GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is one tough truck. But don’t mistake this model’s brawn for a lack of brains! With its impressive array of tech-enhanced safety features, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 has everything you’ll need stay safe, whether you’re speeding down the highway or trekking up a mountainside. 

Cruise with Confidence

When you’re not off-roading over rocky terrain, you’ll be gliding on the road with the GMC Sierra 1500’s available Adaptive Cruise Control. It automatically maintains a customizable distance from the car you’re following, preventing sudden stops. Relax even further with Super Cruise’s Automatic Lane Change feature, exclusive for Denali trim.

And when it’s time to take control, the GMC Sierra 1500 driver assistance technology keeps you in control. The Safety Alert seat, available for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, alerts you to potential crashes using directional vibrations. The IntelliBeam® headlights automatically turn on and off according to surrounding traffic.

Eyes on All Sides

There isn’t a blind spot in sight with this truck’s 15 available camera views. The Bed View Camera allows you to keep tabs on your cargo. And the Rear Camera Mirror, available for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, provides a wide-angle rear view for full visibility. 

Tech-Centered Trailering

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 doesn’t just tow, it innovates. GMC’s ProGrade Trailering System keeps you informed over every bump and turn. 

Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert identifies obstacles in your trailer’s blind spot. The in-vehicle and smartphone app interface tracks trailer mileage, tire pressure, temperature, and more. 

Parking, Perfected

Front and Rear Park Assist alert you to nearby obstacles, helping you park and avoid low-speed collisions. Other GMC Pro Safety features, like Front Pedestrian Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, make pulling in and out of your parking spot a breeze. 

Focus-Forward Design

The GMC Sierra 1500’s digital displays are designed to keep your eyes on the road, not on a screen. The available 15-inch Head-Up Display projects driving information directly onto the windshield without obstructing your view.

Want to experience the new GMC Sierra 1500 for yourself? Visit Alford Motors to learn more about this and other great vehicles!

Windshield wipers

Your vehicle is truly an extension of yourself, so why not take the time to really make it your own? Available GMC accessories can not only extend the utility of your vehicle, but can make you feel more at home while on the road.

Let’s take a look at some GMC accessories that you should consider adding to your vehicle!

All-Weather Floor Mats

It can seem like keeping your car clean is an uphill battle, but what if it wasn’t? GMC’s All-Weather Floor Mats can keep all dirt, snow, and ice at bay with ease.

Never again will you have to worry about a spilled drink staining your vehicle’s carpet. Just remove the mats and hose them down to clean!

Integrated Cargo Liner

Protecting your cargo area has never been easier than with GMC’s Integrated Cargo Liner. Don’t let loose items rattling around in your trunk cause you stress.

The Integrated Cargo Liner’s durable material will prevent any damage to your trunk. Pair this with the available GMC Cargo Organizer for maximum trunk protection.

Sport Pedal Covers

Give your ride that sporty feel with the available GMC Automatic Transmission Sport Pedal Cover Package. These pedal covers are made of stainless steel with raised rubber traction pads to keep your feet from slipping from the pedal.

The no-drill installation makes this a prime choice for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle on their own time.

We’ve only scratched the surface of the available GMC accessories that can make your vehicle truly unique. Make sure to check out the GMC website for more amazing accessories and inquire about installation with the trained technicians at the Alford Motors service center!

Finance couple

It goes without saying that you want to get the best value for the sale or trade-in of your existing vehicle. Our used cars in Leesville, LA consists of cars traded in by customers looking for a new car purchase or lease. Learn how to get the highest possible value when selling your current automobile.

Address all Mechanical Issues

This is the single most important element that you should address even if you do nothing else. Get your vehicle inspected by a certified technician and have all repairs and replacement parts taken care of.

The dealership needs to repair any existing defects before the vehicle can be placed for sale. If the dealership has to make any repairs after the purchase, it will reduce the car’s sale/trade-in value.

Research Current Value

You can easily learn your car’s current value by using our site’s sale/trade-in calculator, which produces estimates using the valuation formula from Black Book®.

This will give you a reference to help you establish a budget. However, keep in mind an in-person inspection at the dealership is required for an actual offer.

Fix all Cosmetic Dents

Minor dings and dents will affect car value, albeit not as heavily as mechanical issues. Nevertheless, you should have dents, scratches, and upholstery stains restored as best you can.

Maintain Documentation

Have you been holding onto the receipts for car repairs and maintenance? If not, most auto repair shops retain their records and should be able to produce a copy at your request.

