Blog / Columbus Buick Service

Does Your GMC/Buick Need a New Car Battery?

When it comes to your car, keeping it running smoothly is probably at the top of your priority list. One of the key components that ensures that your car starts and runs properly is the car battery, which provides the power needed to start your engine. However, like all parts of your car, the battery has a finite lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. Is it time to visit your Buick dealer for a new car battery? Let's go over some signs.

Difficulty Starting Your Car

When you try to turn on your car, it should start up promptly. If you notice that it's taking longer than usual for your engine to crank up, it might be a sign that your battery is losing its charge. The slow crank is often one of the first indicators that your battery is on its way out.

An Old Battery

Car batteries typically last between three and five years, depending on the climate, your driving habits, and how often the vehicle is used. If your GMC or Buick's battery is old enough to start preschool, it's a good idea to have it tested and potentially replaced to avoid unexpected issues.

Swelling or Leaking Battery Case

A car battery is encased in a plastic housing. If you notice that your battery case is swelling, bulging, or leaking, it's time for the battery to be replaced. Not only is a bulging battery not working at its best, but it can also pose a safety hazard.

Dimming Lights and Electrical Problems

All the electrical components in your car, from the lights to the radio, rely on the battery. If you notice your headlights are dimmer than they should be or if other electrical components are not working correctly, it could be due to a dying battery.

The Car Won't Start

This is the most obvious and stressful sign that your battery isn't doing its job anymore. If you try to start your car and the only response is an ominous clicking noise, your battery is likely the culprit. While your car might start again after a jump start, it's not a good idea to ignore this cry for help.

Visit Your Buick Dealer for a New Car Battery

When it's time to replace the battery in your car, head to the dealership. With certified technicians who specialize in maintaining your vehicle, we'll have your car in and out and back on the road in no time.

By being vigilant and paying attention to the signs your battery is dying, you can ensure that it gets taken care of before it can become a major issue. Is it time to replace your battery? Call Coughlin GM of Newark and schedule a battery service today.

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3 Signs Your GMC, Chevy, or Buick Needs a Brake Repair

Healthy brakes are vital, as they allow you to control your speed. The braking system in your Chevy is very efficient, but it does require maintenance to keep it working effectively. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like you to know some signs that you need to come in for a brake repair. Weak Brake Pedal A braking system relies on pressure, and you experience this pressure each time you step on the pedal. You should always feel resistance from the pedal, and this resistance increases as you press harder. A weak brake pedal provides almost no resistance, and this is dangerous. The lack of resistance means your braking system won't operate as fast or effectively as it needs to. A lack of pressure in the braking system is usually due to a lack of brake fluid. Brake fluid isn't consumed as the brakes work, so your braking system must have a leak somewhere. Brake fluid can leak from many places, including damaged brake hoses, worn seals, or a damaged brake fluid reservoir. Our technicians will trace the leak and seal it then we'll refill the brake fluid. more Grinding Noises From the Brakes If you hear grinding noises when you jam on the brake, our technicians will need to find the cause of the problem. Brakes should make no sound when they work, and a grinding noise means one or more components are being damaged. The problem could be as simple as a stone in a brake caliper, or your brake pads may have worn out. Brake pads generate friction that brings your wheel rotors to a stop. They have a friction material covering that gradually wears off due to abrasion. You'll hear a screeching noise if your pads need replacement. If this sound is ignored, the material will wear off completely. When this happens, the metal pads will grind into the rotors and damage the surface. We'll replace the pads and check the rotors for damage. Glazed Pads As we saw above, your brake pads gradually wear out. Glazed pads might not be worn out, but they are dangerous as they have been severely damaged. Glazing occurs when the pads are kept in close contact with the wheel rotors. One of the ways this can occur is a damaged caliper failing to retract. This situation will keep the pad skimming across the rotor surface. The abrasion caused by contact with the rotor turns the friction material smooth. If a pad can't generate friction, it won't be able to stop the rotor it's connected to from moving. Our technicians can easily replace glazed pads. If your brakes are showing signs of trouble, call us right away at Coughlin G M o f Newark.

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Chevy Trax vs Trailblazer: Which Crossover Fits Newark, OH Drivers Best?

