Fixing a Flat on your GMC
June 1, 2009 by Adam · Comments Off
If you’ve spent any time at all looking around an automotive store, or even the auto parts section at a department store, you’ve seen the emergency flat tire fixing cans. You may have been skeptical about its effectiveness. The fact of the matter is that, in many cases, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You wonder if the cans work at all, and probably walk right on past.
Using the aerosol flat tire cans is relatively simple. Start off by pulling off the road to a safe spot. Take the cap off of your GMC vehicle’s tire stem. Put the cap somewhere you won’t lose it, as you’re going to need to put it back on later on. Screw the can’s hose onto the valve stem. When it stops filing up with air, unscrew the cap and put the valve stem cap back onto the valve stem. Drive the car right away so that the sealant can circulate.
Well, the truth is, these products do work. However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to these products:
These aerosol tire sealers can, in some instances, harm a Tire Pressure Management System. If your GMC vehicle has a Tire Pressure Management System, you might want to think twice before using these cans.
- These products hold up well in both heat and cold. Check the can for specific information, but you can generally store the product in your car.
- These products are not designed to be permanent solutions. They are designed to get you to a tire repair shop.
- When you do get to the repair shop, make sure that you tell the technician that you used the aerosol. This way, the technician knows that the tire is filled with gas and not with regular air.
There’s no better place to get your GMC vehicle serviced than at your Conshohocken area GMC dealer. Come and see us today.
Problems with your Pontiac Brakes
May 18, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
Listening to your brakes is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your Pontiac vehicle keeps going down the road safe and sound. If your brakes go out, it can lead to accidents, injury, and sometimes even death. By carefully listening to your brakes and by watching for the warning signs that there are problems with your brakes, you can help make sure you’re safe in the event of a braking emergency.
Certain noises can tell you that it’s time for you to get new brakes. A high-pitched screech can tell you that you need new brake pads. This noise is caused then a metal shim inside the pads, sometimes known as the indicator, is rubbing against other metal.
A grinding noise or a metallic growling can also mean you have brake problems. In fact, it may mean that your brakes are worn down to the point where the caliper and disc are rubbing together. If you hear this kind of noise, get your car looked at right away. This kind of repair gets more expensive the longer you let it go.
Finally, if your brake pedal vibrates or pulses, it can indicated that your rotors are warped. This can also mean that your vehicle needs an alignment. Either way, it’s time to get it into the shop. Call your Newtown Square area Pontiac dealer today to get your brakes looked at.
Pontiac History
May 18, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
History of the Pontiac Brand
Pontiac is one of the brands in the General Motors Family. Pontiac holds many of GM’s performance vehicles, including SUVs and sporty cars.
The Pontiac brand began in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907. It started out as the “Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan.” It was founded by a man named Edward Murphy. In 1909, General Motors acquired Oakland. By 1926, Oakland produced its first Pontiac vehicle. The car was known as the “Chief of the Sixes,” named so for its six cylinder engine, and it debuted at the 1926 auto show. The car was so successful in terms of sales that the “Oakland” was dropped from the name, and from then on it was just Pontiac.
During the 1930s and 40s, you could find a variety of Pontiac cars, from wagons to coupes to sedans, in the low to mid price range. One of the more interesting things about the period was the “Silver Streak.” This was a set of chrome lines that ran from the length of the hood up to the base of the windshield.
In the 1950s, the Pontiac Bonneville appeared. This car was a hit, to be sure. In 1964, however, Pontiac made a huge impact with the release of the GTO option for its “Tempest” line. This included V8 engine, and was truly the first “muscle car.” Also during the 1960s, Pontiac released the Firebird as well as the Trans Am.
In the 1970s, Pontiac began to make smaller cars. Pontiac released the Fiero, a two-seater sports car, as well as the compact Ventura and the Phoenix. In the 1990s, Pontiac released new vehicles like the Montana minivan, as well as the Sunfire.
Today, it looks like the doors are closing on Pontiac. Pontiac’s rich history reminds enthusiasts that the Pontiac car will live on, at least in our memories.
The Pontiac Experience
May 11, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
As the sun sets on the Pontiac brand, it’s hard not to get at least a little bit nostalgic. Pontiac fans of all ages think back to those first Pontiac vehicles they saw on the road, and how that sleek style and performance left a mark on their lives. Maybe it was the GTO, cruising down the strip as a teenager. Maybe it was Burt Reynolds in the Trans Am from the movies. Maybe it was simply your first car – a used Grand Am that you drove until it just quit. Looking forward, Pontiac enthusiasts will have to search hard in order to fill the void left behind by this brand. General Motors doesn’t really offer a brand that encompasses the performance and style that was so closely associated with the Pontiac name. Still, there is always hope that, whether it’s under the GM moniker or not, that the Pontiac brand will one day return.
Your Pontiac's Air Conditioning
May 11, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
One of the most important systems in your Pontiac vehicle , when it comes to comfort, is your air conditioning. While you don’t rely on the air conditioning to keep your car going or keep you safe, it’s a system that is pretty important, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
There are several major components to your Pontaic’s air conditioning system. There is a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an accumulator or receiver and dryer. If your air conditioning stops working, any one of these components to the air conditioning system could be at fault.
