We know tires on cars need air, but many don’t realize how important it is to have the correct amount of air pressure. Some think that if they overinflate the tire, they won’t have to check it again quite so soon. This is very incorrect. Your car must have a certain amount of air pressure in the tires, and this amount is based on your car. Too much air can be just as harmful as too little air. Both can cause damage to the tires, premature wear and tear of the tires, an uneven ride, and even a…

Here at Cole Buick GMC, we get all sorts of questions from our Portage, MI clients. A common issue of concern is when to replace tires. While there are a number of unique factors to consider for each situation, here are some typical signs it may be time to invest in a new set.

Your car doesn't require frequent recharges. It will take years before the car stops, but that depends on whether or not you are taking good care of the vehicle. However, we at Cole Buick GMC have seen our fair share of people with car battery issues. 

Are you sometimes confused when you look at the odd assortment of numbers and letters on a bottle of motor oil? Cole Buick GMC wants you to know that you are not alone. Many drivers in Portage don't give much thought to oil viscosity ratings. Here is what you need to know.

The information on a bottle of motor oil is usually presented this way: 10W-30, 5W-30, or something similar. These are not random numbers and letters. They refer to how well an oil is designed to handle cold or hot temperatures. The "W" is often wrongly classified as…

We recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. While many drivers have learned that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles, most modern vehicles allow for longer intervals. The best way to determine the right interval for your vehicle is by consulting your owner's manual and working with our service team.

Learn more about the importance of oil changes and how we can help.

At COLE BUICK GMC CADILLAC, we know that your mechanic is an important player in your safety and comfort. That's why we encourage you to choose a shop that's certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). When you do, you can rest assured that your technician is trained and qualified to work on your vehicle.

To get an ASE certification, a mechanic must have at least 2 years of qualifying work experience. Then, he or she must pass a difficult test that covers crucial skills and topics. That's not all — once a mechanic is certified, ASE requires re-testing…

Is a car getting less fuel economy than it once did? Perhaps checking the tires could reveal the reason. A tire with a slow leak could hurt gas mileage and cause many other problems. Driving on tires with low air pressure could ruin them, necessitating replacement. Maybe they are already ruined, and an inspection is overdue.

Age and the elements could also ruin a tire. Rubber material won't maintain its integrity forever. Eventually, cracks and dry rot appear. There are two indicators that the tire might soon suffer a dangerous blowout. Look for blisters and other imperfections on the…

What would a Sunday cruise through Portage, MI be without the radio or a midnight trip anywhere without headlights? Your vehicle's alternator works hard, providing the power needed to run the electrical components and charge the battery. The following Cole Buick GMC Cadillac quick guide will give you a basic understanding of this vital system.

Auto-dimming rearview mirror systems are just as fallible as any other system on your vehicle, though the system appears to be less inclined toward malfunctions. When you notice while driving around at night that your auto-dimming rearview system is not working correctly, it is time to come to Cole Buick GMC for an evaluation of the issue.

The problem with the system often depends on the complexity of the device. Some auto-dimming rearview mirror systems depend on sensors at the front of your vehicle that measure the ambient light.