting gears and transferring the engine's power to the wheels, and when something goes wrong in this system, it has far-reaching effects on the performance, safety, and longevity of your car. Spotting the warning signs of transmission trouble early on can save you from much more expensive transmission repair in the future. Head to your Buick dealer right away if you notice any of the following signs. more 4 Signs Your Chevy, GMC, or Buick Needs a Transmission Repair from Your Buick Dealer Slipping Gears If your vehicle's transmission is in good health, you'll notice that shifting between gears is smooth and seamless. However, if your vehicle suddenly changes gears for no apparent reason, or if it feels like it's struggling to stay in gear, this could be a sign of a problem. This irregularity, known as gear slipping, could be a result of worn gears, a low fluid level, or a malfunctioning solenoid. This issue is not only a nuisance but can also be a safety hazard, especially when driving at high speeds. Unusual Noises One of the most common signs of transmission trouble is strange noises. If your vehicle has begun to produce a buzzing, humming, or whining noise, it may be time to have your transmission checked. These noises may indicate that the transmission fluid is low or contaminated, which can cause the transmission to overheat and the components to wear out more rapidly. It's important to have this addressed promptly to prevent further damage. Delayed Engagement When you shift from park to drive, there should be an immediate response from your vehicle. If there's a noticeable delay before your vehicle starts to move, this could indicate a problem with the transmission fluid or the transmission itself. In automatic transmissions, this problem may be more pronounced, as the system depends heavily on hydraulic pressure to operate correctly. Leaking Fluid Transmission fluid plays a key role in lubricating the transmission's moving parts and keeping the system cool. If you notice red fluid pooling under your vehicle, it's likely that your transmission fluid is leaking. This can lead to a variety of issues, from overheating to inadequate lubrication of the transmission's components. If left unattended, a fluid leak can lead to significant damage to your transmission, so don't write this off as a minor issue. Unusual noises, slipping gears, delayed engagement, and leaking fluid are all signs that your Chevy, Buick, or GMC vehicle's transmission may need professional attention. Remember, when it comes to vehicle maintenance, a proactive approach is always the best strategy, so if you're noticing any issues with your vehicle, come see us at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC right away.

brakejob

Does Your Chevy, GMC, or Buick Need a Brake Repair?

Every Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicle owner loves driving a car known for durability and robust performance. Nevertheless, to keep the pleasure alive, you need to have confidence in the braking system. Here are a few signs it's time to head to the GMC dealer for a brake repair. more Does Your Chevy, GMC, or Buick Need a Brake Repair at the GMC Dealer? Bad Sounds Any unusual noise, like a high-pitched squeak when braking, is a warning that your brake pads are thinning. If you hear a grinding noise, it could mean the brake pads are entirely worn, causing potential harm to the rotors. A rotor repair is a lot more serious (and expensive) than a simple brake pad replacement, so it pays to get this taken care of. Take a Look at Brake Pad Thickness For those comfortable with a bit of hands-on car maintenance, checking the brake pad thickness periodically can be smart. Aim to inspect the brake pads every six months or so, and if the thickness is less than 1/4 inch, it might be time for a replacement. Don't Disregard the Warning Light Your vehicle's dashboard is designed with warning lights to keep you informed about any potential problems. If the brake warning light comes on, it's your car's way of telling you to check the braking system. Treat this notification with urgency and get it checked out promptly. Does the Brake Pedal Feel Different? A soft or spongy feeling when applying the brakes may indicate a problem with the brake fluid or brake lines. If the pedal feels unusually hard to push, it could be a sign of an issue with the power assist mechanism. Has the Vehicle's Braking Behavior Changed? Changes in your vehicle's braking performance should never be overlooked. If the car tends to pull to one side when braking, it could hint at a problem with the brake linings. A vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal may suggest that the rotors are warped and need attention. When to Call Your Dealer If you're unsure or uneasy about diagnosing brake issues, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. Brake repairs aren't something it's safe to ignore, nor are they something to try to DIY if you're not an experienced mechanic. The safety of you, your family, and everyone else on the road depends on your car's braking system. At Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, we prioritize your vehicle's health and safety above all. Don't let brake issues sneak up on you. Schedule an appointment with Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC today, and let us take care of your brakes and any other vehicle issues you might have. ​

