As a new Buick owner, you want to keep your car in great condition, and the easiest way to do this is by ensuring it is regularly serviced. As time passes, components will wear out and need replacement. Worn or damaged components will impact your Buick’s performance and can also damage other systems. As your Buick dealership, we want to tell you about some of the main items on its service checklist.

From Your Buick Dealership: A Service Checklist for New Owners

Fluid Top Up

Your car contains many different fluids besides fuel. These include transmission fluid, oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Each fluid has an important function, and all need to be changed regularly. Older fluids become less efficient and effective, Some fluids, like coolant, become corrosive and can damage parts of your engine. In addition, oil is gradually consumed by the engine as it works.

We check the condition of each fluid before we replace it, as the fluid’s condition can reveal potential issues that aren’t immediately apparent. Many fluids, like oil and transmission fluid, have filters that collect dirt and other debris absorbed by the fluid. We routinely replace these filters to ensure that the fluids flow freely again.

Battery Check

We advise a battery check when your battery is three years old and then yearly checks after that. The reason for this is that the average life of a battery is three to five years before it needs replacement. As a battery gets older, the chemicals inside it break down, and this reduces the battery’s storage capacity.

We test your battery by connecting it to our computerized battery tester. This machine subjects the battery to a series of tests to determine its present strength and health. Based on these tests, we can advise if your battery is healthy or wearing out and needs replacement. If your battery is damaged, we can install a new one for you in minutes.

Tire Checks

Your tires probably sustain more daily wear and tear than any other component. Friction with the ground when driving and braking causes the tread to wear down as time passes. As the tread thickness drops, your braking distance will increase and the tire’s grip on the road will become less sure. Tire wear is inevitable, but we can reduce its impact by rotating your tires.

These are some of the highlights of vehicle servicing that will increase your driving safety and keep your Buick in great condition for years to come. If you’d like more information, contact us today at Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD.

Learning how to control your vehicle’s infotainment can enhance the driving experience. Each automaker uses a different system customized for their cars, and here at your local Buick dealer, we know all there is to know about the Buick infotainment system.

Buick Infotainment System User’s Guide from Your Buick Dealer

Buick’s Ultrawide Infotainment System is designed to provide passengers with an intuitive user experience and comes with an 8-inch driver information center behind the steering wheel and an 11-inch center touchscreen display.

Both displays make important information available and easily accessible, allowing drivers to keep the vehicle’s performance under control. The center touchscreen also offers access to entertainment. Follow the step-by-step guide below to make the most out of it.

Step 1: Set and Customize Your Profile

Setting up a Buick infotainment profile is easy. Tap the User button on the center screen’s Home page and select Create Profile. Accept Buick’s terms of use and privacy policy, then log in with your Buick Account email. If you don’t have an account, use your preferred email address and set up a password. You can now tie the profile to a key fob so the system can load your profile automatically when unlocking the vehicle.

If multiple drivers use the car, you can set up profiles for each driver and tie them to different key fobs. Make sure to only keep the key fob you want to pair with the profile inside the vehicle as you’re performing this operation.

Step 2: Customize Your Home Screen

The infotainment system comes with a variety of default icons on the Home screen. You can customize the screen by rearranging the icons or adding new icons to the screen. To rearrange the default icons, press and hold the icon you want to move, then hold and drag it to the desired position on the screen. Release the icon to lock it in place.

Step 3: Pair Your Devices

The Ultrawide Infotainment System supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both apps require you to pair the device with the vehicle via Bluetooth, then you must follow the prompts on the center screen and your smartphone to launch Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Tap the Phone icon on the center screen and select the option to add or connect a new phone. Confirm that the code on your phone matches the code on the infotainment screen. Accept the pairing on the infotainment screen and, if required, on your device. Once paired, you can answer and make calls, access your phone apps, and stream music directly from your device.

Curious to find out more? Contact us at Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, MD and we will have all your questions answered.

If you’ve been wishing someone would come out with a compact SUV that didn’t have to sacrifice style, comfort, and convenience to remain affordable, then your wait is over. Buick’s 2024 Envista delivers all that and more while easily remaining budget-friendly. It has dramatic good looks inside and out, plenty of room for everyone to be comfortable, excellent tech, and even advanced safety features.