If you're shopping for a compact SUV and trying to decide between the Chevy Trax vs Trailblaze r, you're not alone. Both are affordable, practical, and packed with features that appeal to everyday drivers in Newark, OH. The good news is that Chevrolet has made each one distinctly capable in its own right - so the best choice really comes down to your priorities. more Design and Style The 2026 Chevy Trax brings bold personality to the compact SUV segment. You can choose from five distinct trims - LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV - each with its own look and personality. The RS trims offer sporty styling with red interior accents, black exterior details, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The ACTIV brings Titanium chrome accents and unique yellow interior touches for a more rugged aesthetic. There's even a Midnight Edition available on the LT that adds high-gloss black details throughout. The Trailblazer also delivers strong curb appeal with its own trim structure, offering a similarly expressive style. If standing out in a crowd matters to you, both vehicles deliver, but the Trax's wider trim variety gives shoppers more ways to personalize their ride. Technology and Connectivity When comparing the chevy trax vs trailblazer on technology, the Trax holds its own with some impressive standard and available features. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility come on every Trax, keeping you connected without fumbling for a cable. Moving up to the LT trim or higher unlocks an available 11-inch HD center touchscreen and an 8-inch driver information center, which significantly elevate the in-cabin experience. Additional available technology on the Trax includes wireless charging, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and a remote vehicle starter system. The Trailblazer offers comparable connectivity features, so your final choice may hinge on trim-level pricing and what's included at each step. Safety Features Safety is a strong suit for both models, and neither disappoints in this area. Every 2026 Trax comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes six key features: Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam high beam assist, and Following Distance Indicator. Available safety upgrades on the Trax include Rear Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. Teen Driver Technology and a Rear Vision Camera are standard across all trims as well. The Trailblazer carries a similar suite of standard safety tech, making both solid choices for safety-conscious families. Engine, Cargo, and Capability The 2026 Trax is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, delivering an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon combined. It's available exclusively with front-wheel drive and is not rated for towing. What it does offer is impressive practicality - up to 54 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and comfortable seating for five adults. The Trailblazer steps things up with available all-wheel drive, which makes it a better option for drivers in Newark, OH who encounter variable weather or need more confident traction on mixed terrain. If AWD is a must-have, the Trailblazer is your answer in the chevy trax vs trailblazer comparison. Frequently Asked Questions Does the Chevy Trax have AWD? No, the 2026 Trax is only available with front-wheel drive. If AWD is important to you, the Trailblazer is the better fit. What engine is in the 2026 Trax? The Trax uses a 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. How much cargo space does the Trax have? With the rear seats folded, it offers up to 54 cubic feet of cargo space. Can the Chevy Trax tow? No, the 2026 Trax is not rated for towing. Which One Should You Choose? Ultimately, the Chevy Trax vs Trailblazer decision comes down to what you need most. If you want more trim variety, bold style, and a lower starting price, the Trax is a strong pick. If AWD capability and a slightly larger footprint are priorities, the Trailblazer earns the nod. Either way, both are worth exploring in person at Coughlin Chevrolet of Newark, where you can find inventory, compare trims, and take either one for a test drive.

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Chevy Safety Features Explained: From Chevy Safety Assist to HD Surround Vision

