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THE BASICS OF CAR MAINTENANCE

Red SUV in service bay at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC

Keeping your car in great shape doesn’t have to be a hassle! A little maintenance goes a long way in making sure your vehicle stays reliable, safe and efficient. Plus, it can save you time and money down the road. Here are some essential car maintenance tips to keep you rolling smoothly.

Thinking about buying a car in Bentonville, Arkansas? Check out our inventory at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC!

Wiper Blades

Let’s start with something simple — wiper blades! They’re small but mighty when it comes to keeping your visibility clear on rainy or dusty days. Most wiper blades need replacing every six months to a year, depending on their wear and tear. Exposure to the sun, dirt, and even car wax can cause them to break down. If you notice streaks, skips, squeaks, or any other weird noises, it’s time for a change!

To help your wipers last longer, wipe them down with a damp cloth regularly and clean your windshield when you fuel up.

Need new wiper blades? We’ve got you covered — schedule a replacement today!

Engine Oil

Regular oil changes are one of the best things you can do to keep your engine happy. While the general rule is to change your oil every six months or around 5,000 miles, this can vary depending on the type of oil you use. Synthetic oils last longer, and factors like climate and towing loads can affect your oil change schedule. Not sure if you need an oil change? Here’s how to check:

1. Make sure your engine has been off long enough to cool down — we recommend at least 10 minutes.
2. Pop the hood and grab a clean rag.
3. Locate the dipstick (usually marked with a yellow or orange handle).
4. Pull it out, wipe it clean, and put it back in.
5. Pull it out again to check the oil level.

If the oil line falls between the two markings, you're good! But if it's low, top it off and schedule an oil change. If your oil looks dirty, frothy, or milky, get your car checked ASAP — it could be a sign of a bigger issue.

Need an oil change? Book an appointment today!

Tire Maintenance

Your tires take a beating, so keeping an eye on them is key. Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage and make your ride smoother. Underinflated tires wear out faster, reduce steering precision, and make driving less efficient. Luckily, checking your tire pressure is easy:

  • Look for a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb — it will show the correct PSI.
  • You can also check your owner’s manual for the recommended levels.
  • When filling up, don’t overinflate! Too much air can reduce traction and make the ride feel stiff.

If your tires are looking worn or bald, it’s time for a replacement. Need new tires? Check out our selection today!

Jump-Starting Your Car

Dead battery? It happens to the best of us! Car batteries typically last about five years but can drain faster in extreme temperatures or due to corrosion. If your car won’t start, a quick jump may do the trick. Here’s how:

1. Open the hood and locate the battery.
2. Clean off any corrosion with a wire brush (don’t use bare hands!).
3. Attach a red clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal.
4. Connect the other red clamp to the booster car’s positive terminal.
5. Attach a black clamp to the booster car’s negative terminal.
6. Finally, attach the last black clamp to an unpainted metal part of the engine on the dead car.

Start the working vehicle first, then try starting the dead one. If nothing happens, wait a few minutes and try again. When disconnecting, remove the clamps in reverse order.

Need battery service in Bentonville, Arkansas? Schedule an appointment with us today!

Stay On Top of It

Car maintenance doesn’t have to be a headache! A little attention to the basics — wipers, oil, tires and battery health — can keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Stay on top of your vehicle’s needs, and it will keep you safe and ready for every adventure.

Want more maintenance tips? Click here for expert advice!

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Spring is finally here and it is difficult to stay around the house, much less stay indoors after such a winter. One way to combat boredom is to give your vehicle some TLC. For optimal performance, vehicles need regularly-scheduled maintenance and a bit of upkeep. It feels wonderful to hop in and drive a clean, pristine machine. If you’re not really sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville is always here to assist our customers and can offer some great tips for spring cleaning for your car! GOODBYE WINTER: Who isn’t ready for bright sunshine and fresh warm days? To make room for Spring, clear out the winter stuff like your extra pair of gloves, ice scraper, and tire chains. This is also a great opportunity to clean all the windows, vacuum the upholstery..., and give your vehicle a once-over with car cleaning wipes for a fresh feel. Also, it’s not too bad of an idea to wipe down the interior with a protectant so to protect the vinyl or leather from UV rays. Too, no matter what season we're in, it's very practical to keep some items like a flashlight with fresh batteries for emergencies, a tire pressure gauge, and -- to help keep you and everyone safe until Covid-19 is beaten and done -- a package of disposable face masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer. CLEAN EXTERIOR: There’s nothing as frustrating as getting into your vehicle and noticing bird poop all over it. While nobody likes the idea of scrubbing away at literal poop from a passing bird, it's not something to wait on, as waiting too long to clean bird droppings or bug guts off your car can cause damage to the paint or clearcoat. A suggested helpful cleaning tip to getting the recycled bird seed off your vehicle without damaging the exterior paint: spritz a little WD-40 on the area, let it sit for 60 seconds, then rinse or wipe away with a soft cloth. SMART MAINTENANCE: Having a healthy vehicle is key, therefore you’ll need to make sure that your vehicle’s fluid levels are at the optimal operating levels. Along with routine oil changes, there's other little things you want to check as well. For example, check your vehicle’s cabin air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. Not only does a fresh air filter keep your vehicle breathing well, a clogged filter can severely impact your fuel economy and even make some vehicles bypass the filter altogether, allowing dirty, dusty air to enter your engine. Along with checking fluid levels and filters., check to see if your vehicle has enough windshield wiper fluid, and while you have your vehicle’s hood up, clear out the dead leaves. TIRE CHECK: With winter come and gone, the pressure in your vehicle’s tires will have fluctuated due to outdoor temperature change. Here is the golden rule about tire care: when you have an underinflated tire, your gas mileage goes down and the risk of having a flat tire goes up. If the tire is overinflated, you are also at risk of a dangerous blowout. That is why it’s good to have a tire gauge tucked away in the glove box. Usually, the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) is between 30 to 35. Check your automotive manual for your vehicle's recommended PSI. And don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire too! If every tire isn't up to pressure, most gas stations have air compressors, and local tire stores will usually check your tire pressure and air up your tires for free. These are just a few suggestions for spring cleaning your vehicle and getting ready for warmer and brighter days. At McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, our customers are our main priority. We are here and ready to serve our great community. Let us assist you when the time comes for you to buy your next new vehicle. If your car is in need of maintenance or service,, you can schedule a service maintenance appointment online. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

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Buying versus leasing a new vehicle are similar but very different approaches to vehicle ownership. While buying a vehicle gives you complete control, leasing can be a great option if you don’t currently have the funds to purchase a new vehicle from a dealership. We see a lot of confusion on the internet over these two terms, with many people thinking they mean the same thing. We’re here to help break it down for you and clear up any misconceptions you may have! Let’s look at buying versus leasing a vehicle from a dealership in terms of ownership, cost, and flexibility. OWNERSHIP One of the most significant differences between leasing and buying is ownership. When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, whether outright or through financing, you own it and can do anything you want with that vehicle. Even when you finance and make monthly payments on your vehicle, you can customize it and use it however you want. When you reach the end of your term agreements, you’ll fully own the vehicle, but in the meantime, that doesn’t prevent you from treating it like you already own it. Leasing, however, is more like borrowing a vehicle from a friend or family member rather than owning it. You choose to pay for the vehicle for a set period of time—usually two to four years—but you must return the vehicle to the dealership after your lease expires. However, if you really like the vehicle, you have the option to buy it; this is called a lease-to-own program. Although some leasees—the person the vehicle is leased to—decide not to purchase the vehicle at the end of their term, many do since dealerships often offer discounted rates for leased vehicles. RED FLAGS OF CAR SHOPPING COST Cost is another big factor to consider when choosing between leasing and buying a vehicle. Buying a vehicle involves more considerable investment and higher upfront costs. The costs can include a down payment, taxes, registration fees, and other ownership fees not included with leased vehicles. Buying a vehicle also involves higher monthly payments since you are paying off the listed price of the vehicle plus any interest added during your financing agreement. Leasing, however, gives you lower monthly payments. There are usually mileage restrictions when it comes to returning the vehicle, so be sure to check your mileage and not go over, or you could face financial penalties. Another big cost factor to consider is vehicle repairs and maintenance. Buying a vehicle requires you to make any payments for repairs or maintenance out of pocket, and while you may not have to do much the first few years, you will definitely have to make more costly repairs as the vehicle gets older. When you lease, you are renting the vehicle during the early stages of its lifecycle, meaning there is less of a chance you will have to make a costly repair. Some leasing terms also include warranties for routine services during your lease, reducing out-of-pocket costs. WE OFFER MARKET-BASED PRICING FLEXIBILITY Flexibility can mean different things to drivers. Do you want more flexibility to customize your vehicle, or do you like the freedom not to be stuck with a vehicle long-term? Buying a vehicle gives you greater flexibility to customize and mod it with aftermarket accessories like roof racks or a new exterior paint job. With a leased vehicle, you are not allowed to make major changes to its look and feel. Often, a modification not approved by a dealership will result in an immediate termination of the lease agreement or significant financial penalties. However, the flexibility to switch vehicles as often as you like is a key advantage of leasing a new vehicle. Do you love trying the latest technology or driving the newest and fastest vehicles? When you lease, you open up your options to cars, trucks, SUVs and even EVs that you might not be able to afford otherwise. If you love to be on the bleeding edge of technology, especially in the emerging EV and hybrid vehicle market, then leasing a vehicle is the right choice for your lifestyle. SHOP NEW VEHICLES BUY OR LEASE FROM MCLARTY DANIEL IN BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS Interested in learning more about buying versus leasing a vehicle? Our sales and financial experts at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas, can help you demystify the options and steer you toward the right choice. Visit us at 2517 SE Best Lane in Bentonville, or call (866) 812-3307 to speak with a sales representative. We’re ready to help!