If any issues arise during the dealership inspection, you have documented proof that you maintained the vehicle on your end.

To learn more about the vehicle inspection process, and how a trade-in can save you money when you buy your next car, just give our auto service center a call.

Air filter

All car models include an air filter that serves an integral purpose. Most car owners understand this but don’t fully know how the filter works, its purpose, and the keys to proper maintenance. This is one of your vehicle’s auto parts that needs regular care for it to continue to properly do its job.

The Air Filter’s Purpose

Engines require a constant supply of air as it burns fuel. The engine grabs the air from the outside; outdoor air is teeming with pollutants and microscopic debris.

It’s the air filter’s job to make sure these contaminants don’t reach the engine. The filter works the same way the hairs in your nostrils prevent air particles from getting inside your respiratory system.

The Consequences of a Dirty Air Filter

Over time, the filter loses its ability to trap contaminants. Debris then begins entering the engine; this inhibits the engine’s ability to use the air to combust the fuel.

The gasoline won’t fully ignite, leading to a significant drop in engine output. This may lead to a drop in fuel economy and slower acceleration.

How to Maintain the Air Filter

We suggest requesting a filter check with every general auto maintenance at the dealership. You can also check the filter yourself. The filter is located near the left or right portion of the engine bay, close to the headlights.

Pull out the filter and hold it to a light source. Light should be able to shine through. If it doesn’t, then you have to replace it.

Visit Alford Motors to get your vehicle serviced by our maintenance department. We perform air filter checks and replacement on models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and more.

Parts

Sometimes that new part you need for your vehicle is pricier than you anticipated. Luckily, the Alford Motors auto parts store doesn’t just have plans for financing vehicles, but parts as well! The process is not too tricky, and us at Alford Motors are here to educate you on how you can make it happen.

Finance Parts with the Alford Motors Auto Parts Store

Financing auto parts works a lot like financing a vehicle. Basically, you take a personal loan which pays for the auto part up front, and then you pay back the loan in monthly installments.

You will typically have to pay interest on the loan, but you can lower than interest rate by making sure you have a stellar credit score, making a large down payment on the part and by choosing a short loan term limit.

For example, let’s say you can’t afford the new $4,000 engine that your vehicle needs. You decide to finance it, and since you have decent credit, you have some options. You decide to put down $1,500 immediately. That way, you are paying interest on $2,500 rather than $4,000. Secondly, you choose to pay off the part over the next 18 months even though you could have chosen a longer-term limit of 24 months. Although you are paying more every month, overall, you are paying less because you are accumulating less interest.

When you come to Alford Motors, our finance experts will be sure to help you find an auto part financing deal that works for you and your wallet. When you need to put a pricey new part in your vehicle, make sure you choose Alford Motors to create the right auto part financing plan.

Servicing vehicle

There is an untrue stigma that used cars are not going to last as long as newer counterparts. However, if you take good care of your car, you can keep it running well for a long time. Alford Motors is here to educate you on proper car care, and how to keep it running as well as the day you drove it away from the dealership.

Tips For Maintaining Used Cars

The main thing you need to do is schedule regular used car maintenance at a reputable service center. For instance, you can use the service center here at Alford Motors. A lot of the time, a car will meet an untimely end solely because its owner didn’t take it in for maintenance until it was too late.

When your car starts to perform non-optimally, or if you are starting to notice an odd sound or smell, you need to bring it in for maintenance. Remember, you would rather pay $150 now to fix something small than $3,000 to fix something major.

You probably already know that you need to bring your used car in for an oil change when its due, but you also need to make sure you are replacing things like your brake pads and windshield wipers regularly.

If your windshield wipers and brake pads are worn down, then you are increasing the chances of getting into a car accident. You can end the life of a car in an instant by getting it into a serious accident, so make sure you are doing proper upkeep to keep it safe on the road.

Alford Motors is here to help keep your used car running like a dream, so bring it to our service center so we can make sure you’re good to go.

Happy customer

When shopping for used cars, you may only think you should look at low-mileage vehicles. However, you don’t want to limit your options.

The Average Driver Drives How Many Miles Every Year?

To figure out if a car may have too many miles on it, it’s good to know that on average, a car is driven about 13,500 miles every year. So, if a five-year-old vehicle, for example, has around 68,000 miles on its odometer, you know that’s average. If a car that old has a lot more than that, then buyer beware.

Age or Mileage?

If you were to find a ten-year-old car with less than 50,000 miles, you may immediately think it’s too good to be true. And, you might be right. While the mileage is terrific, it is important to dig deeper.

This is where vehicle history reports come in. This car could have been meticulously cared for and just not driven that much. Or, perhaps it just sat in a garage for long stretches of time. In that case, it may not be in the best shape.

Consider the Future

It can be all too easy to get bogged down with the age or mileage of a car. Instead, think about how you will use it and what you will be able to get out of it.

When well-maintained, there is really no reason why a vehicle can’t stay in good condition long past 100,000 miles. So, you shouldn’t immediately be turned off if a car already has a lot of miles on it.

At Alford Motors, we always have a big selection of used cars. Come check see what’s in stock to find the model right for you.

Key

If you’re not sure what to do with your old car when planning to buy a new one, a trade in could be your best bet. The first question to ask is:

Why are You Buying a New Car?

If you’re looking to get something newer as a replacement, then it only makes sense to ditch that old vehicle. And when you trade it in, it can be used as an asset. If, however, you need another car, holding onto it could be a good idea.

What About Selling It?

Getting money for your car doesn’t only have to come in the form of a trade-in. You can certainly sell your vehicle on your own. This can often take a while, however. Plus, due to the struggling economy, you may have a difficult time finding a buyer or one that will pay the asking price.

The Many Benefits of Trading in a Vehicle

First of all, with a trade-in, you will immediately have money to work with. Whatever the value of your car, you can use it to reduce money off your new purchase. It can also be a way to get a nice down payment.

Plus, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of selling your car. On top of that, if your old auto is just going to take up space, trading it in will quickly take care of that.

Trade Your Car in at Alford Motors

To get the most for your old car, visit Alford Motors near Llano. We always aim to give customers the best price for their trade-ins so they’ll have funds for one of our new or used vehicles.

April is National Car Care Month, which means now could be the perfect time to get your vehicle looked at. Our Alexandria Chevrolet service center will help you maintain the good health of your car with regular maintenance tasks, including:

Oil Changes

In order to keep your engine running well, it needs to have fresh oil to ensure that the moving parts stay well lubricated. Old oil degrades, so even if you haven’t been driving as much lately, it still needs to be changed.

Battery Tests

Speaking of not driving as much, did you know you should be running your engine a couple of times per week even if your car just sits in your driveway? This is to keep the battery charged.

The longer it goes without use, the greater the chance that it will be out of juice when you need it. Batteries typically last only about five years, so think about checking to see how much life it has left.

Tire Rotations

If you have ever bought a new tire – or perhaps a set – you know that they can be pricey. Regularly rotating them, helps ensure that they have a long lifespan, as it creates even wear. For the best performance as well as fuel economy, tires also need to be inflated to the right levels and the wheels have to be aligned properly.

Fluid Top-Offs

There are more fluids in your car than you may know, and they all have to be at the correct levels. In addition to oil, these include coolant, brake, transmission, power steering, and windshield wiper fluid.

Get the Service You Need at Alford Motors

To make sure your car is ready for summer driving, make an appointment with the service center at Alford Motors near Alexandria.

GMC Terrain

The 2021 GMC Terrain has become popular with families and other people looking for a daily driver. However, if you’re interested in taking yours off the asphalt, this SUV also has some nice off-road ability.

The Denali is the Best Trim for Going Off Road

The base engine in the 2021 GMC Terrain is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit that puts out 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.

It’s the engine in the Denali trim, however, that you’ll want for serious off-roading. This one is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. And while all-wheel drive is available in all trims, it’s standard with the Denali.

What Else Makes the Denali a Great Off-Roader?

In addition to a powerful engine and all-wheel drive, the 2021 GMC Terrain Denali has a few more tricks up its sleeve. It comes with:

A Premium Suspension with Enhanced Shock Control

The 2021 GMC Terrain Denali trim’s suspension system consists of strong shocks and struts that utilize internal valves to help create a more refined and comfortable ride no matter the terrain. It also uses urethane spring isolators to cut down on noise.

Hill Descent Control

If your off-road adventures may involve going down steep slopes, you’ll appreciate the hill descent control feature. It becomes engaged at the push of a button, and then the antilock brakes will allow your vehicle to have a smooth and controlled descent.

High-Definition Surround Vision

This available feature utilizes multiple cameras to show you an overhead image of the area around the vehicle. This will give you the ability to always know about any obstacles you may encounter.

Want to see what the new GMC Terrain can do? Visit our GMC dealership to take it for a ride around Leesville.