If you've been shopping for a new vehicle and want to feel confident behind the wheel, understanding the technology built into today's Chevrolet lineup is a great place to start. Chevy safety features explained in plain language can help you make a smarter buying decision — and give you real peace of mind on the road. Whether you're commuting through town or heading out on the highway, Chevrolet has packed its vehicles with a range of driver assistance and safety technologies designed to help protect you, your passengers, and everyone around you. more What Is Chevy Safety Assist? Chevy Safety Assist is a suite of six standard safety technologies that come included on most new Chevrolet models. Having these features explained clearly can help you understand exactly what you're getting — and why it matters. The six technologies bundled in Chevy Safety Assist include Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Each one works quietly in the background, ready to step in when the situation calls for it. The fact that these features are standard — not add-ons — means most Chevy buyers in Newark, OH, get them automatically without needing to upgrade to a higher trim level. Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert Two of the most impactful technologies in the Chevy Safety Assist suite are Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert. Chevy safety features explained together, these two systems work as a team. Forward Collision Alert monitors the road ahead and warns you if it detects that you're closing in on another vehicle too quickly. It gives you the heads-up so you can react before a situation becomes dangerous. If you don't respond in time, Automatic Emergency Braking takes over. The system can apply the brakes on your behalf to help reduce the severity of a collision or avoid one entirely. This technology is especially helpful in heavy traffic or during unexpected stops. Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning Drifting out of your lane — even briefly — can lead to serious consequences. That's where Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning come in, and understanding these Chevy safety features explained properly can help you use them with confidence. Lane Departure Warning alerts you when it detects your vehicle moving out of its lane without a turn signal being used. It's a helpful nudge that keeps you alert during longer drives. Lane Keep Assist goes one step further. If you start to drift, the system can provide gentle steering input to guide your vehicle back into the lane. Together, these two features help reduce the risk of unintended lane changes, which is especially valuable on highways or rural roads. Front Pedestrian Braking Pedestrian safety is a growing priority in vehicle design, and Chevrolet has addressed it directly with Front Pedestrian Braking. When it comes to having Chevy safety features explained, this one stands out for urban and suburban drivers alike. Using camera-based detection, Front Pedestrian Braking can identify pedestrians in your vehicle's path. If you're traveling at lower speeds and the system detects someone in front of you that you may not have noticed, it can apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the impact of a collision. This feature is particularly valuable in parking lots, neighborhood streets, and school zones — anywhere foot traffic is a regular part of the driving environment. HD Surround Vision and Parking Assistance Parking and maneuvering in tight spaces becomes significantly easier when you have the right tools. HD Surround Vision is one of the more impressive Chevy safety features explained in this guide, and it's available on a number of Chevrolet models. HD Surround Vision uses multiple cameras positioned around the vehicle to create a bird's-eye view on your touchscreen. This overhead perspective gives you a clear picture of what's around your vehicle — curbs, obstacles, other cars — while you park or navigate narrow spaces. Some Chevrolet models also offer Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist, which use sensors to warn you of approaching vehicles or objects when backing up. Together, these parking technologies work to make every maneuver more controlled and confident. Super Cruise: Hands-Free Driver Assistance For drivers who spend significant time on the highway, Super Cruise is one of the most advanced driver assistance technologies Chevrolet offers. When it comes to Chevy safety features explained at a higher level, Super Cruise deserves its own spotlight. Available on select Chevrolet models, Super Cruise enables hands-free driving on compatible, pre-mapped highways. It uses a combination of GPS, cameras, radar, and a driver attention system to monitor the road and the driver simultaneously. Unlike some other hands-free systems, Super Cruise includes an active driver monitoring camera that watches to make sure you remain attentive. If it senses that your attention has drifted, the system issues alerts before taking action to safely slow the vehicle. Drivers throughout Newark, Ohio, who frequently travel longer distances will find this feature especially practical. OnStar Safety Services No discussion of Chevrolet safety technology would be complete without mentioning OnStar. Chevrolet safety tech and the OnStar platform go hand in hand, delivering real-time support when you need it most. OnStar connects you to a live advisor at the push of a button, available around the clock. In the event of a crash, the Automatic Crash Response feature can connect you to emergency services even if you're unable to speak. The system uses built-in sensors to detect when an air bag has deployed and initiates the response automatically. OnStar also offers stolen vehicle assistance, remote diagnostics, and turn-by-turn navigation support. These services add an important layer of protection beyond what the vehicle's hardware alone can provide. Visit Coughlin Chevrolet of Newark to Learn More Now that you have Chevy safety features explained from top to bottom, the next step is experiencing them in person. There's no better way to understand how these technologies work than to sit behind the wheel yourself. Stop by Coughlin Chevrolet of Newark to explore the current Chevrolet lineup and learn how Chevrolet safety tech can work for you right here in Newark, OH. Our team is happy to walk you through each feature and help you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and your safety priorities. From Chevy Safety Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking to HD Surround Vision and Super Cruise, Chevrolet has built a comprehensive safety ecosystem that covers everyday driving and beyond. Having these Chevy safety features explained gives you the knowledge to shop with confidence and choose a vehicle that truly has your back. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly SUV, a capable truck, or an efficient commuter, today's Chevrolet lineup delivers meaningful protection at every price point. Come see what's available at Coughlin Chevrolet of Newark and discover the right fit for you.