Alternator

3 Signs Your Chevy Needs an Alternator Repair

Alternator problems can have serious consequences if they're not fixed. The alternator generates all the electrical power for your car. If it fails, your Chevy won't be able to move. Fortunately, if you experience any problems in Porterville, CA, your Chevy dealer can help you. These are a few signs you may need an alternator repair. more 3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Chevy Dealer Blown Fuse All electrical devices have fuses attached to them. This also applies to the electrical systems and devices in your car. The purpose of a fuse is to protect its attached component from damage due to electrical spikes or surges. The fuse will absorb the electrical charge and blow out. This protects the attached component but renders it useless until the fuse is replaced. If your alternator fuse blows, the alternator won't be harmed but it will switch off. The lack of power from the alternator will force the battery to supply your car's electrical demands. A battery has only a limited storage capacity. These additional demands will quickly drain the battery and your car will stop. Our technicians can easily test the fuses and replace any blown ones. Your alternator will restart immediately. Burning Wiring Burning insulation has a foul, chemical smell. If you smell a burning plastic smell wafting from the engine, you could have damaged wiring. Your electrical system depends on huge numbers of wires to carry electricity from the alternator to every electrical system. The wiring is delicate and is protected against damage by thick plastic and rubber insulation. Unfortunately, the insulation wiring can still wear out due to age. If a wire breaks, the alternator will still try to supply electricity through it. Broken wires offer high resistance to electrical current, and this causes the broken wire to heat up. The wiring can get hot enough to set its insulation on fire. We advise calling us ASAP, as burning plastic is toxic. We'll test the wiring and replace any damaged sections. Old Alternator The alternator isn't immune to aging, and time will eventually take its toll. As the alternator ages, it starts to decline. This decline is due to worn parts, and will gradually reduce the amount of electricity it produces. When an alternator can't supply all the electricity your car's systems demand, your computer will have to allocate power to the systems as needed. Signs of an old, failing alternator include electrical glitches, dim lights, and even misfiring due to intermittent power supplied to spark plugs. We can test your alternator and replace it with a new one if it's failing. Alternator problems can sometimes appear to be caused by other systems. If your Chevy shows signs of trouble, call us at Stone Chevy Buick GMC.

brakejob2

Does Your Buick or GMC Need a Brake Repair?

Does Your Buick or GMC Need a Brake Repair? You Spot Leaking Brake Fluid Brake fluid maintains hydraulic pressure inside the brake mechanism and hoses. This hydraulic pressure allows your foot on the pedal to exert enough force through the master cylinder to clamp the calipers and stop your two-ton vehicle. When brake hoses spring a leak, fluid escapes, air gets in, and hydraulic pressure plummets. This is extremely dangerous as your foot on the pedal will no longer be exerting enough force to properly stop your car. If you notice a yellow or yellowy-brown liquid pooling in your wheel wells or on the ground near your wheels, you might have a brake fluid leak. Never drive a car with leaking brake hoses until they're repaired. Your Fluid Is Too Low or Old Over time, brake fluid ages, diminishes, and fills with contaminating particles and moisture. As this worsens, you'll gradually feel your brake pedal feel softer and spongier, and your car won't be stopping as promptly. You can check the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. If the fluid looks low or very dark and dirty in color, have it flushed out and renewed. When the fluid is too low or old, you're also likely to see the anti-lock braking system warning light come to life on your dashboard. Your Brakes Are Overheating If your daily commute requires long periods in heavy stop-and-go traffic, your brakes are at risk of overheating. With extreme overheating, it's possible for the brake function to temporarily reduce. This worrying phenomenon is called brake fade. If it occurs, pull over at once to a safe place and allow your brakes to cool back down. You Hear Strange Sounds While Braking Fully functioning brakes should be relatively silent when applied. If you hear loud squealing, you probably have a brake pad that needs replacing. Any clattering or grinding sounds usually mean something is loose or trapped inside the caliper. Your Brake Pedal Is Vibrating The rotors in a Buick or GMC's vehicle brakes are remarkably durable. But extreme overheating can cause any rotor to become scored, warped, or coated in resin from a melting brake pad. If this happens, you're likely to feel a rhythmic pulsing or vibrating through the brake pedal. The malfunctioning rotor will need to be resurfaced or replaced. Have Brakes Serviced Often at Your Local GMC Dealer The more frequent your brake servicing visits, the less likely you are to ever experience these brake-related issues. Under ordinary driving conditions, it's best to have brakes serviced twice a year and brake fluid flushed every two years. Visit Stone Chevy Buick GMC to have your brakes serviced or repaired today.

