How can I be sure I’m having my GMC’s maintenance performed at the right time?
We recommend you consult your GMC Owner Manual for the correct maintenance schedule. Click here to download or view select Owner Manuals.
What do I need to do when my “Change Engine Oil Soon” message displays?
When the “Change Engine Oil Soon” message displays, service is required for your GMC as soon as possible, within the next 1,000 kilometers. If driving under the best conditions, the Engine Oil Life System might not indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and the Oil Life System must be reset. Your GMC dealer has trained service technicians who will perform this work and reset the system.
I have a 2011 GMC. When should I get my tires rotated?
Beginning with the 2011 model year, GMC owners are advised to see their dealer for a tire rotation every 10,000 kilometers as part of a newly revised maintenance schedule.
Why are tire rotations so important?
Because each tire on your GMC performs a different task, they wear at different rates. Regular rotations allow tires to wear evenly, maximizing tire life, and allowing tires to be replaced in sets of four, which is preferable.
I’ve heard that the first tire rotation on my new GMC is the most important. Why is that?
Irregular tread wear occurs fastest when tires are new and at full tread depth, thus the first tire rotation has been found to be of the greatest importance.
Is it okay to rotate my tires earlier than 10,000 km on a 2011 model year vehicle and newer?
Yes, it is okay, particularly if you notice signs of irregular wear appearing on the tires.
If I have an older GMC vehicle—for example, model year 2000—does the 10,000 km tire rotation recommendation still apply?
While the 2000 Owner Manual recommends a range of 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, the 10,000 km tire rotation interval is a good rule of thumb. However, any time you notice unusual wear, you should rotate your tires as soon as possible. Check to ensure that your GMC is properly aligned and that there are no suspension issues causing irregular tire wear.
My GMC has an Engine Oil Life System. Can I have my tires rotated when I get my oil changed?
Yes. For your convenience, you can have both the tire rotation and oil change service completed at the same time, as long as you are rotating the tires approximately 10,000 kilometers.
My father always told me that I should change my oil every 5,000 kilometers. Is that still true?
The majority of today’s GMC vehicles are equipped with the Engine Oil Life System, which has made the 5,000 km oil change obsolete. Depending on the age of the vehicle, driving habits, and road conditions, vehicles with today’s advanced engines can go much longer than 5,000 kilometers between oil changes. Always be sure to check your engine oil level regularly, even with an Engine Oil Life System.
Why is tire pressure important?
Improperly inflated tires are a leading cause of tire failure. Proper tire inflation helps a tire have optimum tread contact with the road, which improves traction and braking, and reduces tire wear—this is especially important when hauling cargo or towing. Underinflated tires generate heat, which is the tire’s worst enemy, so maintaining the right amount of air keeps temperatures where they should be and can result in fewer blowouts. Also, keeping tires properly inflated and wheels aligned can help you improve your gas mileage up to 3 percent, according to: fueleconomy.gov..
How often should I check my air pressure?
You can check your GMC Owner Manual for specific information on your vehicle, but once a month is a good guideline. Be sure the tires are cold (driven less than 1.6 kilometers) and don’t forget to check your spare tire. You should always use a good-quality tire gauge to check pressure—don’t ever try to “eyeball” tires because they can look fine even when they are underinflated. And remember that tires can lose air pressure in cold weather.
There are a lot of places that sell tires. Where should I go to get the right tires for my GMC at the right price?
You may not realize it, but most GMC dealerships sell brand-name tires such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin and many more. The Certified Service technicians at your dealership can recommend the tires that are right for your GMC, your driving habits and your budget.
How will I know when I need new tires?
One sure way to know when to replace your tires is when the treadwear indicators—called “wear bars”—appear. These wear bars look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it’s time to replace the tires. You should replace the tires if you can see three or more tread wear indicators around the tire. Other ways to know when you need to replace your tires include cord or fabric showing through the rubber, cracks or cuts in the tread or sidewall deep enough to show cord or fabric, bulges or splits in the tire, and punctures or damage that cannot be repaired correctly.