Blog / Service

Blog

All Service New Inventory News Pre-Owned Inventory Parts Technology Safety 2021 Buick Envision for sale Body Shop Electric Vehicles Finance GMC Hummer EV interior GMC Hummer EV news GMC Hummer EV range GMC Hummer EV SUV GMC Sierra 1500 Lima, OH new GMC Hummer EV ohio snow driving People safe snow driving advice Ohio Social Tom Ahl Buick GMC Trucks
Clean white cabin air filter resting on a black vehicle seat, with part of the center console visible in the background

Buick GMC Air Filter Replacement in Lima

Schedule Air Filter Replacement Service in Lima When it comes to maintaining a clean atmosphere in your vehicle, air filters are vital. If you've been endlessly searching for "GMC air filter replacement near me", or anything similar, Our Buick and GMC service center in Lima has exactly what you're looking for - visit us to learn more about why air filter replacement is so important and receive high-quality service. Buick Air Filter Replacement in Lima, OH Why Do I Need Air Filters? Air filters deliver fresh, outside air to the interior of your vehicle and through your HVAC system. Without an effective filter, the air quality of the interior decays, leaving everyone inside susceptible to harmful particles. Not only do air filters improve comfort, but they protect the engine too. Good air filters provide consistent, clean air to the engine's combustion chamber, which is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Dirty air filters force the engine to work harder and can decrease your vehicle's lifespan. When Should I Replace My Air Filters? How often you replace your air filters varies depending on the make and model of your car. Buick vehicles should get new air filters every 30,000 to 45,000 miles driven, while GMC vehicles should have them replaced about every 12,000 miles. Regardless of the brand, you should get new filters once a year, no matter the mileage. Of course, driving conditions can also influence these numbers, so check your owner's manual for more specific recommendations, and don't forget to look for signs of your air filters deteriorating: Persistent unusual, foul, stuffy, or chemical odors inside your vehicle Reduced power and efficiency when using AC Heating up your vehicle takes longer than usual, or heating system isn't functioning well Strange noises that accompany climate control use Where To Change My Vehicle's Air Filter in Lima, OH If your Buick or GMC is in need of air filter replacement service, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with our service center in Lima, OH. If you have any questions about air filters or our other services, contact us online at Tom Ahl Buick GMC. Schedule Air Filter Replacement Service in Lima

Exterior view of Tom Ahl Buick GMC dealership building with a blue SUV parked in front under a partly cloudy sky.

Buick GMC Tire Rotation Service in Lima

Schedule Service Our Buick GMC service center in Lima is here to help you keep up with vital maintenance your vehicle needs and perform any other tasks necessary to keep your vehicle on the road. If you still can’t find a trustworthy service center after constantly searching “where to get a tire rotation in Lima”, our engineers are more than up for the task. Tire rotations are an especially important part of routine maintenance – learn more about why and when your vehicle may need one and come to our service center for high-quality service and repair. Buick GMC Tire Rotation Near Me Why Do I Need a Tire Rotation? Tire rotations are essential for the safe operation of any vehicle, especially for a Buick or GMC. Your front and rear tires operate at different loads and perform different steering or braking functions. If left unchecked, this can result in uneven wear patterns and overall increased degradation of your tires. Having even tread wear on your vehicle’s tires promotes longevity and sustained performance for your Buick or GMC, helping you keep peace of mind as you travel. When Do I Need a Tire Rotation? The frequency in which you should get your tires rotated differs based on varying factors: distance, weather conditions, etc. Typically, the recommended service intervals for a Buick would be between 5,000 and 8,000 miles and for a GMC would be between 3,000 to 5,000 miles. The timeframe can vary greatly depending on the model of your vehicle, so it’s always best to refer to your owner’s manual to see the recommended mileage of your car. Schedule Buick GMC Tire Rotation Service in Lima, OH If your Buick or GMC needs a tire rotation, don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment with our service center in Lima, OH. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s tires, tire rotation, or any other service-related tasks, feel free to contact us online at Tom Ahl Buick GMC. Schedule Service

Mechanic's gloved hands working on a brake pad next to a brake rotor during a vehicle brake service

