Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Buick & GMC

We are located at 16 Kingsland Crossing in Ellsworth, Maine.






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Buick:
Every current Buick model is available with an all-wheel drive option.

GMC:
GMC SUVs and Crossovers are each available with an all wheel drive option.






Buick:
Buick's first electric vehicle is expected to be available in North America in 2024. By 2030 Buick has plans for an all-electric lineup in the U.S and Canada.

GMC:
Yes, GMC currently offers the Hummer EV SUV and Hummer EV Pickup. The Sierra EV Denali Edition is also slated to arrive in early 2024.














Neither Buick or GMC offer a hybrid vehicle option at this time.
Buick:
Yes, the Buick Enclave offers three rows of seating with room for up to seven passengers.

GMC:
The Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL are all available with three rows of seating.
The 2024 Buick Envista is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Buick lineup. EPA estimates show that the Envista is rated for 28 city/32 highway MPG (2024 Buick Envista with 1.2L engine and FWD). Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition. 
The Terrain is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the GMC lineup. EPA estimates show the Terrain is rated for 24 city/29 highway MPG (2024 GMC Terrain with 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder). Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition. The Sierra full-sized pickup has been GMC’s top-selling vehicle.
The Sierra full-sized pickup has been GMC's top-selling vehicle.






Yes, Darling’s sells used and certified pre-owned Buicks and GMC. At our Darling’s Auto Mall Buick GMC dealership, we also sell Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. In total, Darling’s sells 14 new vehicle brands as well as used vehicles and has eight dealerships in Maine. 








To set up a service appointment please call us at 207-992-1701 then option (3) or you can schedule your appointment online.






You may be thinking twice about driving to Hermon for a day of skiing if your car is shaking during the winter. It’s understandable to be a bit nervous if this happens but it’s likely a minor issue. 

During the winter months in Maine, snow, slush, ice, and dirt can stick to your wheels and wheel wells. This accumulation can throw off the balance of your wheels and tires creating a shaking or jarring sensation.   
This issue can be easily remedied by removing the frozen mush from the wheels and wheel wells. Be sure to grab some old gloves to protect your hands and keep them warm. Another method is to clean it out by taking your car to a hot car wash. You could also wait for it to warm up and melt. If you’ve done all you can and still have a vibration, you may be dealing with a different, more serious issue. Contact our service department for guidance.
Service intervals can vary depending on your vehicle’s model, year, oil type, and your driving habits. You should always refer to your owner’s manual for the proper manufacturer recommendation for your vehicle.

For most newer model Buicks and GMCs, it is recommended to change the oil and filter between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, but some vehicles may need to be changed more frequently.

Our service team can help you determine if your oil should be changed and schedule an appointment for you.

It is usually recommended that engine air filters be checked at least once a year and changed between 30,000 and 45,000 miles depending on your average driving conditions. The service interval can vary based on year, model, and driving conditions, so check your owner’s manual to verify the proper procedure for your vehicle. 
 
Our service advisors can also help determine if your air filter should be checked or replaced and schedule an appointment for you.














Cabin air filters should be checked every 10,000 miles, and it is recommended that they be changed between 15,000 and 30,000 miles depending on your average driving conditions. The service interval can vary based on year, model, and driving conditions, so check your owner’s manual to verify the proper procedure for your vehicle. 
 
Our service advisors can also help determine if your air filter should be checked or replaced and schedule an appointment for you.







Winter/snow tires will always outperform all-season tires under winter conditions and provide greater cornering, control, and stopping ability. They have unique tread patterns and wider grooves to provide enhanced traction on snow and ice and an enhanced ability to expel water and slush.  Winter/snow tires are also composed of a soft rubber compound that keeps its flexibility as temperatures drop.







There are a few conditions you can check to determine if you need new tires. 

Possibly one of the most important is to check the tread depth of the tire. This can be easily done with a penny. Place the penny into a tread groove with the top of Lincoln’s head pointed to the bottom of the groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then the tread is at the end of it life and should be changed. Be sure to check all four tires.
Look for uneven tread wear. If you notice a tire is wearing unevenly it may be a sign that the tire is under or over inflated, a wheel is misaligned or imbalanced, or there is a mechanical issue. If you notice uneven wear you should have it checked by a vehicle service professional.  
The age of your tires is another factor for tire replacement. Tires decay naturally over time becoming harder, brittle, weak, and unsafe to drive on. If your tires are more than six years old, it’s time for them to be replaced despite the tread life or mileage. 

Damage from hitting a pothole, running over a nail, or curbing a tire may compromise the integrity of a tire. It is always a good idea to have a professional check the tire soon after an incident happens. Often the tire can be repaired or it may need to be replaced.