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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!

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

It’s a new year, with new possibilities and beginnings. We don’t think of how much we rely on our vehicles as an automotive-dependent society, and there's no quicker way to hate your daily drive than owning a cluttered vehicle. If you're one of those who drive a cluttered vehicle year-round, let’s resolve to turn over a new leaf. Seen below, check out some important annual car maintenance tasks to consider for 2021, because a well-maintained vehicle is a happy vehicle! CLEAN AND PRISTINE: It’s a great feeling when you slide into a clean vehicle. You are ready for the road! Let’s begin by emptying out the entire vehicle and putting back only what you’ll need. That should include an emergency kit. Your road emergency kit should contain an ice scraper, an extra pair of gloves, a hat, and a small... blanket in a box in the trunk. These items are good to have if you have a tire blowout, especially during the winter season, you can stay warm while help is on the way. Also, keep a flashlight with fresh batteries handy for emergencies. HEALTHY RIDE: Performing monthly auto maintenance on your vehicle is a must, and you will pat yourself on the back in the long run. And the long run is right! Your vehicle’s engine will last longer and perform better and achieve a better fuel economy. So make sure your vehicle’s engine is properly lubricated and all fluid levels are at operating levels. Get routine oil changes and check oil levels frequently. Checking the oil every other time you get gas is a good rule to go by, or you can schedule a monthly reminder on your mobile device. TIRED TIRES: Don’t have tired tires and risk a blow-out on the road. It’s always good to have a tire gauge tucked away in the glove box of your vehicle. The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) is usually between 30 to 35 for most tires. Check your owner's manual for how much you should air up your tires. Also, check the tread depth of each tire. You can purchase a tread depth indicator at your local tire or auto store, or there's always the old penny trick. Using a U.S. penny with Lincoln's profile on it, Insert the top part of Lincoln’s head (head down) into one of the tire treads. If you can see Abe's entire head, it’s time to replace that tire. If only a small part of his head is cut off, consider a replacement soon. If his entire forehead to his eyebrows is covered, you’re good to go. These are just a few suggestions for New Year’s Resolutions for your vehicle that will help you have a safer, happier motoring experience in 2021. If your vehicle needs service and maintenance, or if you’re ready to trade in for a new Buick or GMC vehicle, come see your friends at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville. Let us put your mind at ease and assist you with your automotive needs. See you soon! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

With the holidays just around the corner, Autumn is always the best time to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming cold and wintry months. McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville has one of the most qualified service departments in Northwest Arkansas, staffed with factory-certified technicians, and offers GM factory-backed services and products that will help keep your vehicle running smoothly and looking great. We would like to share some reminders about getting your vehicle ready for winter. THE LIFE OF YOUR ENGINE: By changing your engine’s oil routinely, you will definitely extend the life of your vehicle’s engine. It also helps prevent major repairs during any season. At McLarty Daniel Buick GMC, we offer quick oil changes performed by our certified technicians. Each oil change... includes a complimentary inspection of critical components, including the battery, fluids, filters, brakes, belts, hoses, headlamps, and taillamps. HAVE TIRED TIRES? Your vehicle’s tires are one of the most important factors in getting to where you are going safely. One key to extending the life of your tires is maintaining the proper inflation. Consistent tire pressure checks are highly recommended if you want to get the most out of your vehicle’s tires. To make it easy for our customers to shop for tires, you can search for the tires you need on our website’s Tire Finder. You can search by vehicle, tire size, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This feature includes all makes and models, and it’s a great comparison tool to view tire offerings, details, and pricing. GOT TO BAT FOR YOUR BATTERY: The grueling summer months when temperatures soar are an assault on your vehicle’s battery, Don’t end up stranded with a dead battery! The best time to check a battery and replace it if necessary is sometime in the fall, like November. If you do need a new battery, any time of the year, you can always stop by McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville to have your vehicle’s battery tested or replaced, along with a thorough inspection of the voltage regulator that modulates the charging voltage the alternator produces. McLarty Daniel Buick GMC of Bentonville is proud to assist our customers by providing quality service. Our Service Department is staffed by expert technicians who are happy to provide quick, quality maintenance to your vehicle. Now is the time to winterize your vehicle and extend the life of your engine, and there is no better place to have your vehicle serviced than here at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC. We hope to hear from you soon! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Between the bugs, pollen, sap, oak-tree danglies, dive-bombing birds and everything else that the season brings about, springtime can be murder on your car, not only making it look bad but also potentially damaging your paint, chrome and more in the process. McLarty Daniel Buick GMC of Bentonville is here for you, though, with our tips on how to keep your car looking great no matter what Mother Nature throws your way this spring. Seen below, check out McLarty Daniel Buick GMC's tips on how to remove the various "Springtime Stuff" that might end up on your car. And if you car is looking a little tired, check out our huge inventory of beautiful new Buicks and GMC vehicles, and our great inventory of quality, low mileage huge cars. At McLarty Daniel Buick GMC of Bentonville, we're second... to none, and we're eager to prove that to every customer. Stop in today or shop us online right now. BUGS: Bugs can be a real pest in the springtime if you're determined to keep your car looking its best, with some insects making quite a splat on the grille, windshield or paint of your ride. To make matters worse, some insects can be rather acidic when they go splat, potentially leading to discolorations or even faded spots in your paint if you leave them there too long, especially when coupled with rising temperatures. The best way to fight bug damage is proactively, buy washing your car every two weeks and being sure to spring for the wax. The wax creates a barrier between the world an your car's paint, allowing bugs to be wiped off easily. For those stubborn, stuck-on critters, use a microfiber cloth, a little mild dish soap, and some elbow grease. SAP: Trees are some of the biggest fireworks shows of spring, helping bring us the shade that can keep us cool come August. But trees are also a pain if you own a car. Depending on the species, trees that overhang your driveway or parking spot can begin to shed excess sap, and that sticky stuff can be a real pain to remove from your paint, and can even etch your car's clear coat if left on too long. As with our tip about bugs above, the best defense against sap is a good offense, keeping your car clean and waxed with a regular trip to the car wash. With a good coat of wax, sap will often wipe right off. For those more stubborn wax issues, you may have to bring in the big guns: Dampen the corner of a microfiber cloth with some rubbing alcohol, then carefully work at the sap drip until it dissolves. This may take two or three applications, but alcohol will usually lift most saps. Wash the spot afterwards with soap and water to remove any remaining residue. BIRD POOP: Birds are another welcome harbinger of springtime, with everything from robins to hawks to small, migratory songbirds adding their voices and colors to the riot of spring. While those birds give you an automotive assist by gobbling up a lot of bugs that might wind up on our grille or windshield with a splat, the unavoidable result is that when the birds gotta go, they gotta go, often right on your windshield or paint. Depending on how big the bird is and how long it may have roosted over your parking spot, the result can be an unsightly, smelly mess. While some ignore the bird poop speckles, that's not wise, as bird poop can be a nightmare for paint, especially darker paints, even causing the clearcoat layer to lift if left on so long. There's plenty of ways to remove those Avian Number Twos, but our favorite is available at any corner store: a sugar free Sprite or other no-calorie lemon-lime soda. The mild acid from the citrus in the soda cuts bird poop like magic, and the carbonation lifts it away. Just make sure it's sugar free! For best results, dampen a paper town with the soda and place it over the spot to soften it. Leave it five minutes, and the bird poo should be a thing of the past in no time. These three methods are proven to keep your beautiful springtime into becoming a drag. Give them a try and let us know what you think. And if your car, truck, van or SUV is looking less than springtime fresh, trade up! Come see us at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC of Bentonville for the best selection in our area of new Buick and GMC vehicles, plus our outstanding used car selection. We look forward to seeing you, at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC!

While Buick and GMC have been at the forefront of making vehicles safer for decades, we can all do better when it comes to vehicle safety, and nowhere is that goal more important than when it comes to our kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the leading preventable cause of death for children between the ages of 1-13. While child safety seat technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past 20 years, even the best car seat won't work as designed if it isn't installed and fitted properly to your child. Even for seasoned parents, properly installing and fitting a car seat can be something of a mystery. With that in mind, read on for McLarty Daniel Buick GMC's five car seat tips to help keep your littlest passengers safe. Together, we... can do more to keep everyone safer on the highway. 1) KEEP CHILDREN REAR-FACING AS LONG AS YOU CAN: When you're on a trip, everybody likes to see where you're going. But when it comes to children and car seats, a rear-facing position is the safest and best is bad turns to worse. With that in mind, your child should stay rear facing until they are at least two years old and longer if their height will permit it. 2) WHEN THEY DO FACE FORWARD, USE A TETHER STRAP AND ANCHOR POINT: Like all vehicles sold in the U.S. since 2000, all four-door 2020 Buick and GMC vehicles feature heavily-anchored tether points in at least three positions in the rear seat that can be used to attach a child safety seat when it faces forward. In the event of a collision, using a tether and anchor point can decrease the amount your child's head can move, preventing brain injuries. 3) USE THE RIGHT HARNESS STRAP SLOTS: In the back of the car seat, there are usually six slots that allow the chest harness to be moved up and adjusted as your child grows. Using the right slot is crucial to your child's safety. In rear-facing seats, use the slots located at or just under the height of the child's shoulders. In a forward-facing seat, use the slot located at or above the child's shoulders. 4) MAKE SURE THE HARNESS STRAPS ARE SNUG: Kids may not like having their car seat straps snugged up, but it is crucial to their safety. With the child buckled in place, pinch the straps on each side at the child's shoulders. If there's any slack, the straps are too loose and should be adjusted. 5) MAKE SURE THE STRAP RETAINER CLIP IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE: While that rectangular plastic clip that holds the chest straps in place doesn't look like much, it's a lot more than decorative and important to safety in a crash. The clip should never be placed over the child's stomach or up near his or her throat. Instead, always place it at armpit level, with each strap flat and untwisted in the clip. Car seats are always a pain in the keister for everybody involved, but they save lives. By following these simple tips, you can make sure your child's car seat functions as it was engineered in a collision, turning what could have been a tragedy into a near miss. Worried your vehicle might not be safe enough for your most precious cargo? Stop in today at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC to check out our selection of beautiful, safety-rated vehicles today, or shop us online right now.

As anybody who has been driving awhile can tell you, the only thing about driving that's predictable is that it's going to be unpredictable. From flats to accidents, roadside emergencies to breakdowns on dark and lonely highways, no matter what you drive, you're eventually going to run into an issue. Being prepared for the inevitable breakdown, accident or emergency is always a good idea, and McLarty Daniel Buick GMC is here to help with our list of essentials for your roadside emergency kit as we head into the winter months, when the nights are cold and dark. Read on for our suggestions for the must-haves any time you head out on the road. A STURDY, ZIPPERED TOTE BAG: You can put together all the emergency kits you want, but if your emergency supplies are scattered around your trunk or... rolling around in the back seat floorboard when you need them, it's going to make a bad situation worse. As such, find yourself a sturdy, zippered tote bag, gym bag or duffel bag in which to store your emergency kit. A FLASHLIGHT: This one can't be overstated. As you may have heard, it gets dark at night, and if you're broke down on the road, you're going to need light. Yes, your smartphone probably has a flashlight on it. But what if you need light while simultaneously needing to use your phone to call for help or look up information? What if every bit of cell phone battery power is the difference between safety and tragedy, and you can't afford to run a cell phone flashlight for hours? Yeah, now you see the issue. So get yourself a small LED flashlight. Bonus points for one with quick-change red filter and/or a flashing function that can be used to signal to other drivers on the highway. JUMPER CABLES: Is there anything more gut-wrenching than coming out to realize you left your headlights on and your battery is dead, especially when it's dark out? We've all been there, which is why a lot of drivers are willing to give you a jump. To do so, however, you need a set of jumper cables to connect your vehicle's battery to that of your Good Samaritan's battery, and you need to know how to use them. So buy a set of jumper cables for your emergency kit and read the instruction manual and your vehicle owner's manual to learn how they work BEFORE you need them. A SMALL COMPRESSOR: Other than the dead battery seen before, the second-most sickening feeling is coming out and finding a flat tire. While you should familiarize yourself with how to safely change a flat, sometimes you may be in a situation where you can't change a flat in a given location or don't want to -- a busy roadside or parking lot, for instance, or a location that may be less