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vehicle-maintenance-checklist

Oil Changes

Auto maintenance isn't as complicated as it may seem. Everyone knows the oil needs to be changed every x amount of miles depending on the type of oil used.

Most mechanics at a dealership and private garage now use synthetic oil, which needs to be changed between 5,000 and ten thousand miles. Some oils still require the 3000-mile change. When your oil is changed, so is the oil filter Your mechanic will let you know and even put the little sticker in your window.

Coolant Levels

If you take a road trip when you return home, you should check your coolant levels. It's not difficult to do, but if your uncertain, then bring it to the mechanic. If your oil and coolant levels get too low, it can damage your engine. Usually, the oil change and filter change are done simultaneously as the coolant checks and top-offs.

Tires

Your vehicle's tires should be rotated at least once a year. During a maintenance check, the mechanic will check the tires and tire threads. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side more than the other, drive your car several miles a day/week, notice your vehicle vibrating, and it suddenly becomes noisy, it may be time for the tires to be rotated. You will have a scheduled time to bring your vehicle in for the tire maintenance check but always stay in tune with your vehicle. This could help you prevent costly repairs.

Lights & Turn Signal's

Keep an eye on your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. The bulbs can blow, and you may not even notice. Be proactive with your vehicle's maintenance. During one of your short-term maintenance visits, your lights and signals will be checked by the mechanic to make sure they are working.

Keep Your Paint Job in Good Shape

This is an odd maintenance requirement, and it depends on you. The mechanic will not wax your car for you. However, if you look at the checklist, you will find car wax on it. Your vehicle should be washed, and a real good wax job is done every six months. It is recommended that you bring your vehicle to a detailing specialist for this job. Waxing your vehicle every six months helps prevent your paint job from getting scratched, even dinged by small flying debris, and it keeps your vehicle looking shiny and new.

Long-Term Maintenance Checklist Items

The vehicle maintenance checklist is separated into two parts. The first part is short-term and includes all the items listed above. Below you will find all the long-term things that need to be addressed.

Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid change is on the checklist, and the approximate timing is in the owner's manual. The transmission fluid needs to be changed once or twice a year to keep your car running smoothly. If the fluid gets too low or gets dirt or other debris in it, it becomes a costly repair. Never forget the transmission.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are usually checked once a year. If you notice your vehicle is not running at an optimal capacity, you may need a plug changed. The spark plugs are what ignite and air and gas and make your vehicle run. So, you can see how important it is to make sure the checklist is followed.

Belts & Hoses

Several belts and hoses under the hood need to be checked and often replaced or repaired. These are not something a vehicle owner would think of, so the maintenance checklist is a valuable item to keep your vehicle running.

Seasonal Check-ups

Make sure you take your vehicle in for its seasonal check-ups. They are essential for preparing your vehicle for the upcoming season, and each season is different, and so is each maintenance check.

By simply following the vehicle maintenance checklist, you will be able to keep your vehicle running well and avoid costly repairs and replacements.

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Tips for Maintaining Your GMC Truck Year-Round, Gerry Lane Buick GMC, Baton Rouge, LA

Tips for Maintaining Your GMC Truck Year-RoundYour GMC truck can weather any storm, but keeping it in top condition is essential no matter the month. Regular maintenance ensures a safe and reliable experience. At Gerry Lane Buick GMC, we want to extend the life of your pickup and enhance its performance year-round.Here’s a checklist to ensure your GMC truck can stand the test of time.1: Check and Change Out Your FluidsRegular fluid changes are a fantastic way to keep your truck running smoothly.Engine Oil: Your oil ensures the parts in your motor don’t clash against each other and build up friction. Clean oil can wash out trapped debris, keep your components lubricated, and keep your engine pristine!Brake Fluid: Everyone wants brakes that work, and brake fluid ensures you don’t collide with another vehicle. If you have low brake fluid, you’ll notice it takes longer to stay on your pedal and feels mushy.Coolant: The last thing you want is an engine overheating on you when you need it the most. Coolant chills your motor, and you could face a hefty repair bill if you're running low.Transmission Fluid: Your GMC truck can handle many challenges, but don’t let low transmission fluid be one of them. Low transmission fluid causes your gears to shift unexpectedly while driving, making it hazardous!If you need an oil change in Baton Rouge or to top off your other fluids, schedule an appointment with our talented service team today!2: Change Your Air FiltersWhether you have the GMC Canyon or the Sierra 1500, your truck tackles any terrain, and that dust or dirt can leak through a dirty air filter!You should change your air filter out every 12,000 to 15,000 miles so no particles enter the engine and cause massive damage.3: Test Your BatteryMore tips for maintaining your truck is testing your battery. During the winter, it works hard to keep your pickup warm and cool during the summer, especially if you use your GMC Sierra 1500 on the job.Don’t wait for a jump start! Schedule an appointment with Gerry Lane Buick GMC today, and our factory-trained technicians can test and replace your battery in one trip!4: Check Your TriesYour tires go through a lot, whether you’re on the job during the summer, battling the rain in the spring, or braving the ice during the winter. Tire maintenance is crucial for safety and overall performance.Temperatures can change the pressure on your tires, so ensure they aren’t under-inflated or over, as that has the potential to blow out while on the road!Inspect the tread on your tires; uneven tread means you can’t grip the road well and can lead you to slip and slide all over the road.If you suspect your tires have uneven tread or other issues, stop by Gerry Lane Buick GMC, and we’ll rotate them, give them air, or replace them if needed!5: Inspect Your BrakesServicing your brakes and ensuring they don’t fail are more tips for maintaining your truck. Listen for any unusual noise like screeching, squealing, or grinding, as that means you have worn-out brake pads.When you replace your old brake pads, you can prevent damage to your braking system and save yourself from an expensive repair bill.6: Check Your LightsLights don’t always mean your head or tail lamps. Whether you have the Canyon or Sierra, you may have bed lights that give you perfect visibility when working in the dark.Ensure all your lights shine bright, but if they fade, flicker, or don’t turn on, schedule an appointment today, and we’ll replace any burnt-out bulbs and get you back on the road!7: Inspect your Gearbox and ClutchGMC trucks give high torque, so if you tow or haul heavy loads, your gearbox and clutch must work every time!Ensure your gearbox is clean with no oil leaks, and check that you have proper lubrication.Check to see if your clutch pedal is soft or spongey; if you notice any grinding or squealing when you switch gears, it indicates a failing clutch.8: Wash Your TruckYear-round, you have to battle the bugs in the summer, leaves in the fall, road salt in the winter, and mud in the spring, so having a clean truck can help prolong your paint and protect you from rust.Scrub your exterior from any dirt or grime, and apply wax as a layer of protection. Also, vacuum your seats and wipe down any surface in your cabin.Fantastic Tips For Maintaining Your Truck!Your GMC truck tackles any challenge year-round, so keeping it well-maintained is essential to prolong its life and spare you from expensive repair bills.To schedule an appointment, stop by Gerry Lane Buick GMC in Baton Rouge, LA, or visit our website!