GMC logo on back of sierra truck

4 Essential Services You'll Find at Your Tulare GMC Dealership

You might consider many different factors when choosing where to purchase your car, but an important criterion is whether you will be supported throughout your car's lifetime. Here at your GMC dealership in Tulare, CA, we aim to make the car-buying process as easy as possible by providing you with excellent financing options, but we also have an expert service team at your disposal. That way, you'll always find what you need with us. 1. Oil Change and Tire Rotation Most vehicles need to be serviced around once a year in order for them to function optimally. Depending on how much you drive, you might need to come in for an oil change more frequently, as it is recommended around every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or more if your car is older. At our dealership, we include a tire rotation and a multi-point inspection, so we can tell you if there are any other issues that need to be addressed. Check out the deals on the website to find out more and book an oil change at this competitive price. more 2. Genuine Spare Parts We have a wide range of genuine spare parts available for Buick and GMC vehicles, so you can access everything you need locally. No matter if you'd like to simply purchase the part from us and install it on your own or if you'd prefer us to do it for you, we'll be happy to help. Simply get in touch through the online order form, and someone will get back to you with more information as soon as possible. 3. Brake Repair Although you should always keep your entire car well maintained, the braking system is arguably one of the most important components, and you should never neglect to have the brakes serviced. If you start to notice that your car is not as quick to brake or it makes a weird noise when you do so, get in touch with the dealership as soon as possible. We will be able to diagnose and fix the issue, so you and your passengers remain safe while on the road. 4. Great Financing Options for Everyone Before you can even think about car maintenance, you'll need to purchase your vehicle. Most people opt for financing since it can spread the cost of your vehicle out over many months. Here at your local dealership, we offer great options to everyone, no matter what their previous experience and credit score is. We will look at each case individually and help you to access the best deal possible, so you can enjoy your car without having to worry about the money. Here at your local dealership, we offer a comprehensive service that will help you to purchase a great vehicle and maintain it in optimal condition. Aside from excellent financing options, we also offer an oil change special, genuine spare parts for Buick and GMC cars, and expert brake repair. Call us today at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC to book your first appointment.

3 types of burgers

Where to Find the Best Burgers in Tulare, CA

Don't settle for average when you're deciding where to get your next meal. Instead, stop in at the restaurants we highlighted below and get your hands on the best burgers you can find in our hometown. From classic burgers with the toppings you know and love to some more out-there inventions, there are all sorts of sandwiches grilled up at these restaurants. You'll find each of these spots right here in Tulare, CA, giving you a great meal locally. Triangle Drive-In A retro drive-in experience combined with some of the tastiest food in town makes every visit to the Triangle Drive-In an absolute treat. Get their double jumbo burger as a combo to enjoy a large order of fries and a refreshing drink to wash it all down with. If you want something that gives you more of a high-end flavor, we're also big fans of the pastrami burger that they have on the menu here. more Wimpy's Hamburgers Despite the name of this classic burger spot, the flavors you'll get here are anything but wimpy. Their Wimpy Burger takes a classic approach to the burger you crave, with pickles lettuce, tomatoes, and raw onions on top along with your choice of condiments. You can also step your game up to their half-pound Double Bruto Burger if you're feeling hungry enough that a regular-sized burger just won't cut it. Bravo Farms California cuisine of all kinds is on full display at Bravo Farms, and that includes the mouthwatering sandwiches they grill up. Get your meal of choice with some of their sweet potato fries on the side to complete the meal in style. Their tri-tip fajita salad is another favorite on the menu here, giving you a refreshing option when you're choosing your dish. Farmer Boys Forty years in the business tells you that Farmer Boys knows a thing or two about how to make a tasty plate of food. If you like your burgers with a bit of a kick to them, order up their Barn Burner burger and get ready for some heat. Sliced jalapeno peppers, pepper jack cheese, and their signature Fiery Farmer's Sauce team up to give you all the spice that you can handle between two buns. Sno-White Drive-In Another classic drive-in experience, Sno-White has the know-how to whip up the burgers you crave. Their handcrafted milkshakes make the perfect partner to go with your sandwich if you're in the mood for something sweet, available in a wide variety of flavors. Our milkshake of choice has got to be the butterscotch flavored flavor, but they've got plenty of selection for you to find your favorite one. The highest quality burger is waiting for you at each of these local restaurants. To get the highest quality of vehicle when you're shopping for your next ride, come see what we've got waiting for you in our inventory. Shop at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC today and we'll help you find your next dream ride!

