Easy Tips for Prepping Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

 

Coming up on the Thanksgiving holiday means more than preparing to down way too much food and see extended family for the first time in a year. In many areas, it’s also the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for winter weather. Not only do you want your vehicle to make it through the next few months unscathed, but you want to ensure that you and your family stay safe. Whether you’re dealing with snow, sleet, freezing rain, and/or blistering temperatures, here are some simple ways to prepare your vehicle (and yourself) for winter:

 

Watch the Tires 

Having reliable tires is critical to your safety, particularly in winter weather. Once the temperature drops, it can cause your tire pressure to drop significantly. At least once a month, check the PSI in your tires and add air if necessary; typically, you can find the ideal PSI for your vehicle inside the driver's door jam.

Also, check the tread on your tires. Place a penny between the threads, and if you see Lincoln’s forehead, the tread is too low and you will need to replace your tires. Furthermore, if you live in an area that gets severe winter weather, such as in the northern United States, you might consider getting winter tires. 

 

Check the Windshield and Wiper Blades

Another thing you want to do is to check your windshield for any cracks, which can quickly spread once the temperature drops. Even if you spot a small crack, get it looked at by an expert as soon as you can. While you’re at it, have new wiper blades installed so that you can ensure you’re ready to drive in the elements.

 

Inspect the Lights

When driving in snow, freezing rain, and other winter conditions, it’s essential to have functioning headlights and tail lights. If your headlights have issues, it can significantly hinder you from seeing what is in front of you, especially at night. And without your tail lights or brake lights working properly, it can quickly lead to accidents with other cars. 

 

Test the Battery

Cold weather is hard on batteries, and it tends to decrease their capacity. Be sure to get your vehicle's battery checked by a certified repair shop to ensure that it can hold a charge. Also, ask them to remove any corrosion from the connections and posts. Along with getting your battery serviced, keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle as a backup plan. 

 

Give Your Vehicle a Wax Coat 

Road salt is essential to driver safety during winter weather. But due to its corrosive nature, it can be hard on your vehicle’s exterior over time. Adding a coat of wax can help prevent extensive damage to the exterior of your car. When applying wax, focus on the lower areas of your vehicle where salt, snow, and ice set in; this includes behind the front grille, wheels, and quarter panels. 

 

Try Winter-Grade Oil

Another thing to consider when prepping your vehicle for the cold months ahead is the engine oil you use. Generally speaking, the lower the viscosity, the better during winter. So, before the weather gets too frigid or harsh, consider switching to a thinner winter-grade oil; the viscosity of the oil you are using is identified by the first number of the oil specification. For example, 5W-30 oil is ideal for winter while 10W-30 is a little too thick. 

 

Keep an Emergency Supplies Kit

Even if you thoroughly prepare your vehicle for winter weather, you can’t 100% guarantee that you won’t break down on the side of the road or get stuck in the snow or ice. That’s why it’s essential to arrange an emergency supplies kit that you keep in your car. This kit should include any items you think you might need in the event that you are stranded without a working vehicle. Here are some examples of items to consider:

• Extra winter clothes and outerwear
• Gloves and boots
• A blanket (preferably heated)
• A first-aid kit
• Non-perishable foods and jugs of water
• A portable charger for your smartphone
• Jumper cables
• A basic toolkit
• A tire gauge and tire chains
• A functional spare tire
• A wrench, jack, and any other equipment necessary for changing a tire

 

Conclusion

Getting your vehicle ready for the cold months ahead is one of the most important things you can do for ensuring the safety of you, your loved ones, and others on the road. Check your tires, windshield wipers and blades, and exterior lights. Consider putting a fresh coat of wax on your car and changing to lower-viscosity engine oil. And pack an emergency supplies kit. Lastly, remember that it’s always a good idea to take your vehicle to your local professional. Schedule your service appointment today! 

Service Coupon: Four-Wheel Tire Alignment

 

2020 GMC Sierra 1500—The All-American Pickup Truck

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 builds upon the Next Generation Sierra models introduced for the 2019 model year. A shining example of an American full-size pickup truck, the 2020 Sierra 1500 gets the job done and looks good while doing it. 