Buick GMC Brake Repair Service in Lima

Schedule Service We make it our goal for our community’s Buick and GMC drivers to continuously rely upon our Lima service center. When it comes to ensuring your vehicle runs as smoothly as possible, there is no problem too big or too small for us to address. With that being said, brakes undoubtedly fall within the former category, as they’re integral to the overall safe operation of your vehicle. Whether you need new brake pads or need your brake fluid checked, you can count on Tom Ahl Buick GMC. When Do I Need a Brake Inspection or Repairs? As mentioned, your brakes are integral every time you get behind the wheel, so it’s very likely that your vehicle will exhibit some clear signs if something is wrong. Stay on the lookout for the following and see our certified technicians as soon as possible if you encounter: Strange noises when you press the brakes Your Buick or GMC rolls to a stop when your press the brakes The brake pedal feels soft or spongy when pressed The steering wheel vibrates or shakes when brakes are applied Buick or GMC wobbles when the brakes are initiated Your Buick or GMC pulls to one side when you hit the brakes The brake light or ABS light stays lit on your dashboard Even if it’s been smooth sailing up to this point, we still recommend checking your owner’s manual to see when your specific Buick or GMC is due for an inspection. Schedule Service at Our GMC Service Center in Lima If your Buick or GMC is in need of a brake inspection or full-on repairs, don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment with our Lima service center as soon as you can. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s brakes or routine maintenance, contact us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC. Schedule Service

Technician replacing an engine oil filter during vehicle maintenance under an open hood

What Do My GMC's Dash Symbols Mean?

Schedule Service GMC Dashboard Symbols Explained Maintenance Required Warning Light This reminds you that it’s time to bring your vehicle for maintenance at your local GMC dealership, like our Lima service center. Check Engine Warning Light Your GMC may lack power or stutter as you press the accelerator and your engine should be inspected. Electric Power Steering Warning Light If you see this light, try turning the car off and back on again after 30 seconds. Oil Pressure Warning Light Oil temperature may be too high or the oil level/pressure is too low. You may need an oil change to address the light. Exhaust Fluid Warning Light The diesel exhaust fluid level is low, which means your engine may not be able to start. Parking Brake and Brake Fluid Warning Light If this stays on even after you release the parking brake, or lights up while you’re driving, your brake fluid level may be low. Coolant Temperature Warning Light The engine could be overheating due to low coolant levels or a more severe issue like a head gasket failure. Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Your tire pressure monitoring system is indicating pressure is too low – schedule a tire rotation or balancing service if you notice uneven tread wear, as well. Exhaust Particulate Filter Warning Light The filter in exhaust may be blocked with debris. Charging System Warning Light If this light comes on while you’re driving, the alternator may not be producing electricity and the car is running off battery power. Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light This light relates to making an abrupt stop or if you’re in inclement weather conditions like slippery or icy roads. Electronic Stability Control Warning Light There may be an issue with your traction control. Glow Plug Warning Light When your diesel engine is warming up, wait until the light goes off before driving your car. Airbag/Supplemental Restraint System Light When this lights up, at least one component of the airbag safety system is not working correctly. Fuel Cap Warning Light If the gas cap is not properly closed, this light will turn on. Headlight/Tail Light Out Warning Light This warns you that one (or more) of your headlights or tail lights is not working. Adaptive Front Lighting System Light There may be a malfunction in your adaptive front lighting system, which helps improve visibility and response time by turning the headlights as you turn the wheel. Automatic Emergency Braking Light The automatic emergency braking system is unavailable, possibly caused by the sensor being too hot, too cold or blocked. Immobilizer Indicator Warning Light An immobilizer is an electronic security device that prevents the car from running unless the right key is used. This light turns on when your key is recognized. Lane Keeping Assist System Light Lane Keep Assist System detects if you’re straying from your lane and its warning light turns on when there’s a fault in the system. Schedule Service at Our GMC Service Center in Lima If your vehicle’s dashboard has some lights that require attention, schedule a service appointment at our Lima service center. If you have any questions about GMC warning lights or routine maintenance, contact us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC. Schedule Service

Technician using a pneumatic impact wrench to install or service a vehicle wheel in an automotive repair shop

What Do My Buick's Dash Symbols Mean?

