Rivard Buick GMC Archives - Rivard Buick GMC Blog

How to Protect Your Vehicle from the Florida Sun

Summer is quickly approaching and temperatures are rising. While you’re protecting yourself by lathering on the sunscreen and donning a wide-brimmed hat, you might also want to consider how to defend your vehicle from the Florida sun. Our team at Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa is here to offer some helpful tips.

Protect your Buick or GMC vehicle’s interior by avoiding direct sunlight. Park in the shade whenever possible. And though it might seem like a hassle, placing a sun visor in the front and rear dash will significantly reduce internal temperatures.

Consistent washes will prevent your car’s exterior paint from cracking and fading. You should also regularly wax your car to help protect it from the sun’s harsh rays. You might even consider investing in paint protection film for optimal exterior armor.

Extreme heat can negatively affect your tires and systems under the hood, too. Check your tire pressure often to help prevent a dangerous blowout on the road.

Our expert service techs are available to inspect any make or model’s belts, hoses, battery, and A/C — systems that can take a beating during the hottest summer days. We’re also available to top off fluid levels such as oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid if needed.

Visit us at Rivard Buick GMC when you’re ready to prep your vehicle for the summer heat.

Do You Need a Truck or SUV?

Here at Rivard Buick GMC, we have a great selection of family-oriented trucks and SUVs to choose from. We’ve outlined some of the key advantages of trucks and SUVs to help you make the right decision for your family in Tampa Bay.

Truck perks

Towing performance is one of the most distinct advantages that trucks have over SUVs. Many trucks come with a towing package to further enhance the vehicle’s pulling strength. So, if your family has a camper, some rec vehicles, or a boat to transport, then go with a truck.

Another benefit is that trucks have a spacious truck bed for transporting any possessions, landscaping equipment, or home improvement materials. Granted, full-size SUVs can have generous interior space for people and things. But a truck is the better choice if your family has sharp, heavy, and/or dirty objects to transport — especially if you prefer to keep the cabin clean and clutter-free for passengers.

SUV perks

SUVs typically have more passenger space than trucks. Smaller SUVs can accommodate up to five people, on par with extended cab truck configurations, while larger SUVs can fit as many as eight passengers. So, if you have a large family to chauffeur around Florida, an SUV makes a better choice.

Maneuverability is another strength that SUVs have over trucks. They tend to have a tighter turning radius than trucks do and a slightly shorter frame, which makes them less stressful to drive in traffic or in cramped parking lot scenarios.

Still not sure whether to go with a truck or SUV? Stop by Rivard Buick GMC to browse our inventory in person. We’ll help you pick the right truck or SUV to fit your family’s budget, lifestyle, and preferences.

Choosing the Right Motor Oil for Your Vehicle

It’s common knowledge that oil changes are an important part of car care. But what type of oil is right for the particular model that you drive? Here are a few pointers for choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle. However, we recommend starting with your vehicle’s owner manual to see which type of oil the automaker recommends for your particular make and model.

Primary oil types for your car

Conventional oil is the most economical choice when the time comes for an oil change. It’s comprised of crude oil that’s been refined during the manufacturing process. Synthetic blend oil is oil that has fewer impurities due to chemical engineering processes. Though once more common for performance vehicles, it’s now a pretty common engine oil that many newer models were designed to use.

Two other options you can go with are synthetic blend and high mileage oil. The former is a combination of conventional and synthetic that’s a cheaper alternative if you don’t need synthetic but want something a step up from conventional oil for your ride. High mileage oil can be pricier than synthetic but can be worth the expense if you want to extend the life of an older vehicle. This oil type has additives that not only boost engine performance but also prevent leaks and restore seals to keep your well-traveled car running smoothly.

Two more tips about oil changes

Oil type isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to oil changes. Check your car’s owner manual to see what viscosity grade the oil you go with should have. And make sure to check the manual for the automaker’s recommended oil change frequency, since some vehicles might need more frequent oil changes than others.

Still not sure which engine oil your car needs? Or simply want to save yourself some time and avoid the mess? Contact Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa Bay, Florida, to schedule your vehicle’s next oil change.

First Look at the 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate

The first-ever 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate epitomizes luxury in a truck that defines power, capability, and function. When equipped with available Super Cruise™ technology, which allows a hands-free driving experience on compatible roads even while trailering, this new variant is in a league of its own.

Notable exterior features

The 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate grabs your attention with an exclusive Vader chrome-clad grille, 22-inch wheels exclusive to the trim, and a front fender with a sketch of Mount Denali. Superior functionality is afforded with the MultiPro tailgate, which offers six settings for easier cargo loading, unloading, and management.

Enviable interior amenities

Full-grain leather appointments on the instrument panel, door panels, console lid, and seating create a luxurious look and feel for the cabin. The standard power sunroof allows you to take in some sunshine and fresh air with a touch of a button while the 16-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats prioritize your comfort. The 15-inch diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display is standard on the Denali Ultimate trim and puts important alerts and vehicle stats directly in your line of sight. You can push play on the high-quality sound with the Bose® Premium series with Center Point surround technology with AudioPilot. The sound system features 12 speakers and a Richbass woofer.

Learn more about the 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate at Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Ways to Save on Car Expenses

Owning a car is expensive, but you can decrease your automotive spending with a few tweaks to how you take care of and drive your vehicle. Here are a few ways you can save on car expenses in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Perform regular maintenance

You want your car to last as long as possible, well past the length of your loan payment. The best way to do that is to refer to your owner’s manual and stick to its recommended maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, maintenance, and tire checks are imperative to the proper functioning and longevity of your vehicle. Make sure you regularly check the inflation of your tires and monitor signs of damage, bulges, disappearing tread, and bulges. When all the components of your car are working as they should, you can evade costly repairs at the service center. Regular maintenance checks, too, can spot small issues before they become big problems.

Fill up with the right fuel

Don’t overspend on gas if your car doesn’t require premium gasoline. The increased price will deplete your funds quickly, and may even hinder your car’s performance if your engine doesn’t require high-octane gas. Check your owner’s manual and fill up your car’s tank with the suggested fuel.

Don’t be aggressive

Aggressive driving habits like hitting the gas pedal hard or slamming on the brakes will burn more fuel than necessary and add extra wear and tear on your vehicle’s components. Speeding, too, will tax your car and cost you more at the pump.

For all your maintenance needs or to test-drive a new Buick or GMC model, visit Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa, Florida.

3 of the 2022 Buick Enclave’s Coolest Features

The bold, beautiful, and well-equipped 2022 Buick Enclave is one of our favorite SUVs here at Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Enclave comes with a long list of cool features, and here are three of the highlights that we love most.

Buick Driver Confidence Plus Safety

No matter which 2022 Enclave trim you choose, you’ll receive the ultra-generous Buick Driver Confidence Plus package. It comes with nine advanced features to keep you and your loved ones safe, including essentials like Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Sumptuous Seating Options

The seating options inside the 2022 Enclave are really something. Every trim gets an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar controls — and Premium and Avenir models add an indulgent massage feature to keep you even more relaxed. Heated front seats and perforated leather upholstery come standard, too!

Enclave Avenir Sophistication

For the ultimate in class and luxury, check out the sensational Enclave Avenir. The exterior features exclusive styling touches like 20-inch Pearl Nickel-finished wheels and a signature Avenir grille. Inside, you’ll find an array of special design elements like trim appliques and patterned stitching. Meanwhile, available Continuous Damping Control technology gives the Enclave Avenir an incredibly smooth ride.

Ready to learn more? Experience all of these 2022 Buick Enclave features for yourself with a test drive at Rivard Buick GMC.

2022 GMC Yukon Gets Denali Performance Black Package

Denali brings the ultimate level of luxury to GMC models — or so we thought. Now there’s an even higher level of luxury on the new GMC Yukon, and it’s called the Denali Performance Black Package. This new package is confirmed to be available for the 2022 Yukon model when it arrives here at Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa Bay, Florida.

What’s included in the new Denali Performance Black Package for the 2022 Yukon? It’s all about exterior enhancements. The upgrade gets you a black nameplate and black GMC emblems, as well as a front six-piston Brembo Brake upgrade and color-matched rear calipers. Finally, the special edition Yukon rides on 22-inch six-spoke low gloss black wheels with machined accents.

This package isn’t just limited to the 2022 Yukon Denali; you’ll also be able to order it for the 2022 Yukon Denali XL.

However, this special package will not be immediately available when the 2022 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are released. GMC has not yet confirmed how much longer we will have to wait to get the upgraded Denali Performance Black Package or how much it will cost to upgrade.

Contact Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa Bay, Florida, before ordering your 2022 GMC Yukon Denali for the latest details on this package.

GMC Terrain is One of the Best Small SUVs for Luggage

If you’re looking for a small SUV that’s easy to maneuver but still offers lots of space for cargo, the GMC Terrain is the perfect option for you. Consumer Reports named the Terrain to its list of the Best Small SUVs for Travelling with Luggage.

Consumer Reports rated the best vehicles not just by interior space, but by the amount of usable space when carrying luggage. Each vehicle was tested with a special expandable box to see how large of an item could still fit through the opening of the cargo area.

The GMC Terrain ranked high on the list, with 33 cubic feet of usable cargo space for luggage. Consumer Reports noted that the Terrain is spacious in general, with a roomy second row that makes it perfect for families and groups of all ages to travel in.

The Terrain is super versatile and perfect for traveling in other ways, too. The standard fold-flat seating, GMC Pro Safety, and Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability on the latest 2022 Terrain make for a perfect trip car, with tons of room for cargo space and passengers and no need to fiddle with USB cords.

And if you’re looking for a vehicle you can take on off-road adventures, don’t miss the AT4, which has all the space you need for your luggage and gear as well as special Sport Terrain tires, Traction Select System, and a front steel skid plate.

You can find new and used GMC Terrain models right here at Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Great Buick Models for Road Trips in Florida

Florida is a great state to take a road trip in, whether you’re going south to Miami Beach or north to the Florida Panhandle. It can take a while to arrive at your destination, though, so you need to ride in a vehicle that’s extra comfortable and safe. Buick makes many family-friendly SUVs that are great for weekend getaways in Florida. Here are three Buick models for road trips that you’ll find at Rivard Buick GMC.

Buick Envision

Luxury is king on the Buick Envision. This trendy SUV flaunts a chic, modern look that will look great in your vacation photos. Plus, it offers up to 52.7 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded flat, so you can leave the kids at home and take that much-needed camping getaway.

Buick Enclave

If you need to seat seven passengers, the Enclave is a great choice. This spacious SUV is the biggest model in the Buick lineup and offers three rows of seats for your children — and the grandparents to tag along! Plus, the newest Enclave can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so you can bring a boat or camper on your excursion.

Buick Encore GX

A stylish and affordable SUV, the Buick Encore can elevate any road trip with its abundance of technology. With the Buick Driver Confidence Package included on every Encore GX, you’ll have a suite of assistive safety systems watching over you and your family.

Before you take your next drive across Florida, bring your car to Rivard Buick GMC for a tune-up. And if you don’t own a Buick, now is the perfect time to trade in your car for a new one!

Differences Between the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia

The 2021 Buick Enclave and 2021 GMC Acadia are both reliable, upscale, midsize SUVs that are great vehicles for your family. However, there are some key differences between the two that may help you decide which family vehicle is right for your needs.

Powertrain

Every Buick Enclave is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The GMC Acadia offers more powertrain options: a standard 2.5-liter engine that offers 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Efficiency

The Enclave’s 3.6-liter V6 engine earns an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway¹. With the standard 2.5-liter, the Acadia earns 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Acadia’s 2.0-liter engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway², while its 3.6-liter V6 engine earns 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway³.

Interior space

The spacious Buick Enclave can comfortably seat seven passengers and offers a maximum cargo volume of 97.6 cubic feet. The GMC Acadia offers slightly less room, with a maximum cargo space of 79 cubic feet.

You can find both of these family-friendly SUVs at Rivard Buick GMC in Tampa Bay, Florida.

¹EPA estimated MPG 18 city/26 highway FWD.

²EPA-estimated mpg for the 2.5L 4-cyl engine with 9-speed automatic transmission FWD.

³EPA-estimated mpg for the 3.6L V6 engine with 9-speed automatic transmission FWD.