Since it is in the second year of a new generation of GMC pickups, it may be difficult to distinguish a 2020 Sierra from the 2019 models, especially for casual onlookers. Nonetheless, there are several factors that set the newest Sierra 1500 apart and that will be sure to attract haulers from around the country. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant features of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500:

Powertrain Options 

Five different engine options and three different transmissions are available in the Sierra. And buyers can opt for rear- or all-wheel drive. 

The base model comes with a 4.3-liter V6 engine that’s good for 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available on the SLE and Elevation trims and produces 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Buyers of the SLE, Elevation, SLT, or Denali trim can choose a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), while a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque) is available in the base model, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The most powerful engine option, a 6.2-liter V8, is available in the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims and puts out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.   

Depending on the engine, buyers will get a six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic. Additionally, the Sierra is offered in a single cab, double cab, and crew cab with various bed lengths. And buyers can opt for four-wheel drive no matter what cab configuration they choose. 

Fuel Economy 

Due to its wide range of powertrain options, fuel economy for the 2020 Sierra 1500 varies. The most efficient engine is by far the Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder when paired with rear-wheel drive, as it produces 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. Those numbers fall to 22 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 24 MPG combined when four-wheel drive is included. 

Buyers who are concerned about fuel economy but want a gasoline engine should consider the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder. When connected to rear-wheel drive, this engine puts out 20 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. Four-wheel drive brings these figures to 19 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined. 

Passenger and Cargo Space 

The best part about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500’s interior is the functionality and spaciousness it offers. There’s plenty of room in any cab configuration you choose, but as can be expected, the crew cab provides the most legroom. As a rear passenger in the Sierra crew cab, it’s easy to forget that you’re riding in a pickup truck. 

Cargo space is also generous in the Sierra 1500. Plus, you can flip up the rear seats to make even more room, and a large center console and dual glovebox provide additional storage. When it comes to the trunk, buyers of the short box get 62.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the standard box provides 71.7 cubic feet and the long box allows for 89.1 cubic feet.  

Safety Features

The Sierra received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), scoring five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. 

A rearview camera, teen driver assist, tire pressure monitoring system, and rear seat reminders are included in the base Sierra, while an anti-theft alarm system is added to the Elevation trim. The ProGrade trailer system with HD rearview camera, as well as hitch guidance and hitch view, come standard in the SLT.  

Not surprisingly, the Denali offers the most safety features, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safety alert seat, lane-change alert, and front and rear parking assistance. Buyers who want adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, and automatic emergency braking with front pedestrian braking can opt for the Driver Alert Package II. 

Conclusion

Those who are looking for a sharp-looking truck that will handle everyday workloads will be hard-pressed to find a better suitor than the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. With a wide array of powertrain options, impressive fuel economy, ample legroom and cargo capacity, and tons of optional safety features, the Sierra is the very definition of an All-American pickup truck. Give us a call at Liberty Buick GMC to set up a test drive—we look forward to hearing from you!

Summer Sizzle Savings

It’s Finally Here! Introducing the 2020 Buick Encore GX

The all-new, 2020 Buick Encore GX is here! Though Buick’s Encore has already seen success as a crossover vehicle, the 2020 GX comes in a new size and look, which creates a completely different, and new, feel to the vehicle. The Encore GX fits itself perfectly between the subcompact Encore and the compact Envision, in terms of size, and it comes with tons of upgrades. Buick is bringing fresh excitement to the crossover market, and at Liberty Buick GMC, we can’t wait for you to drive the 2020 Encore GX. 

America has experienced—and is still exciting—a surge in crossover vehicle sales. Something about having the control and luxury of a sedan mixed with the power and grit of a sport utility vehicle makes us happy and excited to drive. Vehicles like the Jeep Compass, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the Subaru Crosstreck, and the new Mazda CX-30 are all carving out a section for themselves within the crossover family. The 2020 Buick Encore is a perfect addition to this lineup, and not only because it fits the bill as a crossover. The new Encore GX hopes to take a lead in the crossover market by bringing high style, true luxury, and innovative technology to the Encore GX. 

