Getting an oil change in Sanford, NC is just one of those things that drivers have to do to keep their vehicle up to snuff, and here at Wilkinson Automotive, we’ve got a service department that’s happy to help. Why are oil changes so important? Let’s look at a few of the most important reasons why oil changes are essential for a healthy Chevrolet automobile.

Benefit #1: Efficiency

For both cost and environmental concerns, regular oil changes improve overall fuel efficiency. Bad oil makes an engine work slowly and inefficiently, so if you want to stretch every gallon of gas and do better by the environment, oil changes are one way to do that.

Benefit #2: Longevity

Your engine needs oil to be properly lubricated, so if your oil is old, it’s no longer doing its job. Why is this a problem? Well, if your engine parts are creating too much friction, it can cause damage.

That means a properly lubricated engine is going to last longer and require fewer repairs. The cost of an oil change is tiny by comparison.

Benefit #3: Proper Operation

Perhaps most importantly, you want your Chevy to run smoothly, don’t you?

Clean oil helps regulate the temperature of your engine and keeps it from overheating. If you want proper lubrication in your engine, you need clean oil.

Getting an Oil Change at Wilkinson Automotive

If you’re in need of Chevy service in Sanford, just contact the service department here at Wilkinson Automotive so we can get you set up for an appointment at your earliest convenience. Regular oil changes are an essential part of owning a car, and keeping up with your maintenance schedule will ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for as long as you own it!

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Some of our customers in and around Sanford, NC don’t always understand the difference between maintenance and repairs, so when trying to decide, “What’s the best GMC auto repair near me?” we hope you’ll consider Wilkinson automotive regardless of your service needs.

What is GMC Auto Repair?

Put simply, auto repair occurs when something goes wrong with your GMC vehicle, and it unexpectedly needs fixing. This could be anything from a flat tire to a dead battery to an engine that just won’t start.

These are unplanned inconveniences that may or may not require a tow to our facility to be fixed, but whatever the issue may be, our service techs can find genuine parts for repairs or replacements and get you back up and running in no time.

What is GMC Service?

At the GMC Service Center, we try to keep commonly replaced parts up to date as a way of minimizing any potential unexpected repairs.

Our service techs will change oil, check the battery, rotate tires, install new brake pads, or any other task that needs to be completed during a vehicle’s life. Staying on top of your maintenance schedule reduces the risk of needing repairs.

Scheduling Service or Repairs at Wilkinson Automotive

If your GMC trucks need maintenance or repairs, simply give us a call or check out our website to schedule something at your earliest convenience. Whatever the reason, we’ll take care of your vehicle to make sure it stays running smoothly for as long as you own it!

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Anyone who’s ever gone car shopping knows there are a lot of car lots in Sanford, NC. With so many options, how is an interested shopper supposed to find themselves at a business that will treat them with respect, offer them satisfying prices, and put up some of the most esteemed vehicles in the industry?

Tips for Choosing the Right Car Lot

1. Check when they’re open. Convenience matters, of course, so check the dealership’s hours ahead of time. Wilkinson Automotive is open six days a week (we’re closed on Sundays), and we’re open until 7:00 on weeknights and 4:00 on Saturdays.

2. Consider the convenience of their location. Dealerships in convenient locations are always a plus! We’re located just off of NC-87 South in Sanford.

3. Look into financing options. If financing at the dealership is important to you, look into their financing options. We offer in-house financing to help you find the best deal possible for your new or pre-owned vehicle.

4. Preview inventory. It’s also important to make sure the dealership has the vehicle you want. Take a peek at online inventory before heading in to make sure the dealership has what you’re looking for.

5. Look beyond sales. Sales are important, but you may also want a dealership that offers service and parts, too. We do here at Wilkinson Automotive, which allows us to build long-term relationships with our customers.

Shopping at Wilkinson Automotive

If you’re interested in shopping for new or pre-owned GMC or Chevy automobiles in Sanford, consider shopping at Wilkinson Automotive, where you’ll get the treatment and deals you want and deserve!

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When it comes to GMC models, there is no trim level more desirable than the Denali trim level, which is currently available on the GMC Yukon, GMC Sierra, GMC Terrain, GMC Acadia, and GMC Canyon. As the range-topper for each of these models, we always have drivers in and around Sanford, NC who are excited about the latest GMC Denali for sale, but what exactly does the Denali trim include?

It depends on the model, but in all cases, it amounts to a host of exciting features.

Features Found on Denali Models

While there are certain performance features available only on Denali pickup models, customers can generally expect several of the following features to show up in their GMC Denali models:

• Wireless cell phone charging

• Larger, premium wheels

• Bose® premium audio systems

• Spray-on bed liners (in pickup trucks)

• Heated, ventilated leather front seats

• Heated steering wheel

• Tire pressure monitoring system

• Sunroof

The Denali trims also come with “Ultimate Package” features, which include:

• HD Surround Vision

• Rearview camera

• Multi-color 15” diagonal head-up display

There’s also a Driver Alert Package, which includes advanced safety features such as:

• Low-speed forward automatic braking

• Lake keeping assistance

• Front pedestrian baking

• Forward collision alert

• Following distance indicator

• IntelliBeam® headlamps

This is an extensive but not exhaustive list. Depending on the model, the Denali trim could come with even more great features!

Test-Driving a GMC Denali Model

If you’re interested in test-driving the range-topping Denali trim for any of the aforementioned vehicles, simply give us a call or stop by any time to get set up with a Wilkinson Automotive sales professional who can help. These really are great trucks and SUVs, made all the greater by the best features GMC has to offer!

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When buying used cars in Sanford, NC, it’s important to remember that the price of the vehicle isn’t the end of the expenses in your Chevrolet vehicle purchase. Inevitably, there will be some taxes and fees that factor into your loan amount or your first-year cost of ownership.

Here at Wilkinson Automotive, we want to be up-front about what those taxes and fees may look like so you can best budget for your purchase.

North Carolina Sales Tax

Let’s start with everybody’s least favorite part of any retail purchase: the taxes. North Carolina assesses a 3 percent tax on all vehicle purchases.

In this state, it’s known as the Highway Use Tax, which goes toward the state’s General Fund and High Way Trust fund and pays for the improvement of and maintenance of state roads.

North Carolina Annual Vehicle Property Tax

On top of that sales tax, drivers also will be asked to pay an annual vehicle property tax that is based on the appraised value of your car. Here in Lee County, you pay these taxes alongside your registration fees one a year through the Tag & Tax program, and the amount depends on the vehicle you’re driving.

Other Fees

There are a few other fees drivers can expect to pay at Sanford car dealerships, including:

• Title certificate ($40)

• License plates for vehicles under 4,000 pounds ($28)

• Plate transfers ($15)

Getting the Final Price at Wilkinson Automotive

As is the case in situations like this, the final number depends entirely on the vehicle you’re buying, but your sales professional at Wilkinson Automotive can help you navigate all the financial odds and ends to best budget for your pre-owned vehicle purchase. We’ll make it as easy on you as we possibly can!

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The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali is one of the most beloved automobiles that we sell here at Wilkinson Automotive, in large part because the range toppers in our line of GMC trucks always generate plenty of positive buzz. However, entire line of GMC Sierra 2500 pickups is excellent, from the base Pro trim all the way up.

The following is a look at what each trim level offers for drivers in Sanford, NC.

2022 GMC Sierra 2500 Trim Options

There are five trim levels available for this premium pickup truck, including:

• 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 Pro – The base level trim comes with three engine options (including a diesel), three cab styles, vinyl seating and flooring, A/C, a 7-inch infotainment screen and Bluetooth® pairing.

• 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE – The SLE trim adds more intricate exterior styling, plus remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, power trailering mirrors, and the MultiPro™ tailgate that can be configured six different ways.

• 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 SLT – This trim features dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment control, an HD backup camera, all-terrain tires, cargo bed lighting, and so much more.

• 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 AT4 – If you’re into off-roading, this is the trim for you. It includes hill descent control, off-road suspension tuning, and skid plates. It also has a spray-in bedliner, plus heated and ventilated front seats.

• 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali – The range-topper is the GMC Sierra 2500 Denali, which adds premium leather seating, enhanced driver display, 20-inch wheels, a premium Bose® sound system, side steps, chrome exterior trim, and a host of advanced safety features.

Shopping for a Pickup at Wilkinson Automotive

If you’re interested in any of these pickups, simply pay us a visit here at Wilkinson Automotive any time so we can find the right option to fit your budget and needs. Test drives are available any time to help you get behind the wheel of the perfect 2022 GMC Sierra 2500!

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When you buy a new vehicle at a car dealership in Sanford, NC, it typically will come with some sort of limited manufacturer’s warranty to protect you from unexpected repairs. But, what happens when that initial limited warranty runs its course?

If you find yourself facing some scary noise from underneath your hood after the warranty has expired, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got further protection, which is where the MasterTech™ Vehicle Protection Program comes into play.

What is the MasterTech™ VPP?

In a nutshell, the MasterTech™ VPP protects you from repair costs not covered by GMC or Chevrolet warranties. It is tailored to meet your driving needs while also providing you options that fit within your budget for Wilkinson cars. This program offers the following:

• Outstanding mechanical coverage available up to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.

• Excellent rental and towing options

• Emergency travel expense reimbursement

• Top-notch customer service

The MasterTech™ Scheduled Maintenance Program

The MasterTech™ Scheduled Maintenance Program is used to lock-in your standard maintenance costs ahead of time—that way, you always know you can get the routine oil change or tire rotation your vehicle needs.

This helps protect your vehicles resale value for down the road, while also keeping it in optimum working condition.

How to Get a MasterTech™ VPP at Wilkinson Automotive

Wilkson Automotive has a great vehicle protection center that includes all sorts of extra protection and programs to protect our customers from unexpected expenses. If you’re interested in the MasterTech™ Vehicle Protection Program, simply ask your sales professional for help, and they’ll get you everything you need to take advantage of this wonderful benefit. No one likes having to deal with unexpected repairs, but having the right kind of extended warranty protection can make all the difference in the world.

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Drivers in and around Sanford, NC still love a sturdy midsize sedan, and thankfully there are more great options in that segment than ever. The 2021 Chevy Malibu is one model we’re proud of here at Wilkinson Automotive, but we’re aware of how tough the competition can be. Today, we’re pitting the Chevy Malibu vs. the Toyota Camry to see which vehicle is a better option for our customers.

Features

While there are plenty of ways in which the Chevy Malibu and Toyota Camry are similar, one way in which the Chevy Malibu stands out is in its long list of standard features. For example, only the Chevy Malibu come standard equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

It also is the only one of the two to offer up Teen Driver Technology, which allows parents to view a driver report card and limit speeds. Finally, like many other Chevy vehicles, the Chevy Malibu comes with OnStar®, which offers added protection for a crash or stolen vehicle.

Technology

While both vehicles offer attractive and easy-to-use infotainment systems, the Chevy Malibu comes with a slightly larger eight-inch touchscreen. The Toyota dashboard, meanwhile, offers just seven inches of touchscreen interface.

Cargo & Passenger Space

The Chevy Malibu boasts slightly more cargo volume, with 15.7 cubic feet of space compared to 15.1 cubic feet of space in the Toyota Camry.

The same is true for max passenger volume, in which the Chevy Malibu offers 102.9 cubic feet of total space, while the Toyota Camry comes in at 100.4 cubic feet.

Test-Driving a 2021 Chevy Malibu

The only way to really see which vehicle is best for you is to test drive one yourself. Chevy dealers in NC are happy to host interested customers, and here at Wilkinson Automotive, you can see how your expectations of the new Chevy Malibu lineup with reality!

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Most shoppers here at Wilkinson Automotive understand that buying a pre-owned vehicle is a great way to save money when purchasing a car, truck, or SUV, however there are often is a lot of confusing surrounding the difference between certified pre-owned vehicles and standard used models. How are they different? What are the perks of each?

Buying Used Models

There aren’t a lot of surprises when it comes to buying a vehicle classified as “used.” It’s a model that someone else has driven before that’s looking for a new home. It can be any age, have any number of miles on the odometer, and be presented in just about any condition, all of which determines its ultimate price.

Buying Certified Pre-Owned Models

A certified pre-owned GMC also will be a model that’s had a prior owner, but there are certain criteria it must meet to be classified as “certified.”

It must, for example, be six years old or newer, and it must have fewer than 75,000 miles on the odometer. Furthermore, it must have a clean Vehicle History Report and undergo a detailed inspection so service technicians can make any necessary repairs.

Other benefits of buying CPO GMC models is that they come with extended warranties. One is a new, longer six-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, as well as a 12-month, 12,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty.

In other words, the buyer has more protections in buying a vehicle that has had a previous owner.

Checking Out Our CPO Stock

If you’re interested in our certified pre-owned stock of GMC vehicles give us a call or stop by here at Wilkinson Automotive any time so we can show you what we have available. There are great savings available for used or CPO models; it just depends on which option works best for you and your budget!

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When it comes to Chevrolet products, few vehicles generate as much as excitement as a new iteration of Chevy Corvette. The next version we have to look forward to is the 2022 model year version, and as we eagerly anticipate this new Chevy Corvette for sale in NC, at Wilkinson Automotive we can offer a sneak peek at what we know so far!

The Basics

The 2022 Chevy Corvette is the third model of the eighth generation of the Chevy Corvette. It will receive some updates, most notably a limited run 2022 Chevy Corvette IMSA GTLM Championship Edition.

These will feature special graphics packages to mimic racecar versions of the vehicle, as well as specially painted equipment to spruce them up to be as sporty as possible.

What’s New?

The following changes are expected in the 2022 Chevy Corvette:

• Three colors (Zeus Bronze Metallic, Shadow Gray Metallic, and Sebring Orange Tintcoat) will be replaced with Hypersonic Gray Metallic, Amplify Orange Tintcoat, and Caffeine Metallic.

• A new low rear spoiler and front splitter.

• New premium indoor car cover.

• New Black Ground Effects on the LPO trim.

• Visible Carbon Fiber door intake trim on the LPO trim.

• High-wing spoiler with visible carbon fiber on the LPO trim.

• Illuminated door sill plates on the LPO trim

What won’t change is the same iconic performance and sleek, modern looks, which means this year’s Chevy Corvette will keep everything we love and add a few extra flourishes to make it look better than ever. As these arrive at our dealership over the coming months, we invite you consider your friendly neighborhood Chevy dealership to take one for a test drive. There’s more to love than ever before!

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