Most often, however, the reason that an air conditioning system will stop functioning properly is because it runs out of refrigerant. There are two types of refrigerants commonly in use in today’s vehicles: for vehicles made before 1994, the refrigerant is R-12. For vehicles 1995 and later, the refrigerant is R-134a.
Understanding just these few basic ideas about your air conditioning system can help you to make good choices when it’s time to have your air conditioning system looked at by your auto repair professional. Call your local Pontiac dealer near Springfield today to make sure your air conditioner is ready to roll this summer.
When To Get A New Pontiac
May 4, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
Unless you are the type of person who goes through a new car every two or three years, chances are you’re going to drive your Pontiac vehicle for some time. There’s a point, however, at which you should definitely consider trading in your old reliable ride for a new Pontiac. Knowing when to get a new Pontiac can sometimes be tricky, and it varies from one person to the next.
Many families simply outgrow their existing vehicle. That Pontiac Vibe may have been nice when it was just you, your spouse, and one small child, but now with number three on the way it might be time to think about something bigger and better. The opposite is true, too; if your nest has become empty, you might not need to drive that Pontiac SUV.
For most people, it’s a good idea to try to get a new Pontiac before the old one loses all of its value. For example, if your old Pontiac needs repairs that are more than its trade-in value, it’s probably time to look for a new model.
Your local Pontiac dealer can help you get your new Pontiac. Come see us today.
Getting Your Pontiac Tuned Up
May 4, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
One of the most important things you can do for your Pontiac is to take your car into your Pontiac dealer on a regular basis. One of the regular maintenance tasks you should have done is a tune-up. A tune-up consists of several components, all of which are designed to replace parts of your car that get old and tend to wear out. A tune up can help your gas mileage, prolong the life of your engine, and keep your car running smoothly.
Several things happen when you get a tune up. First of all, your fluids are checked, fuel filter replaced, spark plugs changed, air filter replaced, valves adjusted, valve-cover gaskets replaced, spark plug wires changed out, and many other things checked out.
Usually, a tune up will also include an inspection. The mechanic will look at the condition of your tires, check your air conditioning and heating, and look at your brakes and brake fluid. Several other parts will probably be looked at, including the timing of your vehicle, the PCV valve, the distributor cap and rotor, the oxygen sensor, and the carburetor.
Generally speaking, you should get a tune up about once a year.
The Importance of Regular Vehicle Maintenance
April 13, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
If you want to keep your Pontiac running in its optimal condition, there are some regular vehicle maintenance tasks that you need to take care of. Knowing what kinds of things you need to do will help you to retain your car’s value, avoid breakdowns and accidents, and have an overall better experience with your vehicle.
For example, getting your oil and oil filter changed on a regular basis will give you an amazing return on your maintenance investment. This protects the internal parts of your engine, and it helps improve your gas mileage. Make sure to follow the recommended interval in your vehicle’s manual.
Changing your air filter regularly is important, too. A dirty air filter decreases mileage and makes the engine work harder than it needs to. Usually you’ll change the air filter about once a year.
Make sure to pay attention to your brakes. If your brake light comes on, or if you hear a noise when you brake, it’s time to get them looked at. You want to do that sooner rather than later, as waiting can mean a more expensive repair or even an accident.
You should also maintain your battery. Extreme cold and heat can be hard on your battery. Make sure you have it tested regularly, and that your vehicle’s alternator is working properly.
If you need regular vehicle maintenance on your Pontiac cars, check out your Pontiac dealer near Media today.
Pontiac's Luxury Convertible
April 13, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
The Pontiac G6 convertible is one of the most compelling vehicles on the market today. It features a retractable hardtop, excellent fuel economy, and responsive handling. This vehicle truly embodies the Pontiac experience, and reminds you why Pontiac is and has always been associated with performance and style.
In addition, the Pontiac G6 convertible features quite a bit of luxury. It has cruise control, keyless entry, remote engine start, a V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, a six CD changer, stability control, 18-inch alloy wheels. You can also add the Premium Package for a six way power driver seat, heated front seats, as well as leather upholstery.
If you want to truly drive the Pontiac experience, you should check out the Pontiac G6 convertible today. From the moment you get in, you’ll know that this is the right car for you. Get to your Pontiac dealer near Springfield , and test drive one of these amazing vehicles today.
Understanding Frontal Air Bags
April 6, 2009 by Adam · Leave a Comment
You’ve probably heard often enough about the benefit of having frontal air bags in your new Pontiac vehicle. However, unless you’ve specifically gone out looking for the information, you may not know exactly what frontal air bags are designed to do. Here are some basics about the frontal airbags you will find in your vehicle:
- During a severe or moderate frontal crash, the frontal air bag will inflate in just a fraction of a second. The airbag prevents the occupant from hitting the vehicle’s interior.
- Frontal air bags don’t usually help in the event of a rollover, a side impact crash, or a rear end crash.
- You still need to wear seat belts when your vehicle has frontal air bags.
- Frontal air bags are standard equipment in new vehicles, and have been in cars since 1998 and light trucks since 1999.
- The second generation of frontal air bags appeared in 1998, and were known as “depowered” air bags.
- The third generation of air bags, which are today’s air bags, have been standard equipment since 2007. These are also known as “advanced” frontal air bags.
If you want to have your vehicle inspected for safety or just make sure that everything is running fine, make sure to give your local Pontiac service center a call today.