The Exterior 

The 2020 Buick Encore GX has a great new look. It comes in a total of nine beautiful colors:

• White Frost Tricoat
• Deep Azure Metallic
• Burnished Bronze Metallic
• Black Currant Metallic
• Satin Steel Metallic
• Ebony Twilight Metallic
• Summit White
• Dark Moon Blue Metallic
• Chili Red Metallic

The slight curvature throughout the body provides contours and shadows, showing off the sleek design that could easily, at first glance, be mistaken for a modern Mercedes or Porsche SUV. 

After a second look, though, you’ll realize you are in the presence of something impressively unique: a chrome surround starts at the front and reaches to the back; large taillights emphasize the breadth of the vehicle, while the modern design seems to pull the body in, giving it a fit, sporty aesthetic. The large grille up front is non-intrusive, but it does make a statement that this is something new, and quite possibly Buick’s most modern move in years. 

Exterior Specs:

• Wheelbase: (in)100.6
• Track Width, Rear: (in)60.62
• Height, Overall: (in)65.25
• Length, Overall: (in)168.35
• Min. Ground Clearance: (in)6.22
• Track Width, Front: (in)60.65
• Width, Max w/o mirrors: (in)70.1

The Interior 

Inside the Encore GX, there are soft-touch materials throughout, LED lighting to set the mood, and an Infotainment center with all the bells and whistles. 

Compared to the Encore, the 2020 GX has 5.0 more cubic feet of cargo space, and it comes with all sorts of standard safety features: There’s the automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection—a must-have these days; lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning (great for those long, exhausting drives); there is also a rear-camera mirror and a surround-view monitor to keep you always aware of your surroundings; and these safety features only scrape the surface of what’s available. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the interior specs:

• Front Hip Room: (in)51.65
• Front Leg Room: (in)40.82
• Second Shoulder Room: (in)52.5
• Passenger Volume: (ft³)92.8
• Second Head Room: (in)38.78
• Front Shoulder Room: (in)54.18
• Second Hip Room: (in)50.08
• Front Head Room: (in)39.58
• Second Leg Room: (in)35.75

More Features

The 2020 Buick Encore GX comes with a turbocharged I4, 1.4-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic, electronically-controlled with overdrive transmission—with driver shift control. The vehicle itself is considered an all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle.

The four-door GX holds five passengers with ease and comfort for all, and it has a fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and a combined mpg of 26. Not bad at all, especially for a souped-up, turbocharged engine. 

Here are just a few more features to the 2020 Buick Encore GX:

• Brakes: 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc
• StabiliTrak, stability control system
• Daytime Running Lamps, separate cavity, LED
• Airbags, frontal and knee for driver and front passenger
• Airbag, Passenger Sensing System
• Seat belt, 3-point, driver with load limiter, height adjustable
• Seat belt, 3-point, front passenger with load limiter, height
• Restraint provisions, child Isofix 2 point for outboard seating
• OnStar and Buick connected services capable 
• Buick Connected Access capable 
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear Vision Camera
• Door locks, child security rear, manual
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System, manual learn

With a zippy engine that does well to conserve fuel, a luxurious interior, and a cool-compact look to the exterior, the 2020 Buick Encore GX is quickly winning our hearts at Liberty Buick-GMC.

Visit our website or call us at 704-708-8000 to find out more about the all-new Encore GX.

Introducing the Bold, Redesigned 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia has undergone a refresh since its complete redesign that occurred in 2017, and has arrived for our Charlotte area buyers. From the striking new front end to the all new rear end, or the first ever Acadia AT4 model engineered for adventure, Liberty BuickGMC is excited give you the run-down on how you will see yourself in the new 2020 GMC Acadia coming to our showroom this fall.

The kids are at home or heading back from camp, but school is just a few days out from coming back into session. Some of us are wrapping up those sweet vacations and plans and going back to the grind of work and day-to-day life. Summer is in session, but fall is around the corner, and here in Charlotte-Matthews, we’re looking ahead to these changing times.

Ready for 2020 vision?

For many, August is a month of change and clarity, and arguably a worthy competitor of January 1^st. Some New Year’s Resolutions don’t pan out, but August is over halfway through the year and a great time to consider taking up new resolutions, goals, and ideas. August is also the time of year that we start getting exclusive looks at the line-up of 2020 models heading into our dealership this fall. Whether you are looking for greater reliability, peace of mind, power, or style, the 2020 GMC Acadia should be what you set your sights on heading into fall 2019.