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AFFORDABLE CAR FEATURES THAT FEEL HIGH-END

Let’s be honest — when it comes to our cars, we all crave that touch of luxury. We’re drawn to the flashiest technology, the most exotic materials, and the most stylish exterior. Exploring high-end features is half the fun of upgrading to a new vehicle! Unfortunately, we can’t always indulge in these features without breaking the bank. That’s where McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas, comes in. We offer a range of affordable vehicles packed with incredible features that can elevate your drive. Let’s explore some of the newest features that make you feel like you’re driving a luxury vehicle (without the luxury price tag). Browse Our Exceptional Selection Buick's QuietTuning Technology Buick's QuietTuning technology transforms your day-to-day driving by significantly reducing unwanted noise from the road. With features like triple door seals, acoustic laminated glass, and a noise-reducing rear suspension, your cabin becomes a serene oasis. It can even lessen the impact of potholes and other road hazards. When you take a drive without all that distracting road noise, you’ll immediately recognize the difference this feature makes. And the best part? QuietTuning comes standard in every new Buick SUV! GMC Sierra’s MultiPro Tailgate New trucks can come with hefty price tags nowadays, and you often have to pay extra to get access to the coolest features. But not with the 2024 GMC Sierra! Standard on the SLE trim and above, the GMC Sierra’s MultiPro Tailgate is a game-changer in utility. This tailgate includes six different functions, including a power release, load stop, a fold-down full-width step, an extra work surface, an integrated speaker system, and more. It delivers unmatched functionality without the added cost. A Step Up in Luxury: The Denali Trim Buick Remote Access Plan When it comes to high-tech convenience, this feature can’t be beat! The Remote Access Plan allows drivers to remotely lock and unlock their doors, start and stop their vehicle, find their parked vehicle's location on a map, and more — all via the myBuick Mobile App. You can also get on-demand diagnostics and vehicle health updates, helping you stay on top of your maintenance schedule. While this plan does require a subscription, many new Buick models come with three years of the Remote Access Plan for free. This includes the 2024 Buick Envista, which starts at just $22,400. GMC SuperCruise Experience the future of driving with GMC SuperCruise! This is the first truly hands-free driver assistance technology. It functions with OnStar and uses real-time cameras, sensors, GPS and LiDAR map data to detect curves, keeping your vehicle in its lane at all times. SuperCruise works on over 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada, making long drives much more comfortable and convenient. This revolutionary technology is available on more GMC vehicles than ever before, including the practical 2024 GMC Acadia. What is Buick’s Avenir Trim? If you’re looking for an affordable car, you don't have to skimp on luxury — especially when you choose McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas! Visit us today to take a test drive and try out these high-end features for yourself!