Schedule Service Buick Dashboard Symbols Explained Parking Brake and Brake Fluid Warning Light If this stays on after you release the parking brake or comes on while you’re driving, your brake fluid level may be low. Check Engine Warning Light Your Buick engine is not functioning properly, which could be associated with a lack of power or stuttering as you press the accelerator. Electric Power Steering Warning Light This may be fixed by turning the car off and back on again after 30 seconds. Exhaust Particulate Filter Warning Light This may mean the filter in exhaust is blocked with debris. Exhaust Fluid Warning Light The diesel exhaust fluid level is low, which could lead to the engine not being able to start. Coolant Temperature Warning Light Your engine may be overheating due to low coolant levels or a more severe issue like a head gasket failure. Oil Pressure Warning Light Oil temperature may be too high or the oil level/pressure is too low, which could indicate oil change service is needed. Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Many vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems that let you know when pressure is too low. Be sure to schedule a tire rotation or balancing service if you notice uneven tread wear. Charging System Warning Light If this light comes on while you’re driving, the alternator may not be producing electricity and the car is running off battery power. Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light This light relates to making an abrupt stop or if you’re in inclement weather conditions like slippery or icy roads. Electronic Stability Control Warning Light There may be a problem with your Buick’s traction control. Glow Plug Warning Light When your diesel engine is warming up, you should wait until the light goes off before driving your car. Airbag/Supplemental Restraint System Light When this illuminates, at least one component of the airbag safety system is not working correctly. Automatic Emergency Braking Light Your automatic emergency braking system is not available because the sensor is too hot, too cold or blocked. Immobilizer Indicator Warning Light An immobilizer is an electronic security device that prevents the car from running unless the right key is used. This light turns on when your Buick recognizes your key. Fuel Cap Warning Light If the gas cap is not properly closed, this light will turn on. Headlight/Tail Light Out Warning Light This warns you that one of your headlights or tail lights is not working. Adaptive Front Lighting System Light This light points to a malfunction in your adaptive front lighting system, which helps improve visibility and response time by turning the headlights as you turn the wheel. Lane Keeping Assist System Light Lane Keep Assist System detects if you’re straying from your lane and its warning light turns on when there’s a fault in the system. Maintenance Required Warning Light This reminds you that it’s time to bring your car for routine maintenance at your local Buick dealership, like our Lima service center. Schedule Service at Our Buick Service Center in Lima If your vehicle’s dashboard has some lights that require attention, schedule a service appointment at our Lima service center. If you have any questions about Buick warning lights or routine maintenance, contact us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC. Schedule Service

Red GMC Terrain SUV parked on a snow-covered road in a winter forest setting

How to Prepare Your Buick or GMC for Winter

Express Service A drastic change in temperature can be incredibly stressful on your vehicle if it isn’t properly prepared. Make sure your Buick or GMC is ready to go for winter with our Lima service center, where we can perform any necessary services or repairs. With Tom Ahl Express Service, you don’t even need to schedule a service appointment – our certified technicians are equipped to get the job done in a timely manner, and service all makes and models, as well. Car Tips for Winter Weather Get a Tune Up A tune up serves as a comprehensive check to ensure your vehicle is ready for the winter. During this service, our service team can fill up your windshield wiper fluid, change your oil and double check your battery to confirm that it’s ready for the harsh, cold weather. Inspect Your Tires When the colder weather starts to stick around for the season, you may notice the tire pressure icon on your dashboard lights up – that’s because tires can lose pressure at a rate of about one pound per 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature. If low tire pressure is left unchecked, this can be incredibly dangerous and compromise proper handling behind the wheel. Check the Exterior Windshield wipers, headlights and tail lights are incredibly important when driving through snowy or slushy conditions. If your lights are starting to dim or your wipers are worn down, now would be a good time to replace them. Emergency Kit You should always have an emergency road kit, but a winterized one could be incredibly helpful when required. Your Buick or GMC should have essential tools during the winter months, such as a shovel, gloves, boots and ice scraper. You can even have sand or cat litter to help with traction on slick roads. Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter at Our Lima Service Center If your vehicle is in need of service ahead of the winter months, we invite you to visit our Lima service center! If you have any questions about routine maintenance or services for the winter, be sure to contact us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC, serving the Lima, Ottawa and Delphos area. Express Service