2025 Chevrolet Vehicles in Baton Rouge, LA, at Gerry Lane Buick GMC

A new year means another fresh lineup from Chevy, filled with cutting-edge innovation, stellar performance, and providing ample room for a weekend project, a worksite job, or a well-deserved vacation.The 2024 models saw fantastic improvements, but Chevy saw new and terrific ways to enhance your driving experience in 2025.Let’s dive into these models and see what each brings!The 2025 Chevrolet EquinoxThe first and certainly not the last SUV Chevy enters 2025, but significant notable changes will thrill drivers!A difference from the 2024 model is that the new Equinox ditches the old six-speed automatic transmission in favor of a CVT automatic in its FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD. Enter the new year with agile handling and enhanced performance!The 2025 Equinox's cabin is a tech-lover dream, boasting impressive technology and fantastic driver assistance features. The new Equinox upgrades from the previous 7/8-inch touchscreen to a massive 11.3-inch display, paired with an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster for an enhanced entertainment experience. Plus, you'll have automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more, ensuring your safety is always a priority!And let's remember the space! The 2025 Equinox offers a maximum cargo space of 63.5 cubic feet, providing ample room for all your precious luggage and ensuring your passengers can stretch out and relax!The 2025 Chevrolet TahoeThe second SUV on Chevy’s new lineup provides various powertrains, advanced technology to entertain you and your passengers, and cargo space that almost matches the Suburban.This Tahoe gives you three engine types. The first is a 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lbs./ft of torque.The second is a 6.2-liter V-8 that boosts your horsepower to 420 and your torque to 460 lbs./ft!The final powertrain is a turbodiesel 3.0-liter I-6 diesel engine with 305 horsepower and 495 lbs./ft of torque.With multiple engines, the interior also sees upgrades to thrill any driver. Your digital instrument cluster is 11.0 inches, while your touchscreen command center is 17.7 inches!Also, you get a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and more!Lastly, the 2025 Tahoe offers a maximum cargo space of 122.9 cubic feet, leaving you room to spare on any adventure!The 2025 Chevrolet SuburbanThe final SUV for 2025 is the new Chevy Suburban. This vehicle offers multiple engine options, fantastic technology, and superior cargo space for families that want to take everyone on the journey.The powertrain options are the same as the Tahoe with:5.3-liter V-86.2-liter V-8Turbodiesel 3.0-liter I-6The interior sees a similar 17.7-inch touchscreen, an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, USB ports, wireless charging, and more to keep you and your passengers entertained.With driver assistance features, you get automatic high beams, lane departure warning, front automatic emergency braking, and more to keep everyone safe.Lastly, the new Suburban has a maximum cargo space of 144.7 cubic feet, perfect for massive hauls or whatever life demands!The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EVIn 2025, Chevy will offer an updated, all-electric Silverado EV. This pickup has a mighty battery that gives it perfect towing, range, and features to enhance your truck experience.The 2025 Silverado EV builds from GM’s Ultium platform to give you 754 horsepower, 785 lbs./ft of torque, a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds when properly equipped, and a range of 440 miles. Also, you can add 100 miles in 10 minutes of charging!Other features include:eTruck Underhood StorageForward Collision AlertPanoramic Fixed Glass RoofFront Pedestrian BrakingAnd More!Chevy’s Fresh New Lineup!Chevy plans to start the new year with mighty SUVs with fantastic performance, cutting-edge features to keep you and others entertained and safe, and a pickup truck that gives all-electric a new name by setting new standards others must follow!For more information, contact Gerry Lane Buick GMC in Baton Rouge, LA!

Buick Dealer serving Baton Rouge, LA

With a motto of “family, fairness, and legacy,” Gerry Lane Buick GMC is proudly serving the Baton Rouge, LA area and is here to help you find the best deal possible on a Buick GMC. Even cities like Denham Springs, LA, Gonzales, LA and others outside of Baton Rouge enjoy easy access to our facilities thanks to our convenient location off of Florida Blvd in Baton Rouge, LA. Gerry Lane Buick GMC is committed to helping our customers get the care of their dreams, and our pre-approval loan process makes the entire process much more manageable.