If you’re concerned about high fuel prices, you’ll want to keep up with the maintenance of your GMC vehicle. That’s because certain GMC services actually can help improve your gas mileage. If you’re in Sanford, NC and you’re wondering “Where can I find a reliable GMC mechanic near me?”, the answer is Wilkinson Automotive.

Here’s a look at some of the services that can help you improve your fuel economy :

Oil Changes

Fresh oil better lubricates your engine and protects all its parts from heat and friction. If you delay an oil change, your engine has to work harder to get you from point A to point B. This not only risks damage to your engine, but it also can hurt your gas mileage. Keep up with oil changes and your car will run more efficiently.

Filter Replacements

Your car also uses an engine air filter and an engine oil filter to keep your engine protected. When these wear out, it can affect your fuel economy. It’s not a huge difference, but every little bit adds up. When you need new filters, our GMC parts shop is ready to help.

Tire Service

Your tires can have a significant effect on your gas mileage. When they are under-inflated, they cost you efficiency and money. Our mechanics can fix any leaks in your tires to ensure that they stay at the proper pressure but keeping an eye on them yourself is also a good idea. Plus, routine tire rotation can keep your tires from wearing unevenly and causing damage.

Spark Plug Replacement

As your spark plugs get older, they could cause your car to waste a bit of gas as it starts up. Our mechanics can check your spark plugs and replace them for you if they’re dragging your gas mileage down.

So, stop wasting money at the fuel pump and make sure that you’re getting the GMC service that you need. Schedule your appointment today!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

You’ve always been able to rely on the Chevy Silverado for the tough jobs, but what if you want to go green with your next vehicle purchase? Well, we’re happy to report that an electric Silverado is actually in the works! If you’re wondering how to reserve one of your own, the dealers here at Wilkinson Automotive are ready to help.

Reserving a Chevy Silverado EV

If you’re ready to take the plunge, reserving a new EV is the best way to get started. First, you choose which version of the Chevy Silverado EV you want. Then you complete a simple form with your information, and we’ll take care of the rest.

You may need to wait a bit before these trucks start shipping out, but with a reservation, your foot is in the door. You’ll receive updates about when your truck is expected to be available, and our dealers can answer any questions that you have about this green truck at any time.

Why Reserve?

Drivers who are on the fence might be wondering what’s so great about the Chevy Silverado EV. We would be happy to outline all its impressive qualities for you.

Are you looking for power? This truck boasts an output of over 600 horsepower and nearly 800 lb-ft of torque. In need of advanced off-road capabilities? You’ll love the innovative E-4WD system. Worried about driving range? The Chevy Silverado EV offers a GM-estimated range of 400 miles. This model is truly the best of both worlds, representing the best that heavy-duty trucks and green cars have to offer.

If you’re as excited about the first all-electric Chevy Silverado EV as we are, visit us at Wilkinson Automotive in Sanford, NC. We’re ready to help you build the green pickup truck of your dreams!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

If rising gas prices have you worried about your budget, some expert fuel saving tips from Wilkinson Automotive might help. Here are some of the top suggestions from our Chevy service center about improving your gas mileage.

Buy an Eco-Friendly Vehicle
Many modern vehicles offer improved fuel economy numbers compared to similar vehicles that were built in the past. If you’re driving around an older model, some of our new cars might offer much better gas mileage. So, if it’s in the budget, replacing your old car with a new one — especially an electrified vehicle — can be one good way to save fuel.

Check Your Tires
Under-inflated tires can affect your gas mileage. Check the driver’s side door for the proper tire pressure and always make sure that your tires are inflated to the right psi. If they drop in pressure, get them filled up as soon as you can.

Don’t Idle
Sitting around with the car running for more than a minute or so is never a good idea. It’s nice to listen to the radio or blast the A/C as you sit there waiting, but it’s a complete waste of gas. If you’re going to be sitting around in your car for a while, turn off the engine and save your fuel.

Clean Out Your Car
If your car is full of extra cargo, it’s weighing you down. The heavier your car is, the more gas it takes for you to get to your destination. Whether it’s sports equipment, camping supplies, or just random stuff that has piled up, if it’s not absolutely necessary, you should leave it behind.

If you plan to upgrade to a more efficient vehicle or you’re in need of routine maintenance, visit our GMC dealership in Sanford, NC. Our dealership is ready to handle all your automotive needs!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

If you purchase an electric car, do you need to install an electric vehicle charging station in your home? At Wilkinson Automotive, we recommend it, but there are also some things you should know before you go green with your next car purchase.

Who Needs an Electric Vehicle Charging Station?

First, it’s good to understand who would need a charging station at home. If you’re just driving a regular hybrid vehicle that charges itself as you drive, then a charging station is unnecessary. This kind of car doesn’t plug in, so it doesn’t require a home charger.

If you have a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle, you can benefit from a home charging station. If you’re driving the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV or EV, you can pull into your garage and simply start charging your vehicle. When you get up the next day to go to work or run errands, your vehicle has a full charge. It’s efficiency meets convenience!

Types of Charging Stations

There are two types of charging stations that can be used at most homes.

The first is a Level 1 charger.

It’s slower, but simpler to install. Generally, you can use any grounded, three-pronged plug in your home. The problem is that this charging method can take an awfully long time to get electric vehicles back to full battery. Level 1 charging is fine for plug-in hybrids, but Level 2 charging is recommended for EVs.

Level 2 chargers can use the current available in your house and convert it into a current flow that is perfect for charging your battery. You can install such a charging station in your garage and get back 200 miles of range in about 10 hours. Just be aware that it can cost a significant sum to install a level 2 charging station, and you may even need to upgrade your whole home’s electrical system. Good new for you, though: Chevy will pay for your home charging outlet installation.

If you want to learn more about buying an EV, visit our Chevy dealership in Sanford, NC. We’ll help you find an electrified car or SUV that offers just what you’re looking for.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

We understand buying a new vehicle is a big decision – and a major investment. We’re tackling some of our frequently asked questions at our Cadillac dealership to help you shop with confidence at Wilkinson Cadillac.

Should I Buy or Lease?

Whether you buy or lease depends mostly on your plans for your new vehicle down the road:

• Buying – is best if you want to eventually own your vehicle and keep it for the long haul. It also lets you build up equity in your purchase.
• Leasing – is ideal if you enjoy consistently upgrading your vehicle. You’ll also have lower monthly payments when leasing.

Is a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Worth it?

Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with peace of mind. They are hand-selected late-model vehicles that go through a meticulous inspection to check every last detail. They also include added warranty coverage to protect you in the off-chance an issue should arise.

What’s My Car Worth?

You can quickly get an estimate of your trade-in value online. Search for your vehicle a number of ways or simply enter info about your vehicle manually. Then, you’ll see an instant cash offer.

• VIN number
• Make/model
• License plate

Can I Shop Online?

Absolutely! With Shop. Click. Drive., you can easily shop from the comfort of your home, anytime.

• Choose your dream vehicle from our online inventory.
• Click “Start Buying Process” and search local offers.
• Use the payment calculator to explore purchase options. (We can also provide a trade-in value here, too.)
• Choose any genuine GM accessories you want and add on available protection plans you need.
• Begin your online finance application (if applicable).
• Finalize your deal and schedule a pick-up date for your new vehicle!

Still have questions? Reach out to our car dealership near Raleigh, NC – we’d be happy to assist you!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

You may think that the larger models on our lot use a lot of gasoline, but the dealers here at Wilkinson Automotive can help you find a fuel-efficient model that still offers plenty of utility and space. Let’s take a closer look at each model and see which of our SUVs with good gas mileage is right for you.

Smaller SUVs and Crossovers

First let’s take a look at our smaller SUVs and crossovers, which tend to offer better fuel economy numbers. Our most efficient vehicles include:
• 2022 Chevy Trailblazer: 29 miles per gallon in cities and 33 miles per gallon on the highway
• 2022 Chevy Equinox: 26 MPG City/31 MPG Highway
• 2022 GMC Terrain: 25 MPG City/30 MPG Highway
• 2022 Chevy Trax: 24 MPG City/32 MPG Highway
• 2022 GMC Acadia: 22 MPG City/29 MPG Highway
• 2022 Chevy Blazer 19 MPG City/27 MPG Highway
Generally, cars are less efficient on crowded city streets than they are on the highway.

Our Larger SUVs

These models offer plenty of interior space and room for cargo. Some even offer three rows of seating and room for up to seven or eight people. Our larger vehicles include:
• 2022 Chevy Traverse: 18 MPG City/27 MPG Highway
• 2022 GMC Yukon: 15 MPG City/20 MPG Highway
• 2022 Chevy Suburban: 14 MPG City/20 MPG Highway
• 2022 Chevy Tahoe: 14 MPG City/20 MPG Highway

If you’re looking for a new SUV and fuel efficiency is a top priority, visit our new car dealers in Sanford, NC. We’re ready to assist you!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

At Wilkinson Automotive we don’t just want to help you find the perfect vehicle. We can also help you save on a new car thanks to our Chevy incentives. Now’s a great time to find a new SUV or crossover that the whole family will love.

2022 Chevy Equinox

Right now, qualified drivers can take advantage of our 2022 Chevy Equinox sign and drive lease offer. Lease this spacious SUV for just $299 per month for 36 months. There’s no down payment to worry about.

Well-qualified buyers can also purchase the 2022 Chevy Equinox and take advantage of our low interest offers. You can buy this SUV with no money due at signing and finance it at zero percent APR for up to 60 months.

2022 GMC Terrain

Right now, you can save big on the smallest SUV in the GMC lineup. Well-qualified drivers can finance the 2022 GMC Terrain at zero percent APR for 36 months.

That will save you a lot on interest payments. As an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about making payments for 120 days.

If you’re interested in any of these vehicles, don’t delay. These deals won’t last forever. Visit our Chevy dealers in Sanford, NC and find the right new vehicle for you today!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

If you’re a North Carolina driver wondering “Where can I find fuel-efficient used trucks near me?”, the answer is Wilkinson Automotive! We offer a wide variety of pickup trucks from many different brands, and we can help you find one that won’t force you to spend all your extra money on gasoline.

Here’s what you should do when you’re shopping for efficient used trucks.

Compare Model Years

The same truck from different model years can offer different fuel efficiency numbers. It could be due to different engine options or the use of lighter materials, like aluminum. Whatever the case may be, do some research and see which of our used trucks offers better gas mileage.

Look at the Drivetrain

Some drivetrains are actually heavier than others. Some models are available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, and the all-wheel drive models are often less fuel-efficient due to their added weight.
Trucks are similar, but their drivetrains are usually referred to as 4×2 and 4×4. A 4×4 truck is going to generally be a bit less fuel-efficient than a 4×2 pickup, but you do get a vehicle that’s more capable when you’re traveling over rough terrain. It’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to make gas mileage your absolute top priority.

Check the Body Style

Different body styles and options can increase the weight of your vehicle and affect its fuel-efficiency. If you want a more efficient truck, you may want to look at models with shorter beds or less spacious cabs. The larger models might offer the utility that you need though, so it’s on you to figure out the right trade-offs to make.

If you’re looking for a used pickup that won’t guzzle gasoline, visit our used truck dealership in Sanford, NC. We’ll help you sort through all of the options to find a truck that offers the capabilities and fuel economy numbers you’re looking for.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

An oil change costs money but getting one when needed can save you in the long run. If you’re a Sanford, NC driver wondering “Where can I get an oil change near me?”, Wilkinson Automotive is the answer. And if you’re wondering why you shouldn’t delay that oil change, we would be happy to tell you how new oil can help you save money.

Fresh Oil Means Better Fuel Economy

Fresh engine oil helps your engine run more efficiently. That means better fuel economy numbers and fewer stops at the gas station.

An engine lubricated by old oil must work much harder to do its job. That can cause all sorts of performance issues, including lower gas mileage. So, if you want to get the most out of your vehicle and avoid spending a bunch of extra money at the fuel pump, keeping on top of oil changes is a necessity.

Oil Changes Help Protect Engine from Damage

Oil keeps the small parts of your engine protected from heat and friction. When it gets old it becomes more of a sludge, and then it starts to struggle to do this important job. This can make your engine more susceptible to damage.

Fixing engine damage is complex and expensive. Do you know what’s simple and cheap? Getting an oil change when you need one!

New Filters Are Important Too

You also can’t discount the filters and their importance. The engine air filter and engine oil filter both help keep impurities away from your engine.

These can help protect your engine from damage, but each filter can wear out over time. Eventually they need to be replaced, and if you keep on top of oil changes you’ll never be driving around with a bad filter for too long.

If you have any more questions about oil changes or other types of maintenance, visit our Chevy service center. Our factory-trained mechanics are ready to assist you.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

If you’re in the market for a used Chevy Suburban, you have to know what to look for. This quick guide from the experts at Wilkinson Automotive can give you a few ideas!

A Maintenance History

Cars last longer when they’re well taken care of. If there are maintenance records for the Chevy SUV you’re thinking about buying, that’s a good sign. It means that this used Chevy Suburban model could have a long life ahead of it if you stay committed to proper car care.

Few Signs of Damage

A used car is going to have some signs that it lived a life before you, but you don’t want to be overly permissive about what you’ll accept when you buy used. Some scratches and minor dings are okay, but you might not want a vehicle that shows signs of heavy damage from an accident. You’ll also want to look for signs of rust or corrosion. These can be damaging issues that cause more headaches and financial stress later on.

“Good” Mileage Over “Bad” Mileage

If you can, try to figure out if a used Chevy Suburban has more “good” mileage than “bad.” Good mileage is highway miles, when a car is able to get up to its full potential and smoothly drive without too many interruptions. Bad mileage usually refers to short trips around town, which involves a lot of low speed travel and stopping frequently.

Knowing how an SUV was used can better help you evaluate its condition.

A Vehicle History Report

If there is a complete vehicle history report, look it over! This invaluable resource can tell you how many owners a Chevy Suburban has had, whether or not it’s been in accidents, and so much more.

Now it’s time to visit our Chevy dealership in South Sanford, NC so that you can see our selection of pre-owned Chevy SUVs for yourself. We’ll make it easy to find a used Chevy Suburban model that you’ll love! 

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »