What the Certified Service Experts Look for During Your Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection

Remaining Engine Oil Life

A quick inspection will determine your vehicle’s remaining oil life percentage (applicable to vehicles with the GM Oil Life Monitoring System). This may be helpful, especially if you are approaching your next oil change.

Tire Wear

Your tires are part of what keep your vehicle moving safely down the road. The Certified Service experts check to make sure your tires are properly aligned, balanced, and in top shape. This will help ensure the optimum performance and safety of your tires.

Wiper Blades and Glass Condition

Your wiper blades are essential, especially when it's raining. The operation and condition of front and rear wipers are checked to make sure they will work well when you need them. A visual inspection of your windshield is completed to check for cracks or chips and the inspection may help prevent further damage down the road if these issues are addressed.

Fluid Levels

Fluid levels are checked, including the brake reservoir and windshield washer fluid, to be sure they are at optimal levels.

Brakes

To help keep your brakes performing at their best, an inspection is performed on the condition of your brake system, including lines, hoses, and the parking brake, as well as measurements of the front and rear linings.

Battery Condition and Connections

No one wants to be stuck with a dead battery! A quick battery test will determine the health of your battery, and a visual inspection will check to be sure the battery cables and connections are in top working order.

OnStar Subscription

A brief assessment will make sure you are connected with your OnStar system subscription

Additional Car Inspections

An additional vehicle inspection of critical systems is performed to check for visible leaks that might indicate a concern. The condition of other vehicle components is also visually inspected.

Battery Basics

Why won't my vehicle start?

There are numerous reasons why a vehicle won't start. If it's related to the battery, the starter will generally not crank the engine. This is the telltale "click, click, click" you hear when you turn the key or push the start button that lasts for about 10 seconds.

The battery voltage and charging information in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also make you aware if the alternator is not charging the battery properly, or if a loose battery or starter cable is causing a problem.

Do I need to charge my battery after I jump-start my vehicle?

In most instances, driving will recharge the battery fully in 1-2 hours, unless there is an issue with the vehicle. If your vehicle does not restart after driving it, have it towed to our service center near Roslyn, Manhasset, and New Hyde Park. Our Certified Service experts will perform a battery diagnosis and get you back on the road.

What are the main causes of automotive battery failure?

Batteries wear out over time, but issues such as improperly connected accessories, infrequent startup, hot temperatures, and high cranking currents caused by freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder) can lead to battery failure.

Can routine maintenance improve battery life?

The best thing that you can do is have one of our Certified Service technicians perform a test on your battery when you get your oil changed. This helps monitor the status of the battery and helps prevent you from being in a situation where your vehicle won't start.

How often should I change my battery?

Vehicle batteries last 3-5 years on average depending on a number of factors, including driving habits and climate. In general, warmer climates will shorten the life of a battery.

What if I'm not sure the problem is my battery?

If you are unsure if your battery is experiencing issues, come into our North Bay GMC service center near Roslyn. We can give you a no-charge battery test to determine if your battery needs replacing or if there is an issue with another charging component.

Choosing the Right Oil

Choosing the proper grade of oil is crucial to your vehicle’s performance. From conventional to full synthetic, your Certified Service expert will offer a range of oil types, including ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil, ACDelco dexos1™ Full Synthetic, and Mobil 1™ Full Synthetic.

These oils contain a variety of characteristics that can affect your vehicle’s performance, offer varying levels of engine protection, and maximize the time between oil changes.

ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil

• Offers quality engine wear and corrosion protection
• Contains special additives that help your engine run smoothly

ACDelco dexos1 Full Synthetic Oil

• High resistance to oxidation, which helps keep the oil from breaking down
• Excellent low-temperature flow and pumpability during cold startups
• Excellent protection to help prevent formation of sludge and other harmful deposits

Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil

• Advanced anti-wear technology for outstanding protection of critical engine parts
• Exceptional high-temperature stability helps resist oxidative thickening
• Proven to provide outstanding cold starting, lubrication, and protection from wear at low temperatures

Ask our experts which grade is best for your vehicle. You may also refer to your Owner’s Manual for more information.

Oil Change Warning Signs

When the oil light illuminates, service is required for your vehicle as soon as possible. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and the OLS must be reset. The Certified Service experts at our North Bay GMC service center are more than happy to do this for you.

If your vehicle is not equipped with an OLS, consult your Service and Maintenance Schedule contained within your GMC Owner’s Manual for proper change intervals.

Checking Your Oil Level

Even with an OLS, it’s important to keep track of your oil level. Always consult your Owner’s Manual for the proper procedure to check your oil level. You’ll get a more accurate dipstick reading by following those instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should engine oil be replaced every 3,000 miles?
A: Depending on the age of your vehicle, driving habits, and road conditions, your engine may be designed to go longer than 3,000 miles between oil changes. Always be sure to check your engine oil level regularly, even with an OLS.

Q: Does regularly changing my oil filter help with the life of my engine?
A: Yes. An oil filter helps ensure your engine is lubricated with clean oil, which is important to optimal engine performance. Both your vehicle’s oil and oil filter should be changed at least as often as recommended by your OLS and/or Owner’s Manual.

Determining the Time for Brake Repair or Replacement

Sometimes, your vehicle’s brakes will alert you when there is trouble. Squealing noises, chirping sounds, and grinding are indications that brake repair is required. Also, because brake components wear out at different intervals under different driving conditions, have your brakes serviced or inspected at least every 7,500 miles.

BRAKE TROUBLE SIGNS QUIZ:

1. Are your brakes making squealing, chirping, or grinding noises?
2. Does your brake pedal pulsate or feel soft?
3. Does it take longer distances to come to a complete stop?
4. Does your vehicle pull to one side when stopping?
5. Does your steering wheel shake when applying the brakes?
6. Do you see excessive brake dust on the wheels?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, have your Certified Service technician inspect your brakes right away.

Brake Pad Warning Indicator

Your vehicle’s brake pads may be equipped with a small, thin piece of metal to act as a warning indicator when the pad material is getting low and the brake pads should be replaced. This device makes a high-pitched sound on brake application, letting you know it’s time for brake service.

Signs of Brake Rotor Wear

Rotors – rotating discs that help slow or stop the vehicle when brake pads make contact – should also be regularly inspected. Some signs of wear may include:

• Brake-pedal pulsation
• Squealing or grinding noise
• Low brake-pedal height
• Vehicle pulls to the left or right when brakes are applied

Stopping power is crucial to driving safely. When you think it may be time for brake service, ask your Certified Service experts at North Bay GMC to recommend ACDelco Advantage, Professional, or GM Original Equipment replacement brakes pads, disc brake rotors, and other equipment.