The 2020 GMC Acadia delivers a surprisingly powerful performance, and a distinctive bold new look, despite its redesign merely three years ago in 2017. Looking into the 2020 Acadia, GMC has clearly valued great attention to detail when it comes to every inch of design of this mid-size SUV. With the 2020 GMC Acadia, you will be sure to receive a premium driving experience, whether you choose the Acadia or the first ever 2020 Acadia AT4.

At a glance, the 2020 Acadia will catch your eye for its:

• New bolder styling with a redesigned hood and grille
• New LED headlamps and taillamps with signature C-shape lighting
• Authentic materials throughout, including available real wood accents
• Available 20" aluminum wheels
• Available heated, power-adjustable, power-folding outside mirrors

In fact, the vice president of Global GMC, Duncan Aldred, described the 2020 Acadia as, “…stylish, functional and capable with more of the smart convenience and connectivity features that customers rely on every day. And with GMC’s signature refinement at its core, the new Acadia advances the brand’s commitment to offering premium vehicles for discerning crossover customers.”

Does the 2020 Acadia bring more than a facelift in the newest refresh?

Of course, the 2020 Acadia is not vain with just impressive outer appearances. GMC has ensured that what’s on the inside counts just as much, with:

• Available 3.6L V6 engine with 310 horsepower
• New available 2.0L Turbo engine
• New 9-speed automatic transmission
• New Stop/Start technology with deactivation switch

Under the hood, the 2020 Acadia continues with a 193 horsepower, 2.5-liter engine and the 310 horsepower, 3.6-liter engine, but also gains an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine with a new nine-speed automatic suspension on the Acadia SLT and Acadia Denali models. Producing a stunning 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, this engine is designed to provide the perfect blend of power and efficiency, along with premium refinement.  The engine is rated at a GMC-estimated 230 horsepower (172 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm).

The 2020 Acadia is optimizing the performance for varied driving demands through:

• High valve lift for maximum power
• Low valve lift for a greater balance of power and efficiency
• Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) that disables two of the cylinders in light load conditions to optimize efficiency

Reliability for the 2019-2020 school year (and years to come)

A modern vehicle can be as forward-thinking and connected as you are, which is why the 2020 Acadia keeps you up to date and on the go. The Acadia is engineered to help you drive with peace of mind, even at maximum capacity.

Whether carpooling to work, serving as the personal Uber to the children as they race from school, sports practice, music lessons, or visiting family locally around the Carolinas or taking long road trips, rest assured that the Acadia is always performing at its best.

This time of the year can be chaotic for families as they head back to school and get back into the swing of new schedules and priorities. The 2020 Acadia refresh has introduced even more cutting edge technology and design to make your driving safer and more efficient. Check these out:

• New available 6" diagonal color Head-Up Display
• New available Rear Camera Mirror
• New Electronic Precision Shift system
• Available Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Available Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Rear Seat Reminder

The Next Generation GMC Infotainment system incorporates an 8-inch color touch screen (with a new and improved user interface from the 2017 redesign), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, as well as, an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot which can provide connectivity for up to seven devices. Your passengers will love being able to catch up on social media, share their favorite new song, or search that urgent Google search-worthy question facing debate during the ride home.

Certain models can be equipped with embedded navigation that incorporates Cloud connectivity, meaning you’ll experience improved real-time traffic updates or migrate driver profiles, so no more fighting over changing radio station presets or other vehicle preferences between drivers.

On the Go, and Looking Better than Ever

With a powerful performance and a bold new look, the 2020 Acadia mid-size SUV offers functional versatility and intelligent technology for a premium driving experience.

The 2020 Acadia has ample and stylish cargo space that can accommodate all the equipment that comes with your busy life.

How will the 2020 Acadia make your life easier? The Acadia certainly delivers with the following:

• Three rows of seating with third-row 50/50 split bench
• Smart Slide second-row seating
• Fold-flat second- and third-row seats
• Seating options for 6 or 7 passengers
• New large pass-through under-console storage
• Available hands-free power programmable lift gate

 Looking for more of an off-the-pavement type of adventure? Look no further.

