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Prepare Your Car, Truck, or SUV for Winter

As temperatures begin to drop, snow starts to fall, and roads freeze over, we know winter is upon us. The cold is not fun for you, but it’s far worse for your vehicle. Circle Buick GMC’s service department is fully stocked with replacement parts and skilled mechanics in Highland, Indiana that Northwest Indiana and Chicago. To prevent issues with your vehicle during winter, here is a list of things to consider:

Fix Previous Issues

For starters, you need to address current vehicle issues. Pre-existing vehicle issues can become worse with the onset of winter or cause major complications. If you are experiencing rough idling, stalling, etc. winter will only make these problems worse. Not performing winter maintenance could mean getting stranded, freezing, accidents, and more. Schedule an inspection for pre-existing issues and preventative maintenance services at Circle Buick GMC’s service center to give yourself peace-of-mind and clarity this winter. 

Change Oil & Antifreeze

Regularly changing the oil in your vehicle helps maintain longevity. Your engine cannot function without oil and if you go too long without it, major complications can occur. Antifreeze should also be topped off in order to prevent your radiator from freezing. To avoid major complications during winter, regularly changing your oil and antifreeze.

Replace Key Parts

  • Tires Tires can surprisingly wear out faster than expected or appear to be. Depending on the condition of the tread on your tires, you may need to replace them with new ones. Ice and snow on the roads is not uncommon during winter, especially in Northwest Indiana and Chicago. Newer tires grip the road better and help you stop faster, thus helping prevent accidents. Not sure whether your tires need replaced? Schedule a tire inspection by our skilled mechanics.
  • Battery Freezing temperatures can negatively impact your vehicle’s battery, thus making it have a hard time starting. Regularly checking and replacing when necessary can help you avoid getting stranded. Parking in a garage or area that is covered, removing corrosion, and tightening cables can help prevent your vehicle from not starting. Don’t know the condition of your battery and expected life remaining? Schedule an inspection at Circle Buick GMC’s service department.
  • Filters Replacing air and cabin filters are relatively inexpensive way to prevent future heating issues in your vehicle. Not maintaining the filters in your vehicle can negatively affect defrost performance and air intake to your engine. Replacing air and cabin filters can help your engine run more efficient and ultimately burn less gas.
  • Windshield Wipers Replacing windshield wipers is a no brainer. As sleet, snow and rain fall onto your windshield during winter it is imperative that you replace them as they become worn out. A few key indicators that it is time to replace your windshield wipers are streaks on the windshield, minimum contact with windshield, and thumping noise. Driving on slippery roads and needing to slow down sooner means your windshield needs to be as clear as possible to avoid accidents. Our wide selection of windshield wipers can be installed on your GMC, Buick, or other make of car at Circle Buick GMC’s service department.
     
  • Brakes Getting your brakes checked is imperative before and during winter. During winter, people tend to brake more frequently, so they tend to wear down faster. Dirt and water are more likely to get caught in your brakes, making them wear down even faster. Clear indicators that it is time to change your brakes include squeaking noises and inability to slow down quickly. If your brakes need to be replaced, schedule a service with our experienced mechanics.

Emergency Kit

Buying or making your own winter emergency kit for your vehicle is one of the best things you can do this winter. Winter emergency kits are designed to help you in the event of being stranded. These kits can be easily assembled and should include the following:
  • Candle Heater
  • Phone Power Bank
  • Tool Kit
  • Ice Traction (sand, etc.)
  • Jumper Cables
  • Compact Shovel
  • First Aid Kit
  • Blanket & Extra Jacket

Order Parts

If you wish to do the maintenance yourself, we offer a wide selection of Original Equipment Manufacturer parts and accessories at fair market prices. To place an order or get a free quote, fill out our Parts Form that requires minimal information.

Check For Specials

Circle Buick GMC’s state-of-the-art service department is dedicated to providing quality service for you and your vehicle. Whether you’re scheduling a preventive inspection or maintenance service this winter, make sure to check out our Service Specials page for coupons, rebates, and all other discounts.To ensure your satisfaction, we provide a comfortable lounge with fresh coffee, a TV, and Wi-Fi. You can easily schedule your next maintenance online or by calling us at: (219) 865-4400. We serve drivers across Northwest Indiana, including Chicago, Schererville, Merrillville and Hammond. Make your appointment today! We look forward to working with you.
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Finance or Lease a GMC? Which Route is For You?

Want a GMC truck or GMC SUV, but don't know whether you should finance or lease? Below are the pros and cons to financing and leasing, so that you can decide which option is best for you. When you pick which option is best for you, our Finance Manager can assist you further. more Is financing or leasing better? Whether you choose financing or leasing, there are pros and cons to each. Our guide below shows the differences between the two, so you can better understand what your options are. Pros Of Leasing A GMC One of the biggest benefits of leasing a GMC SUV or GMC truck in Highland, Indiana is that once your lease is over, you can upgrade to the current year model and have no depreciation concerns. Each lease agreement comes with a warranty that protects your new GMC and most maintenance costs. Another benefit of leasing a GMC, is that your lease payments are lower than a financing payment. If you fall in love with your GMC SUV or GMC truck, at the end of your lease you can purchase the vehicle! Upgrade To Newest Model No Depreciation Concerns Comes With Maintenance Warranty Lower Monthly Payments Can Purchase Vehicle At End Of Lease Cons Of Leasing A GMC Depending on your lease agreement, there can be fees for excessive wear & tear, excessive mileage, and for early lease termination. Despite there being potential fees, they can be avoided by simply taking proper care of your vehicle, limiting how far you drive, and not canceling you lease agreement early. Another con to consider is that you will always owe a monthly payment unless you decide to purchase and it has been paid off. Excessive Mileage Penalties Fees For Excessive Wear & Tear Fees For Early Lease Termination Monthly Payments Pros Of Financing a GMC The biggest benefit of financing a GMC is that once it is paid off, it is completely yours and you will no longer have a monthly payment. With financing a vehicle, you are free to modify and customize your vehicle as much as you want. Financing a GMC also allows you to sell the car at any time and there are no mileage fees. Ownership Of Car No Mileage Limits Can Sell Car Anytime Customize and Modify Cons Of Financing a GMC If you do choose to finance your next GMC truck or SUV, you should consider some of the cons. For starters, you will ave to factor-in depreciation and accept that the future resale value is unpredictable. As mentioned before, that lease payments are fairly low, which means that financing payments tend to be higher; that being said, once you pay off the vehicle, you will not have a payment anymore unlike a lease. Another factor to consider it that all brand-new GMC vehicle come with a warranty, but after the warranty runs out then you are responsible for maintenance expenses. Depreciation Unpredicted Resale Value Higher Monthly Payment Post Warranty Expenses Finance Or Lease Your Next GMC At Your Local GMC Dealership Lease a GMC or finance a GMC in Highland, Indiana at Circle Buick GMC, which is conveniently located at: 2440 45th Street, Highland, IN 46322 For Illinois, Circle Buick GMC is your GMC dealer near Chicago, Portage, Oak Lawn, New Lenox, Joliet, Aurora, Bedford Park, Cicero, Calumet City, Lansing, and surrounding areas. For Indiana, Circle Buick GMC is your GMC dealership near Hammond, Schererville, Crown Point, Merrillville, Cedar Lake, Valparaiso, Gary, Portage, St John, and surrounding areas.

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