Technician inspecting and servicing a vehicle engine compartment with diagnostic equipment during routine maintenance

How to Maintain Your GMC

Express Service Our Lima service center is dedicated to helping drivers make the most out of their vehicles. If you’re looking for a reliable service team to help you take care of your GMC, look no further than our team at Tom Ahl Buick GMC! We invite you to take advantage of Tom Ahl Express Service, which doesn’t require a service appointment, and is performed by our certified technicians who service all makes and models. On-Time Oil Changes Scheduling oil changes regularly is an important aspect of maintaining your vehicle and engine. Your user’s manual should give you the exact timetable for when you should change your oil, though your vehicle should undergo the service every six months or every 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. Tire Rotations Rotating your tires helps preserve longevity, and allows each one to wear evenly. Even tire tread provides a smoother ride and can even maintain gas efficiency. The timetable for a tire rotation may vary depending on how well-inflated your tires are and the driving conditions you encounter each day. Replace Your Filters Filters are incredibly important, as they catch any debris or foreign objects nearing your air filter or engine. Swapping these filters out allows you to keep your GMC engine clean and your cabin flowing with cool, clean air. Also similar to an oil change, replacing your engine filter helps promote efficiency and optimizes performance. Check on Your Battery Our certified technicians can perform tests to ensure your GMC battery can hold a charge. Batteries tend to last between three to five years, though various factors such as extreme weather and overall wear and tear can cause the timeframe to fluctuate. If your current battery is nearing the end of its run, our service team can help install a new one! Visit Us at Our Lima Service Center for Routine Maintenance If your vehicle is in need of routine maintenance, be sure to visit our Lima service center! If you have any questions about routine maintenance or the general services, you can always contact us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC, serving the Lima, Ottawa and Delphos area. Express Service

Technician using a socket wrench to perform maintenance on a vehicle engine under an open hood

Automotive Service Technicians in Lima

Schedule Service If you are looking for automotive service technicians in Lima, Tom Ahl Buick GMC has your back. Whether you drive a Buick, GMC or completely different model, our excellent service team delivers high-quality maintenance, repairs and other services in order to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Routine maintenance is an essential part of high-quality car care, and with so many performance-driven models across the Buick and GMC lineups, it is essential that you get your car checked regularly. Visit Our Service Center in Lima Our certified service technicians provide a wide range of automotive services to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Whether you’re looking for an oil change, tire rotation, brake service, wheel alignment or battery replacement, our service specialists have you covered. Every service team member stays up to date with the latest automotive training and equipment to make sure every appointment is efficient and effective. Rest assured, we only use genuine OEM parts to make sure your model continues to operate at its peak level of performance. Our team relentlessly works to get your vehicle back on the road, and our service center provides a comfortable space for you to wait. If you’re anticipating a longer period of waiting time, our customer lounge is the perfect place to take it easy. If you’re on the go, you can also take advantage of Tom Ahl Express Service, which does not require an appointment and is performed by our certified technicians who service all makes and models. Schedule a Service Appointment at Our Lima Service Center If your vehicle is in need of service, we highly suggest you schedule a service appointment and see the certified technicians at our Lima service center. If you have any questions about routine maintenance or the automotive services we offer, you can always contact us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC, serving the Lima, Ottawa and Delphos area. Schedule Service

Motor oil being poured from a bottle during a vehicle oil change service

How Often do I Need to Change My Oil?