family of 3 sitting next campfire

5 of the Best Camping Destinations Near Tulare, CA

Those living in or near Tulare, CA are spoilt for choice when it comes to campsites. Big or small, RV lot or primitive tent site, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. However, if you prefer to camp, grab your gear and get ready for a night camping under the stars in one of these great sites. 1. Tule Campground Situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Success, Tule Campground offers something for everyone. Whether it's fishing, boating, or kayaking on the lake itself, or hiking in the Sierra Nevada foothills in which the lake is nestled, there is an abundance of recreational activities to discover. Fishermen particularly love the lake for its bass, crappie, and bluegill, whereas kayakers will love the unspoiled quiet of the lake's coves and inlets that are perfect to explore from the water. more 2. Grouse Valley Grouse Valley Campsite is located right within the Giant Sequoia National Monument, which is itself located in the Sequoia National Forest, situated to the east of Tulare. The ground has individual sites with electricity and running water, as well as two large log cabins that are available to rent. The campground is located next to two man-made lakes and is a great base for exploring the national monument on foot, with miles of hiking trails nearby to choose from. 3. Leavis Flat Campground This campground is volunteer-run and is a little-known gem right in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Very few people stop here, but those that do are treated to secluded campsites situated right on a river that is perfect for fishing and is open all year round. There are nine spaces for tents and RVs under 16 feet in length, with no running water or electricity. You can't reserve in advance, so make sure to turn up early to get a spot. 4. Lemon Cove Campground This campsite is an RV park, but it does have some spaces for tents, and campers can enjoy the beautiful scenery and panoramic mountain views. There are plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation everywhere, whether it's whit-water rafting on the Kaweah River, or hiking through the beautiful Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks, there are great opportunities to explore for everyone. The park offers 55 sites with full or partial hookups and large pull-through spaces. 5. Selby Campground This campground is a little further afield, in the Carrizo Plains National Monument to the southwest of Tulare. Thirteen campsites are available with lots of amenities for everyone, including fire pits, corrals for horses, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. The campground is very secluded and is a great place to hike throughout the wilderness study area that it borders. These are just some of the best campsites to choose from; there are many more sites and RV parks nearby where you can enjoy a family getaway. Need a new vehicle to take you on your next expedition? Then come on down to Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC where our fantastic team will be more than happy to help.

a couple sitting on a rock during hiking trip

Top 3 Hiking Trails Near Tulare, CA

With a population of over 60,000 and located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valle, the city of Tulare, CA is the perfect base for hikers wanting to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the nearby national parks of the region. Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend adventure with your friends or family, these amazing hiking trails are great spots to immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the city for a while. more 1. Mill Creek Trail Located within the limits of the Sequoia National Forest in southern California, the Mill Creek Trail has a length of more than 15 miles and a difficult terrain that makes it popular among experienced hikers. This path goes through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes of the area and is popular among visitors from Bakersfield, Fresno, and other nearby towns and cities. In order to access this trail, you will need a Sequoia National Forest pass. While the Mill Creek Trail is an excellent spot for some outdoor exercise, the Sequoia National Forest has enough activities and attractions to keep you entertained for an entire weekend. Some popular activities in the area include mountain biking, birdwatching, and camping. If you are in the area, do not miss the giant sequoia groves, which have become a well-known landmark of this national forest and a photographer's paradise during the misty mornings. 2. Kaiser Wilderness Trail Established in 1976, the Kaiser Wilderness Trail is located within the territory of the Sierra National Forest in southern California. It has a length of more than ten miles, going through some of the most photogenic landscapes of the area, including mountains, pristine water lakes, canyons, and creeks with stunning views of the region. Most visitors begin their hike at the trailhead located near Huntington Lake, where most overnight accommodation facilities are located. Getting to the entrance of the Sierra National Forest from downtown Tulare takes a little under an hour and a half by car, following routes CA-99 N and CA-168. In order to enter the area, you will need to purchase a $5 daily pass at the entrance of the national forest. Apart from hiking and mountain biking, visitors to the area can also go fishing, boating, skiing, and camping at several designated areas. 3. Buena Vista Trail Located less than 75 miles away from downtown Tulare, the Buena Vista trail is the easiest of the list, with a total length of two miles and a path that goes through thick forest within the territory of the Kings Canyon National Park. Once you get to the peak, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and small towns in the area. If you are looking for a new car to drive around California's national parks and natural escapes, stop by Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC and check out the inventory of new and used vehicles we have available for you. Ask our colleagues for a test drive and a financing plan that goes according to your needs.

person pouring oil in a car

How Often Should You Get Your Chevy Oil Change?