5 Key Features of the 2024 Envista

Affordability

The Buick Envista has so much to offer at such a low price that it almost seems too good to be true. There are standard features on the lowest trim which cost extra on much more expensive vehicles. Best of all, it’s not only the purchase price that’s so affordable. With an estimated 28 mpg on city streets and 32 mpg on the highway, the Envista is also inexpensive to own.

Design

The Buick Envista’s exterior is truly exciting, with dramatic flowing lines and a wide, low grille. Add 17-inch aluminum wheels painted bright silver, plus lights that are shaped and placed for maximum visual impactand you’ll be proud to take this car anywhere.

The interior is equally impressive. Sharply-angled futuristic housing for an infotainment display and instrument panel stands upright and stretches halfway across the dashboard.

Performance

A 1.2-liter turbocharged engine with a six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the lowest Preferred trim. Its handling is agile, with steering nimble enough to maneuver in tight spots and brakes strong enough to inspire confidence. The Envista’s well-damped suspension smooths out rough roads to provide a gentler ride.  Hill Start Assist is standard, which South Dakota drivers will appreciate.

Technology

The dashboard sports an enormous high-tech glass panel with an 8-inch color gauge cluster and an ultrawide 11-inch infotainment touchscreen display running Buick’s most recently updated software. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as is a three-month trial subscription for SiriusXM Platinum.

More impressive is the three years of OnStar Remote Access Plan. You can use the myBuick mobile app to remotely lock and unlock your car doors, find your parked car on a map, check your tire pressure, and more.

Safety

The Buick Envista base model has standard safety and driver’s aid features such as Teen Driver and an HD rear vision camera. Additionally, Buick makes its Driver Confidence package standard across the entire line. It includes:

  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist With Lane Departure Warning
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • IntelliBeam Auto High Beams

Visit Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD to see our new Buick Envista inventory, or contact us at 605-593-4676 for more information.

The 2024 GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV with brand-new tech features and safety additions. Prepare for the Acadia’s release by checking out this comprehensive guide.

Your Complete Guide to the 2024 GMC Acadia

Power

The new GMC Acadia comes with a 2.5L Turbo engine that delivers 328 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 326 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. The 2.5L Turbo engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for the ideal performance.

Exterior

The GMC Acadia has 20-inch Bright Silver aluminum wheels with 20-inch all-season blackwall tires. The deep-tinted glass creates a private cabin while the AutoSense power liftgate makes loading cargo easier. Another interesting exterior feature is the solar-absorbing glass, which protects you from the sun’s harsh rays and keeps your cabin cooler.

Interior

There’s room for seven passengers in the 2024 GMC Acadia, with an 8-way power driver seat and 6-way power front passenger seat. Active Noise Cancellation with Engine Noise Control helps keep your cabin nice and quiet, even in the most chaotic of environments. The Bose Premium audio system amplifies all of your favorite music evenly throughout the Acadia’s cabin.

Connectivity

The 2024 GMC Acadia comes with a 15-inch diagonal GMC Premium Infotainment System with Google Built. You can make hands-free phone calls, use GPS navigation, and stream new music through this system. The Infotainment system also provides access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for pairing your smartphone with your SUV.

Browse the web on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with Wi-Fi hotspot capability. You can turn your GMC Acadia into a powerful hotspot that’s powered by AT&T. This function offers a secure internet connection for up to ten different devices within fifty feet of your vehicle.

Safety

Enhanced safety features can put your mind at ease in the 2024 GMC Acadia, including the Assistive Driving Package. This package includes Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Speed Limit Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Side Bicyclist Alert, HD Surround Vision, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

With OnStar and GMC Connected Services capability, you can get fast help from first responders during an emergency on the road. If you’re in an accident or have a medical emergency behind the wheel, simply hit the OnStar button to be connected with an Emergency Advisor who will send help your way. Other impressive safety features include Teen Driver, StabiliTrak, and Blind Zone Steering Assist.

Has the new GMC Acadia caught your eye? Find out more about it by seeing it firsthand at our dealership! Visit Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD, to take the new Acadia for a test drive.

Does your Buick’s steering wheel drift to one side when you let it go while driving? This is one of the signs that your car has become misaligned. Schedule a wheel alignment at your local Buick dealership before your ride becomes compromised.

What Can Affect Your Buick’s Wheel Alignment?

Driving habits like hitting speed bumps, curbs, and potholes, off-roading, and overloading your vehicle will cause wheel misalignment. But you don’t have to do these things to have alignment issues. Even if you’ve been careful, your car may still lose alignment over time. An alignment adjusts the angles of the suspension components to make sure all the tires rotate at the same speed.

Why Should You Get a Tire Alignment at Your Buick Dealership?

Extend the Life of Your Tires

Misalignment causes the tires to rotate at different speeds and make uneven contact with the road surface as you drive. This causes uneven and premature tire wear on one edge of the tread. Alignments ensure that the tires make even contact with the road, which prevents uneven tread wear and extends the life of the tires.

Improve Steering and Stability

Misaligned wheels make it harder for your vehicle to track straight and respond to steering inputs. That’s why the steering wheel doesn’t centralize as it should. The drifting of the steering wheel can make your Buick feel unstable on the road. Tire alignment restores stability and handling, allowing you to feel in control of the vehicle.

Enjoy a Smoother Ride

If your wheels are misaligned, you may start to experience steering wheel vibrations, shaking, and an overall rougher ride quality. This forces you to drive at low speed, which doesn’t do much to resolve the problem. Aligning the tires ensures that the wheels and entire suspension system operate smoothly. This leads to a smoother ride with no jarring motions.

Increase Your Buick’s Fuel Economy

Tire alignment and uneven tread wear are notorious for affecting a vehicle’s fuel economy. If the tires aren’t making even contact with the road, rolling resistance increases. This causes the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Aligning your tires reduces the strain on the engine and restores your Buick’s fuel economy.

How Often Should You Get an Alignment?

We generally recommend you get a tire alignment every 6,000 miles, but this isn’t a rule. Driving habits and environmental conditions determine the right frequency for this service. Stay on the lookout for these signs that it’s time to get a tire alignment:

  • Pulling to one side
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Steering wheel vibrations
  • Squealing tires
  • Loose handling

During an alignment, our technicians check and service the suspension components and steering as well. You will be surprised at how smooth and enjoyable the ride feels after the service.

Don’t wait for suspension problems to get a tire alignment. Contact Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD to schedule an alignment as soon as you notice signs of trouble.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX is a luxury subcompact crossover that comes in three exceptional trims. It also boasts a refreshed exterior look and several new tech features for the new model year. Review the amenities and features of each of these premium models, then visit your neighborhood Buick dealer to experience the Encore GX for yourself.

Explore 3 Trim Levels of the 2024 Buick Encore GX

1. Preferred

The base Encore GX model is equipped with 18-inch bright silver aluminum wheels, a 137-horsepower turbocharged engine and a selectable stop-start feature. Front-wheel drive models come with a continuously variable automatic transmission while the all-wheel drive versions include a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Preferred trim incorporates heated power outside mirrors, an 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, an 8-inch driver information center, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard active safety features in the Encore GX Preferred include front pedestrian braking, automatic emergency braking, Buckle to Drive, a following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane change and lane keep assist, automatic headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear seat reminder. You’ll also be able to use the Teen Driver system to set speed and volume limits with certain keys.

2. Sport Touring

When you select the Sport Touring model, you can enjoy a boost to 155 horsepower with a larger version of the turbo engine. It also has a distinct look with 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, and the front and rear bumper add a silver-painted insert designed to give it a rugged, athletic appearance.

The Encore GX Sport Touring is the only trim you can get with the sophisticated Black Roof package, which includes black roof rails and roof as well as black mirrors. If you select this appearance package, you can choose from Moonstone Gray Metallic, White Frost Metallic, Cinnabar Metallic, or Copper Ice Metallic exterior paint hues.

3. Avenir

The Avenir trim features 19-inch premium pearl nickel aluminum wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a cabin air filter, and a 120-volt power outlet. You’ll notice the unique exterior appearance created by the front and rear fascia.

You’ll also gain access to Avenir-exclusive options. The Convenience package gives you a hands-free power liftgate, a premium 7-speaker Bose audio system, rear parking assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Technology package adds an HD surround-view camera, rear camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, and wireless charging.

You can upgrade any of the Encore GX trims with trailering equipment for weekend adventures or add high-end amenities like a panoramic moonroof. If you choose an all-wheel drive model, you can adjust the car’s performance with selectable drive modes. Visit Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD today to test drive the model of this refined crossover that best fits your lifestyle. 

The engine air filter is housed in a box situated just inside the radiator grille. Its job is to filter the air before it passes into the engine. As time passes, this filter will become blocked with debris and needs to be replaced. As your GMC dealership, we’d like to tell you about some of the signs that you need a new car air filter.