Schedule Service Having your oil changed is important for the health of your vehicle. A few factors play into how often you need your oil changed such as how old your vehicle is and what your driving conditions are like. Learn more about when you should have your oil changed, right here at Tom Ahl Buick GMC. Oil Change Intervals The normal interval for changing your oil used to be every 3,000 miles, but with modern engines and lubricants you can go every 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Older cars typically base oil change intervals off of mileage. However if you are in extremely cold or hot climates the mileage may vary, which is when you should refer to the owner’s manual. Newer cars are usually equipped with oil-life monitoring systems which notify you when an oil change is needed with an alert through the instrument panel. If you don’t put a lot of miles on your car it is recommended that you have an oil change every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder has not come on. Buick and GMC Service Near Ottawa If you are in need of an oil change or any other auto repairs and maintenance, visit us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC located in Lima. You can even schedule a service appointment online right from your home to get started. Our service technicians use only the best parts products for your Buick or GMC vehicle to keep it running at its best. Be sure to ask about our current service and parts specials so you don’t miss out on any great deals during your visit. If you have any questions or would like more information about Buick and GMC oil change services, feel free to contact us online today! Schedule Service

Red GMC Sierra pickup truck parked on a rugged desert landscape with mountains in the background

Spring Cleaning Your Buick or GMC

Schedule Service Our Lima service center is dedicated to maintaining your Buick or GMC, and ensuring you get the most out of your vehicle. A big part of vehicle maintenance that often gets overlooked is cleaning, and not just for aesthetic purposes. In order to make sure your Buick or GMC is ready to go for the spring season, be sure to pay attention to a few things: Clean Your Buick or GMC Thoroughly The aftermath of a snowy winter makes spring cleaning for your car especially important. Be sure to deep clean your floor mats and the rest of your Buick or GMC interior to do away with the snow and salt that may have accumulated throughout the winter. Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades Are your windshield wiper blades ready to take on the spring showers? If your wiper blades have withstood a long winter, it may be time to replace them altogether. Schedule windshield wiper blade service with our Lima service center to prepare for warmer weather and rainfall. Schedule Tire Inspection Service From snow-ridden roads to potholes galore, your tires may need a closer look following the winter. If you installed winter tires on your Buick or GMC, you’ll need to replace them to be prepared for the appropriate weather. Schedule tire service with us at our Lima service center if need be. Replace Buick or GMC Fluids A season change is a great time to inspect your car’s fluids to see if you need an oil change or other fluid replacement service. Make sure your oil isn’t cloudy or an odd color, which are telltale signs that your Buick or GMC needs an oil change. Schedule a Service Appointment at Our Lima Service Center If your Buick or GMC is in need of service to complete spring cleaning, be sure to schedule a service appointment with us at our Lima service center. If you have any questions about cleaning your vehicle or the automotive services we offer, you can always contact us at Tom Ahl Buick GMC serving the Lima, Ottawa and Delphos area. Schedule Service

Red GMC Terrain SUV driving on a snow-covered road through a winter forest landscape

Safety Tips For Driving In The Snow

What Are Safety Tips For Driving In The Snow? Winter brings many weather challenges, and at the top of the list are potent snowstorms. These weather systems can make roads difficult to travel upon during the event and cause surfaces to become icy and slushy as they are being cleared. Our service advisors compiled this list of Ohio safe snow driving advice to prepare you for the next big snow. Read this helpful Tom Ahl Buick GMC list below, and bundle up for the next cold blast. Winterize Your Vehicle Have our factory-certified technicians prepare your vehicle with a winter checkup that includes a thorough inspection, a refill of motor oil, and vital fluids. This will have your vehicle equipped to handle the cold and the snow when it hits the region. Get Snow Tires This safe snow driving advice in Ohio will enhance traction on slippery surfaces and extend the tread life of your all-season tires that can be optimized for your summer driving season. Our service team will find the compatible tire set for your vehicle. Stock Supplies Snow shovels, ice scrapers, jumper cables, and more are essential winter items to store in your vehicle. They can help you dig out of fresh snow or jump your car if the bitter cold zaps your battery. It also is good to keep warm clothes, a cell phone charger, and even bring food with you on trips in case you need to stop if a storm is too persistent. Use Patience Our Ohio safe snow driving advice includes slowing down and not rushing. This means several things, from not going as fast to waiting until a storm passes. Drive a safe distance from the other cars, and tap your brake when you need to stop on slick surfaces, remembering that it will take longer to stop. Stay focused, and remain steady. Schedule Winter Service Today Use this safe snow driving advice in Ohio to stay out of danger. You can prepare for the brutal elements by planning trips in advance and receiving the high-quality winter service checkup at Tom Ahl Buick GMC. Make your appointment today! Schedule Service

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields