Used Car Test Drive Tips
At Speck Buick GMC, we always want to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase, and know its vital to take a test drive in a prospect vehicle in order to make the best decision before you put a down payment.
Does it have everything you need?
When you’re searching for your next daily driver, be sure to get something that is practical for your lifestyle. If you have a big family, a 3-row SUV would be a great option. Do you need a commuter car? We have plenty of fuel-saving sedans. It’s crucial to make sure it fits you and how you drive!
Before you get into the car, check to see if it will be able to fit anything you will need bring, such as a car seat or kennel.
Does everything work? And how does it drive?
All of our vehicles in our Speck inventory receive a multi-point inspection and needed maintenance before they hit the lot, but it’s always important to listen and feel everything before making your decision. Anything you may find during your drive, our service team is always happy to review with you.
Once you’re in the car, adjust your seats and mirrors. Test all the systems and buttons including the entertainment system, heating/air conditioning, steering wheel buttons, lights and more. Plug in your phone, if applicable, to see if you can connect to your vehicle. Look around to see if it has the features you want and need. If you would like to see how the vehicle does on hills, speed bumps, highway speeds and more our team can help to adjust your route so you can drive the vehicle in these situations.
Looking for a great used vehicle? Check out our used inventory here at Speck Buick GMC of Tri-Cities.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
2021 GMC Acadia Towing Capabilities
The 2021 GMC Acadia is a great choice for a family adventure vehicle. The Acadia SUV makes it possible to bring even more fun to your journey with tow capabilities provided by an available hitch installed on the Acadia.
The 2021 GMC Acadia comes equipped with one of the three engines:
- 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engine
- 2.5L I-4 engine
- 3.6L V-6 engine
The 2021 GMC Acadia equipped with a 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engine gets a maximum conventional trailer weight rating of 1,500lbs. The 2021 GMC Acadia equipped with a 2.5L I-4 engine gets a maximum conventional trailer weight rating of 1,000lbs. The 2021 GMC Acadia equipped with a 3.6L V-6 engine gets a maximum conventional trailer weight rating of 1,000lbs.
When the 2021 GMC Acadia is equipped with the Max. Trailer Package, the maximum conventional trailer weight rating becomes 4,000lbs. Each GMC Acadia has a max GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 6,001lbs.
*”Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.”
Look for the all new GMC Acadia here at Speck Buick GMC of Tri-Cities!
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
GMC Multi-ProTailgate
GMC designed Multi-Pro Tailgate to accommodate your life. It has a primary and secondary gate, first of which folds like an ordinary tailgate, and the second folds again to create a multitude of options. These options include wide 48″ entry steps, bed extender, and more!
The Tailgate We Know and Love
The new Sierra comes equipped with high tech capabilities, including those that control the tailgate! Open the Multi-Pro by pressing a simple button on the tailgate itself, on your key fob, or from the inside of your truck with a button found on the instrument panel. This will open the tailgate smoothly and quickly into the traditional back-end style we are all familiar with.
Bringin’ Out the Paddleboards
Open up the tailgate, you’ll notice a foldable panel on the inside. Lift it up, and you have a bed extender! Make the most out of your haul with this feature!
Cut Out the Middle Man
Need to reach your cargo but your tailgate’s in the way? Get closer by releasing the secondary tailgate. Pressing the extra button will drop the second part of your gate, which gives you about 7-9 inches of extra reaching space.
Step Up Your Tailgate Game
Press both buttons on the tailgate simultaneously to drop both parts of the door. Fold down the extra panel (same one that is folded for a bed extender), and you have easy access steps that can hold up to almost 375 pounds. Perfect for a big move or large haul.
Make Everywhere Your Workspace
Just fold down the secondary gate! By just pressing the secondary button, there is a workspace ready for your projects. There is also an available 120-volt electrical in-bed outlet that can make it easier to get the job done. We definitely recommend a camping cook spot!
See this tailgate for yourself and shop our new GMC trucks.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
What Should I Do if My Car Overheats?
Your car overheating can mean a few different things, but oftentimes it can be a leak or blockage. This results in the engine’s cooling system preventing heat from properly escaping.
Make sure you have a few things in your car ready just in case:
- coolant (50/50 antifreeze & water)
- oil
- extra water
- heavy duty gloves
- tools
Signs you car is overheating include:
- temperature gauge getting close to or in the red
- burning or strange smell coming from front of vehicle
- steam coming from the boiling coolant
The best thing to do when you notice your car overheating on the road is to pull over and turn off your engine to avoid engine damage and wait for your engine to cool down (at least 15 minutes) before you approach it. When checking under the hood pay attention to the coolant and oil levels, as well as any visible disconnection, cracks or leaks within the system. Top off your coolant and oil, and use distilled water as a temporary, emergency replacement for the coolant. If you believe you cannot drive it safely any longer, call your tow service.
If you’re on the road and notice your temperature gauge begins to go up abnormally, turn on the heater at full blast. Even if it’s a hot day, this can direct the heat away from your engine. Even if this does work, you should only drive a small distance. This can only be a band-aid for your vehicle overheating and it should be taken to a mechanic as soon as possible.
If you experience your car overheating, please give us a call here at Speck Buick GMC so we can get your vehicle back on the road safely!
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
GM Military Discount Eligibility
GM wants to say thank you to those who are serving and those who have served in our United States Military with a discount on our great new GM inventory. This discount provides a special cost below MSRP. Most new 2020-2021 GM vehicles cars, SUVS, trucks and cargo vans are available for the discount – talk to Speck Buick GMC to learn more about eligible new vehicles.
To qualify for the GM Military Discount, you must be an Active Duty member, Reservist, National Guard member, Veteran within three years of discharge date or Retiree of these U.S. military branches:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marines
- Coast Guard
For eligibility verification and access to the discount, you must create a profile on ID.me.
GM says:
“ID.me is one of four companies selected by the federal government to provide a Single Sign On for American citizens that will be accepted across all government websites over the next two years. By confirming your documentation through ID.me, your identity will be verified, making you eligible for the GM Military Discount.”
After signing up on ID.me, you’ll receive an authorization number to bring to our dealership to utilize your GM Military Discount.
For military veterans within 3 years of discharge and retirees, there are documents that are accepted for proof of eligibility:
Veteran and Retiree Verification:
- DD214 within 3 years active discharge
- Retiree Account Statement (eRAS)
- Retiree Verification of Pay Letter
- Retiree Separation Orders (Reserve or National Guard)
- Retiree Uniformed Services ID Card
- Letter from VA showing service-connected evaluation is 100%
Spouses or other household members can use the military discount. The Military Discount can be used to purchase up to 2 GM vehicles per calendar year.
Shop new Chevrolet and Buick vehicles here with Speck Buick GMC! For more information on our Military Discount program, give us a call or stop in and we’re happy to answer any questions.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
Meet the New GMC Hummer EV
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV will take every drive to the next level with up to a whopping 1,000 horsepower on the new Hummer Supertruck (830 HP on the upcoming Hummer EV SUV), all while producing zero emissions. The redesigned Hummer runs on an Ultium battery platform and gets over a 350-miles range on full charge. The
2022 Hummer EV will be available as a supertruck, and the Hummer EV as an SUV model will begin production in 2023.
Available Performance Features
Crabwalk drive mode allows the Hummer to drive diagonally at low speeds to fit around tight spaces both in the city and off the road.
The new Hummer EV’s available 4-Wheel Steer gives the options to have all four wheels steer in order to conquer tight turns and corners.
The Watts to Freedom feature is a launch control for the Hummer EV, utilizing the full power of the acceleration, adding the 11,500lbs of available torque. The Supertruck model has been tested at 0-60mph in 3.0 seconds, and the future SUV model has tested at 0-60mph 3.5 seconds.
The SuperCruise allows for hands-free driving with automatic lane changing. Capable of performing on 200,000 miles of road and with more miles ahead.
Available Design Features
The new 2022 Hummer EV Supertruck will have a center-positioned 13.4” touchscreen for connectivity, entertainment and convenience. The Driver Information Center display will be a high-definition and easy-to-read 12.3” screen.
The interior seating will have available two-tone seating: a Jet Black/ Taupe combination called “Lunar Shadow”, and a Jet Black/Light Grey scheme by the name of “Lunar Horizon”. These colors are complemented by bronze accents throughout the cabin.
The new GMC Hummer EV will have the capability to remove roof panels to create different customizations. These roof panels are also available as Transparent Sky Panels, giving the passengers a great view and immersive drive whilst deflecting the sun.
It will also come equipped with GMC’s versatile Multi-Pro tailgate, configuring into a sturdy traditional tailgate, to a durable step, a versatile workbench and more.
There are many performance and design features we are looking forward to as we step into the future with the all-electric, zero emission and greatly powerful 2022 GMC Hummer EV.
Are you looking to reserve yours? Reserve your 2022 GMC Hummer EV at Speck Buick GMC of Tri-Cities, WA.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
The Basics of Towing
Keep These Pointers in Tow:
Know your weight limits and read your trailering guide!