In 2020, GMC is introducing the first ever Acadia AT4. Not only does it bring impressive off-road performance to the already powerful and bold Acadia, but it also provides an adventurous design inspired by outdoor lifestyles on the exterior and interior. There’s also:

• Advanced twin-clutch AWD system
• Powerful 3.6L V6 engine
• 9-Speed automatic transmission
• Traction Select System
• Exclusive AT4 17" wheels with all-terrain tires

• Exclusive AT4 grille and black chrome exterior accents
• Black outside mirrors and gloss-black roof rails
• Exclusive interior with AT4 badging
• AT4 heavy-duty floor mats and cargo mat
• Available cargo management system

The AT4 model line incorporates an active, athletic spirit into its design, from its distinct and exclusive black chrome finished grille design, gloss black roof rails, black mirror, caps, and a black chrome tail lamp accent panel, to the 17-inch wheels finished in black chrome (also, exclusive only to the AT4) with all-terrain standard tires. The interior doesn’t disappoint with an extension of style into the cabin with dark chrome interior accents, and Jet Black or Kalahari leather-appointed seats.

The Acadia AT4 offers a five-passenger seating configuration, alongside a Cargo Management System that can provide additional storage flexibility within the cargo area.

Drive with confidence: Safety and Prevention Technologies

Every time you get behind the wheel of a 2020 GMC Acadia, you can drive with confidence knowing that you and your passengers are safe. The Driver Alert package, available on Acadia SLE and standard on Acadia SLT, AT4, and Denali, includes:

• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert: Provides the driver with an illuminated warning in the side view mirrors before and during a lane change maneuver if a moving vehicle is detected in or rapidly approaching the driver’s blind zones.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: When in Reverse, Rear Cross Traffic Alert can provide alerts to help the driver avoid colliding with approaching detected left or right cross-traffic, such as when backing out of a crowded parking space or driveway with side obstructions.
• Rear Park Assist: This can help drivers avoid certain objects when backing up at low speeds. Rear Park Assist may not detect all children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals or objects below the bumper. Drivers should remember to always check the area around the vehicle before backing up and make sure the Rear Vision Camera lens is kept clean of mud, dirt, and snow.

The Driver Alert Package II, which is available on Acadia SLT and AT4 models and standard on Acadia Denali, builds off the Driver Alert I package by adding:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: In some emergency low-speed front-end collision situations, this feature can help reduce crash severity or even help avoid it by either applying the brakes automatically if the driver has not already done so, or enhancing the driver’s braking.
• Forward Collision Alert: This system can warn drivers of a possible front-end collision situation with a vehicle they are following.
• Front Pedestrian Braking: In some emergency front-end collision situations, the available Front Pedestrian Braking feature can help reduce injury or avoid the collision with pedestrians by applying the brakes automatically or enhancing the driver’s braking.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Provides gentle steering wheel input and alerts to help prevent drivers from unintentionally drifting out of their intended lane.
• Intellibeam headlamps: High-beam headlamps can automatically be switched on when it is dark enough and when no other traffic is present, and then turned off when conditions warrant, such as when another vehicle is approaching.
• Front and Rear Park Assist: This can help drivers avoid certain objects in front or behind the vehicle’s path during low-speed parking.
• Safety Alert Seat: Intuitively communicates the direction of a possible collision threat by pulsing the corresponding sides of the driver’s seat.

 The 2020 GMC Acadia at Liberty Buick GMC

If you’re looking for a stylish, capable, and impeccably-refined midsize SUV, consider the new 2020 GMC Acadia. The prices of the 2020 Acadia remain unknown, but will likely have mild increases over the current 2019 models, which range from $33,995 to $48,695. Look for the 2020 Acadia to arrive on our lot this fall, 2019.  

Can’t wait until the 2020 model is here? We’ve got you covered

Currently, we have the 2019 Acadia, Acadia Denali, and Terrain Denali available. Choose your build, view our inventory, and request a quote today! Our team of Acadia enthusiasts is well-equipped to answer any questions that you may have about this capable SUV.

-Tayler Green