Changing your oil regularly is essential for the health of your motor. That said, there is a lot of different information regarding how often you should get your Chevy oil change. Keep reading to discover how often you really need to get your oil changed. How often you should change the oil in your Chevy depends on whether it is under warranty and your regular driving conditions. more When Your Vehicle Is Under Warranty To prevent voiding your powertrain warranty, you should adhere to the guidelines offered in your owner's manual. If you can't find your owner's manual, you can find a copy online for free. Most owner's manuals recommend changing motor oil every 3,000 miles. Note, it is important to use the recommended type of oil and adhere to the recommended oil change schedule to prevent voiding your powertrain warranty. When Your Vehicle Isn't Under Warranty If your Chevy does not come with an oil-life monitor and your powertrain warranty has expired, you need to evaluate how you drive honestly to determine how often you need to change your oil. Change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles if you drive in severe conditions regularly. Examples of severe conditions include: Driving for long distances at low speeds Towing trailers for long distances Track driving Short trips in normal temperatures of no more than five miles Stop-and-go driving in extremely hot weather Short trips in freezing temperatures of no more than 10 miles Driving on gravel, salty, muddy, dusty, or sandy roads When You Drive in Normal Conditions If your Chevy does not come with an oil-life monitor, your powertrain warranty has expired and you drive in normal conditions, you should change your oil every 5,000 miles. Note, it is advisable to change your oil every 3,000 miles if your vehicle is at least a decade old. This is true regardless of whether you drive in normal or severe conditions. Additionally, you should check your oil level monthly if your vehicle is at least a decade old. Are Synthetic Oils Worth the Extra Cost? You must use synthetic motor oil if it is specified in your Chevy owner's manual. If it is not, you may use petroleum-based motor oil if you drive in normal conditions. If you drive in severe conditions, synthetic oils are worth the extra cost. Synthetic motor oil is ideal for regular severe driving conditions because they resist breaking down due to high temperatures and improve the efficiency of the oil filter. Change your oil every 10,000 miles if using synthetic motor oil. To keep your motor humming happily away, you need to change the oil in your Chevy regularly. If you don't want to void your powertrain warranty, follow the guidelines in your owner's manual. If your powertrain warranty has expired, change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the age of your vehicle and your driving habits. Call our service team at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC at 559-366-4464 to schedule an oil change for your Chevrolet.

Chevrolet Buick GMC outdoor sign

How to Get the Finest Quality Buick Parts

There are several options to choose from when it comes to replacing your Buick parts. Some are good ideas while others, not so much. If you want to be sure your Buick performs optimally, keep reading to learn about our recommendations on obtaining high-quality parts. OEM Parts Only If you're replacing a part or even an accessory in your Buick vehicle, be sure to use original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM). Not only are these parts covered with Buick's industry-leading warranty, but they've also undergone a strenuous testing protocol, which means they're certified to last and likely won't break or malfunction. With OEM parts, you can be sure that your vehicle is getting the part it needs, and wants! more Avoid Online Discount Sites You've probably seen them when searching online for auto parts. Discount websites that offer the part you need, that sells a few bucks cheaper than the same OEM part. While this may seem appealing on the surface, there's plenty of underlying issues they don't mention. First, that aftermarket part could void your vehicle's warranty altogether. Second, it's not backed by Buick's warranty or any warranty for that matter. So if it malfunctions - which is likely - you'll be picking up the tab. Absolutely No Used OEM Parts Putting a used part - OEM or not - in your vehicle is a recipe for trouble. Like aftermarket parts, used OEM parts offer little guarantees when it comes to warranty coverage and can risk the warranty of your vehicle as well. Furthermore, the current level of wear and tear they have will likely cause it to break sooner than expected, and result in other areas of your engine working hard than they should. Ensure an investment as important as your Buick gets new OEM parts at all times. Shop For Parts at Your Local Buick Dealership The parts department at your local Buick Dealership can provide you with any OEM part your vehicle needs. It also has a wide range of OEM accessories for you to choose from to personalize your vehicle. You'll always get new parts at the best possible value when buying from an authorized Buick dealership and their factory-trained technicians will always install them according to the manufacturer's specifications. Check For Parts Specials Once in a while, your local Buick dealership may have specials on OEM engine parts, OEM accessories, motor oils, and more. You can check their website once in a while or ask them to notify you when items or services go on sale. These offers normally have an expiry date so be sure to act quickly and take advantage of the savings. Regular Maintenance is Key While it's always great to know how to access quality OEM parts for your Buick, the less you have to do that, the better. Keeping up with routine service appointments is the best way to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for a longer period. It also allows you to get a first-hand look at new parts and accessories at your local Buick service center. Stop by Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC for all of your automotive needs!

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