than safe. With that in mind, think about investing in a small, battery powered air compressor with a hose and chuck that can air up vehicle tires. These are compact, can be purchased fairly cheaply at any auto-parts store, and plug into the standard 12-volt outlet in your car. While it's not a long-term solution to a flat tire, a lot of times it can get you aired up and back on the road for long enough to get to a repair shop. A TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE: Where the rubber meets the road, few parts of your vehicle are more responsible for your safety on the highway than your tires. Keeping safe means keeping your tires in tip-top shape, including their air pressure. As such, buy yourself a cheap tire pressure gauge, familiarize yourself with your car's recommended tire pressure, and check them often. They're very affordable, and come in either old-school analogue or easy-read digital versions. A BLANKET: Whether you're spending a few cold hours waiting on a tow truck or using it to help comfort someone who has suffered an accident on a February night, a clean, dry, warm blanket can be a literal lifesaver in a roadside emergency. Find a smaller fleece throw, pack it in a large freezer bag and stick it in your emergency kit. A BACK-UP PHONE CHARGER OR CHARGED BATTERY PACK: Most of us are attached to our phones these days, and really don't realize how much we depend on them until that battery level drops to zero. Out on the highway, a fully-charged cell phone can be the difference between life and tragedy. Make sure you're prepared for anything by packing a back-up phone charger in your emergency kit, or -- even better -- a fully-charged back-up phone battery. These can be had relatively inexpensively and are a lifeline if your phone is nearly dead in an emergency. There's all kinds of other things you can drop in your roadside emergency kit, including things like bottled water, first aid supplies, snacks and reflectors or flares. These seven items, however, should probably be seen as the true essentials that your kit can be built around. Worried your old vehicle is going to leave you stranded some cold, dark night? Then stop worrying and stop in at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC to check out our full selection of reliable, dependable new and used vehicles! Or you can check out our full lineup online right now.

Summer is drawing to a close and we'll soon be heading into the chilly nights and cool days of fall. In addition to all the great stuff fall brings -- changing colors, cooler temperatures, and nights around the fire -- autumn means hunting season for hundreds of thousands of Arkansans who play to get out there in pursuit of rabbits, squirrel, ducks, deer and other game animals. Though you might think that a well-prepared gun or bow is all you need for hunting, one of thing not to overlook before you head out is your truck. Hunting often means venturing into the backwoods in search of prime locations, and that can mean you're miles from the nearest tow truck. With that in mind, McLarty Daniel Buick GMC has some tips to help you get your rig ready for hunting season. And if in doubt, stop in today and check out our full selection of 2019 GMC Sierra and 2019 GMC Canyon 4x4 models, including the beautiful Sierra 1500 Denali All-Terrain. 1) TIRES: Where the rubber meets the road, your truck's grip on terra firma comes down to four little contact patches that actually connect the ground. When you're heading off road, having the right tires for the job becomes even more important, especially if there's a potential to be dealing with mud, sand, rocks or ruts. Do yourself a favor and save yourself some shoveling: check your tires, and upgrade to some mud-ready meats if they're looking a little worn. Stop in... at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC for some replacements. Our service center does it all. 2) STORAGE: We don't know about you, but every time we head out hunting for a few days, we end up bringing along so much stuff that it looks like we're moving. With that in mind, be sure your truck's storage capabilities are up to snuff. Do you have dry, locking storage for your firearms and ammo? How about plenty of room for hauling the food, drink and other necessities? Consider buying a bed topper if you're really planning on bringing a lot with you to the woods. 3) BATTERY: Nothing is worse than climbing behind the wheel and hitting the key, only to hear that dull click that means a dead battery. When you're miles from home and the nearest auto parts store out at deer camp, what might be a minor hassle in town becomes a major ordeal. Prior to striking out, make sure you check your battery function. If your truck's battery is more than a few years old, bring your vehicle to McLarty Daniel Buick GMC for a replacement. Yeah, we do that too! 4) TOWING: Getting to your preferred deer stand or duck blind may involve doing some towing, whether that's an RV, a duck hunting boat, or a camper to help pass the nights in a little more comfort. Make sure your towing capacity is right for the load, and that your electrical system is up to snuff. Or you can make it easy on yourself with a new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, which features a ton of tow-friendly features, including automatic trailer sway control, a trailering app, the ability to keep an eye on your load with up to 15 different camera views and the alerts that let you know the moment a trailer's light system fails. Doing some hunting ought to be all about getting into nature and thoroughly enjoying yourself, not worrying whether your truck is going to be able to get you there and back. For a hunting rig that just won't quit -- and which will be the envy at any camp -- stop in today at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC, or check out our full selection of hardworking GMC trucks online right now.