It’s important to understand the weight capacity of your vehicle’s towing capability. A lot of factors can determine the trailering limit of a vehicle from the engine, cab, drivetrain, type of hitch setup and more.
Below are a few terms to learn and remember when looking at your vehicle’s trailering guide.
Basic Curb Weight
This is the weight of your vehicle including all of the necessary liquids such as brake, power steering, transmission fluid and anything else the vehicle needs in order to run properly. This weight does not include any passengers or cargo.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The Gross Vehicle Weight is the current weight of the vehicle. This is an ever-changing number, due to the fact that life happens! Constant packing, unpacking, extra passengers and more always change the GVW. If you’ve driven down the highway and noticed a weigh station for large trucks and semis, this is the number they’re weighing for.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is given by the manufacturer of the vehicle, and will never change. It is the maximum amount of weight you can carry in your vehicle. It is extremely important to know this number. If the Gross Vehicle Weight exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, it is possible to run into many issues that can include an engine overload or other mechanical issues.
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating is a combination weight of both the GVW with passengers and cargo, plus the weight of the loaded trailer.
Tongue Weight
The Tongue Weight (also known as the Vertical Tow Rate) is the amount of weight the trailer is putting on the tow hitch. Depending on your hitch, this weight can be spread in order to ensure that there is not too much weight being put on the hitch. Hitches have different classes depending on the weight you’re looking to tow.
Choose the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment when you are towing is crucial to safely getting the job done. Ensure your vehicle is correctly equipped to tow, with receiver hitch attached to the tow vehicle. When attaching the hitch to the trailer, you’ll need a trailer ball. These can either come already attached to the ball mount or hitch tongue, or are a separate piece. A trailer ball makes it easy to maneuver around and ensure the trailer is level. Of course, make sure the ball mount is compatible with the trailer, hitch, and the weight being placed on it.
Our Parts Specialists here at Speck Buick GMC know what you need. We are more than happy to figure out what size and class of hitch and mount you’ll need in order to get the job done.
Get Connected
In order to prevent any accidents, making sure your trailer brake and lights are connected to your vehicle are important. If you brake suddenly and the person behind you can’t tell, that could cause an avoidable collision. Learn where your connections are, and where they hook up at. You can find a lot of this information in the owner’s manuals of your vehicle and trailer.
Drive Slow
It’s important to understand that your vehicle is carrying extra weight, and not only can it strain the engine, but the connection from trailer to vehicle. While towing, ensure you take corners carefully, and don’t go any faster than necessary. Ensure that you are creeping to a stop, and avoid any sudden braking. Extra caution should be practiced on hills, as these are tricky when towing. Like mentioned, drive slow – and don’t be afraid to use your hazards to let other driver’s know that you’re going to be going at a slower speed. When descending, shifting down can make it easier on your engine.
If you’d like to learn more about towing with your GMC, our experts are more than happy to help!
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
When purchasing a truck or vehicle intended to tow, haul, or go off-road, the engine picked will be the engine that can successfully do the job. But what about during everyday driving? Full power from your large engine 100% can cause unnecessary wear and a loss of precious fuel economy.
That is why GM created the Active Fuel Management and Dynamic Fuel Management systems. Active Fuel Management and Dynamic Fuel Management are engine systems GM has implemented for better fuel efficiency without sacrificing horsepower or torque.
Active Fuel Management
When you’re driving at cruising speeds or in conditions where your engine is not utilizing all power, the Active Fuel Management comes into play. This system detects when your engine does not need full power and will stop fuel delivery to half the cylinders, 3 on a V6 engine and 4 on a V8 engine. A solenoid system will then deactivate those cylinders to decrease power used and, according to GM authority, improve fuel economy by up to 12 percent. The Active Fuel Management system performs quietly and seamlessly so you won’t even know it’s happening.
Dynamic Fuel Management
The Dynamic Fuel Management system takes a step up from Active Fuel Management and adds the advancement of technology with a DFM computer that makes quick calculations that determine how many — and which — cylinders need to be deactivated to perform at optimum levels. This sophisticated system can make this determination 80 times a second and operates with 17 different cylinder patterns (GM Authority). This technology is an industry-first and can be found in new vehicles, such as the 2021 Sierra 1500.
Both of these great technological automotive advancements have given consumers less time at the pump and more time on the road — ask our experts here at Speck Buick GMC of Tri-Cities how you can keep your big engine and save your fuel with these systems today.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
Connect with us