Signs It’s Time for a New Car Air Filter From Your GMC Dealership

Black Exhaust Smoke

Black exhaust smoke is never a good sign. It means that your engine is expelling large quantities of unburnt fuel. Your engine requires 14x more air than fuel for combustion, and all this air must pass through the air filter. If your air filter is blocked, the ratio of air to fuel will drop dramatically, and your engine will become fuel-rich.

Once combustion occurs in a cylinder, the cylinder opens and dumps the residue into the exhaust system. In a fuel-rich engine, the spark plugs can’t ignite the mixture correctly, and only a small amount of fuel will burn. Most of the fuel in the cylinder is forced out of the exhaust pipe, and you may even see small sparks as fuel molecules touch the hot exhaust. We can quickly fix this issue by replacing your air filter.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light illuminates in response to any problem that affects your engine. As we saw above, a blocked air filter will turn your engine fuel-rich. In a fuel-rich engine, the plugs must work harder than they should due to the lack of air. This will cause them to wear out faster. In addition, the large quantities of fuel cover the plugs in sticky black carbon, which further reduces their effectiveness.

Sensors in the engine will detect the overworked plugs, and they’ll also identify the high fuel concentration. The sensors will inform your computer, which logs these problems with error codes and then lights up the check engine light. Our technicians will replace your air filter, and they’ll check each plug for signs of damage. Damaged plugs will be either cleaned or replaced depending on the extent of the damage.

Dirty Filter

Unlike many other important engine components, the air filter is easy to check and doesn’t require any specialized knowledge or equipment. The air filter is housed in the air filter box, and the location of this box can be found in your car manual. Once you’ve located the box, you can easily open it to check the filter’s condition.

A healthy filter is white or cream, but this color changes as it accumulates dirt. If your filter is brown or black, it needs immediate replacement. We’ll confirm the filter’s condition and replace it in minutes while you wait.

A filter replacement is very inexpensive and it will boost your vehicle performance. Call our service department today at Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD.

Your Buick’s tires are subject to constant friction when you are driving, and maintaining the right pressure is vital for your tire’s lifespan. Under or over-inflated tires wear out faster and can even lead to accidents. As your Buick dealer, we’d like to tell you the easy steps to check tire pressure.

Advice From Your Buick Dealer: Easy Steps To Correctly Check Tire Pressure

Before You Start

Always allow several hours to pass before checking the pressure if you’ve been driving. A tire generates friction with the surface as it moves, and the air inside the tire heats up. As the air gets hotter, the pressure in the tire increases. Allowing the tire to cool will prevent a false pressure reading.

The internal pressure of a tire is measured in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI). On a hot day, the pressure will rise by 1 to 2 PSI per 10 degrees of external temperature, even if you haven’t been driving recently. In winter, the pressure will drop by the same amount.

Pressure Gauge

You’ll need a pressure gauge to check the pressure. They’re available at the gas station, but we advise you to buy a gauge. The pressure gauges at a gas station can suffer excessive wear over time, which makes them less accurate. There are two basic types of pressure gauges: an analog gauge and a digital gauge.

An analog gauge has a section that slides out to reveal the pressure in a tire, while a digital gauge displays the pressure on its screen. Either gauge will work perfectly, so choose a good-quality version of the gauge that you feel more comfortable with.

Checking the Pressure

Now we’ve covered the testing tool, and the tires are “cool” enough to check, let’s test them in three steps.

Find the Correct Pressure

You can find the correct operating pressure for your tires in two places. Firstly, the pressure for the front and rear tires is listed in your Buick manual. You can also find this information on a metal plate or sticker on the inside door jam of the front passenger door.

Test The Tires

Remove the valve cap from the first tire, and connect the pressure gauge. The gauge will display the pressure within seconds. Write down the pressure, replace the valve cap, and move on to the next tire. Repeat this process until you’ve checked all four tires and the spare if you have one.

Compare Readings

Compare the readings from your tires against the correct pressure for your tires. All you need to do now is use a compressor to increase or reduce the pressure in the tires to match them.

You can also get the pressure checked by visiting our service department at Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD. Our Buick-trained experts will check your tires and correctly inflate them in minutes.

The 2024 GMC Terrain is a well-built SUV equipped with modern technology. Drivers love its spacious cabin, generous driver assistance technology packages, and excellent trim options. Read on for an in-depth introduction to the Terrain from your GMC dealer.

Your GMC Dealer Introduces the Spacious 2024 GMC Terrain

A Roomy Cabin

Your spacious SUV will comfortably seat five passengers. Your guests will enjoy a generous 39.7 inches of legroom in the second row.

Behind the second row, you’ll have 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, making big grocery runs a lot easier. When you need to maximize your cargo space, you can easily fold down the second-row seats. This doubles your cargo volume, offering you 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space for all of your belongings.

Excellent Trims

There are four well-packaged trims for the GMC Terrain, starting with the SLE. This entry-level option is equipped with a standard rear vision camera for improved visibility, and standard LED headlights and LED taillights. The SLT adds a hands-free programmable power liftgate to your Terrain, as well as a heated steering wheel.

The AT4 is a great option for drivers who love all-wheel drive. If you’re going off-roading, you’ll also love the added protection of the front steel skid plate for this trim. The top-tier Denali makes some high-tech features standard, including a head-up display. You’ll also have a premium sound system with seven speakers in this trim.

Confident Performance

The GMC Terrain is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powerful system generates up to 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft of torque.

Driver Assist Technology

Every Terrain comes with the standard GMC Pro Safety package of driver assist features. Automatic emergency braking, a forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking are all included. You’ll also have a following distance indicator, making it easier to monitor the gap. IntelliBeam will handle adjusting your high beams automatically for oncoming traffic, allowing you to focus on the road ahead.

There is also an available GMC Pro Safety Plus package, which is standard on the AT4 and Denali trims. This package adds a few more assistive technology features to support you on the road. This package includes a front and rear parking assist, making parking lots a lot easier to navigate. You’ll also have a lane change alert paired with a side blind zone alert, keeping you safer as you change lanes in busy traffic.

Modern Infotainment

The GMC Terrain comes standard with an excellent seven-inch touchscreen this year. Fortunately, it’s easy to wirelessly connect your smartphone to your new system. You can use wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto for a smooth connection. Additionally, your system comes with standard Bluetooth for streaming audio from your phone.

Drivers looking for a dependable and sturdy SUV will love the modern Terrain. Visit Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD now to see our wide selection of excellent vehicles.

Brake pads are an important part of your braking system, as they produce the friction that slows and stops your car. These pads slowly wear out as they work, and need to be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on your Buick model. As your Buick dealer, we want to tell you a few signs that it is time to visit us for new brake pads.

3 Signs You Need New Brake Pads From Your Buick Dealer

Screeching Noises

If you hear screeching noises when you brake, your pads have probably worn thin. Each pad has a special material cover that produces the friction that stops the rotors from turning. Each time you use the brakes, tiny particles of this material wear off. A healthy pad has a 1/2″ thick material cover. When this cover’s thickness drops to 1/4″ thickness, the pad needs replacement.

Pad manufacturers install a metal spike in the pad material, which becomes visible when the pad has worn down. The metal spike will scratch against the rotor surface when you brake and produce the high-pitched screeching you’re hearing. The spike can’t damage the rotor, but it is a warning that we need to replace the pads.

Grinding Noises

Harsh grinding noises from the brakes mean one or more pads are severely worn and could damage the rotors. If a brake pad’s martial cover wears offer completely, only the bare metal of the pad is left. The next time you hit the brakes, the metal on the pad will clamp directly onto the metal rotor. A bare pad has sharp edges, and these will score the rotor surface.

If you hear a grinding noise, it’s important to visit us for new pads ASAP. If you continue to use worn pads, the metal-on-metal contact can cause serious damage to the smooth rotor surface. A smooth surface is essential for allowing the brake pads to easily and efficiently grab the spinning rotors. We’ll replace the pads, and we can resurface or replace a damaged rotor if necessary.

Glazed Pads

Glazed pads look strange, as their surface is smooth and glass-like. The glazing effect is caused by a pad skimming along the surface of a rotor for a prolonged period. This can happen if a damaged caliper doesn’t fully retract when you take your foot off the brake. It can also be caused by riding your brakes.

 A glazed pad can’t generate friction, and this means the affected pad can’t stop its wheel from moving. As a result, your car will turn to one side when you brake. We can quickly replace the glazed pad to fix this problem.

If your pads are worn, visit our service department right away at Granite Buick GMC in Rapid City, SD, and we’ll replace them.