Responsible vehicle owners know that the best way to make sure your car, truck, van or SUV is around to provide years of trouble-free service is to keep up with regular maintenance, with most must-do lists including changing the oil, engine air filter, transmission fluid and more. That said, there are those maintenance chores that don't immediately jump to mind, but which can be just as crucial to keeping your vehicle performing like new. Luckily, McLarty Daniel Buick GMC of Bentonville is here to help, with our list of four frequently overlooked car maintenance items. Not into do-it-yourself car repair and upkeep? No worries!... Just stop in at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC and let our service center do the rest. Our factory-certified mechanics will give your vehicle the once-over and the twice-over to make sure everything is within spec. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment, or check our the service tab at the top of our homepage. CABIN AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT: Most drivers know that you need to regularly change the engine air filter to help keep your engine breathing free, but what about the air you and your family are breathing on the road? Most cars today include a cabin air filter to reduce the amount of dust, mold, bugs and debris that can make its way into the vehicle while the AC or heat is on, and if you don't keep it changed, it can really cut down on how well your ventilation system works to keep you comfortable. If you want to change it yourself, Air Cabin Filters can be purchased fairly cheap at any auto parts store, and videos on how to remove and replace these filters -- which are often hidden in the ductwork behind the glove compartment -- are available for most models on Youtube. SUV REAR WIPER BLADE REPLACEMENT: Seeing where you're going through the front windshield is important enough that most drivers keep their windshield wiper blades replaced and up to snuff, but if you drive an SUV, there's another wiper blade that often gets short-shrift when it is time for replacement: the blade that keeps the rear window clear. While not as crucial to safety as keeping the windshield wipers in good shape, the rear window wiper is there for a reason, clearing the glass of rain, mud and dust that can obscure your vision while you're backing up. The rear wipers take a real beating due to grit deposited on the rear glass, so be sure to check the function of yours at least as regularly as you attend to the front wipers. TAILLIGHT FUNCTION CHECK: Be honest: do you know, for a fact, that the brake lights, signal lights and hazard flashers on your car are working right now? Probably not. The reason this is true is simple: most of us never have the opportunity to follow our own vehicle in traffic. Not only can a non-working taillight make your car unsafe on the road, with many states -- including Arkansas -- no longer requiring annual safety inspections, a burned out brake light can go unnoticed for weeks or months, potentially leading to a stop by the police and a costly ticket. While doing routine vehicle maintenance, get a friend to sit in the driver's seat and operate all the signals, flashers and running lights while you're standing behind and in front of the vehicle. If anything isn't working properly, the fix is usually fairly easy -- and much cheaper than a ticket. SPARE TIRE PRESSURE: If you've been driving awhile, you've probably been there: you come out to find your vehicle sitting on a flat. Whether you want to change it for yourself or wait for roadside assistance (or a helpful friend), there's a few things that are absolutely crucial to getting you back on the road again, and one of them is a fully inflated spare tire. The issue is that a spare tire tends to be one of those "out-of-sight-out-of-mind" items that doesn't draw much attention or inspection until you need it, and if it has been sitting awhile in its holder under the car, it could have been damaged or otherwise lost pressure, making the spare useless when you need it most. When you're doing basic maintenance, do yourself a favor and check the pressure in your spare. Chances are it will be fine. But if it isn't, you've just saved yourself the hassle of piling one headache on top of another. Hopefully, these four items will be the reminder you need to get after those overlooked car maintenance chores. In need of a great new or used vehicle to maintain? Then stop in today at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC of Bentonville and check out our full lineup of great vehicles, or shop us online.