Blog

Summer is almost here, and that means longer drives, family vacations, and weekend getaways. Before you load up your GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Acadia and hit the highway, taking a little time for GMC summer maintenance can make all the difference between a smooth trip and an unexpected breakdown on the side of I-95. If you are planning a cross-country adventure or a weekend escape to the Seacoast, a little preparation goes a long way. Here is what you should check before you go. more Why GMC Summer Maintenance Matters Before a Road Trip Heat is one of the biggest stressors on a vehicle. High temperatures put extra pressure on your engine, cooling system, tires, and battery - all of which need to be in good shape for road trips. Skipping routine checks in the spring can lead to bigger, costlier problems once summer temperatures climb. A proper GMC service checklist ensures your truck or SUV is ready for whatever the road throws at it. Check Your Cooling System and Fluids Your cooling system works harder in the summer, so start your GMC summer maintenance by having the coolant level inspected and topped off if needed. Low or degraded coolant can cause your engine to overheat, which is especially risky on long highway drives. While you are at it, check your engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If you're about due for an oil change, it is better to get it done before your trip rather than during it. Fresh oil keeps your engine running cleanly, especially in warm weather. Inspect Your Tires and Brakes Making sure your tires are in good shape is very important. Check the tread depth and look for any uneven wear, which can point to alignment or suspension issues. Do not forget to check the spare tire as well - you will be glad you did if you need it. Tire pressure also drops and rises with temperature changes, so make sure all four tires are inflated to the recommended PSI listed in your owner's manual. Properly inflated tires improve handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Your brakes deserve equal attention. If you notice squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal feel, have a certified technician take a look before you head out. Review Your GMC Service Checklist for Filters and Battery A clean cabin air filter keeps your air conditioning running efficiently, which is important for summer comfort. A clogged filter makes your system work harder and can reduce airflow noticeably. Your engine air filter is just as important - a dirty one affects performance and fuel economy. Summer heat can accelerate battery wear, and the last thing you want is a dead battery in a parking lot hours from home. Most technicians can perform a quick battery test to let you know where it stands. Using a thorough GMC service checklist that covers filters, fluids, brakes, and battery means nothing gets missed before you leave. Air Conditioning and Electrical Systems Before your summer road trip, run your air conditioning on full blast and make sure it is cooling properly. If it takes a long time to cool the cabin or blows warm air, the refrigerant may be low, or there could be another issue. Getting this checked ahead of time is much easier than dealing with it on a hot afternoon with a car full of passengers. Also, take a moment to verify that all your lights are working - headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. These are easy to overlook but important for safety on the road. Visit Holloway GMC Before You Head Out Drivers in Portsmouth, NH, have a trusted resource right around the corner. Holloway GMC offers certified service from trained technicians who know your vehicle inside and out. Reach out to the service experts at Holloway GMC. We can help you get your GMC service checklist completed and head into summer ready for wherever the road takes you.

Finding a capable light-duty truck means understanding the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity. Equipped correctly, this pickup hauls up to 13,300 pounds, an impressive feat for a half-ton truck. Drivers in Portsmouth, NH relying on trucks for demanding work should contact Holloway GMC to find the perfect configuration for their needs. Understanding 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity The maximum 13,300-pound tow rating requires a Double Cab 2WD model with the available Duramax© 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine, the Max Trailering Package, and 20" wheels. Engine choice heavily impacts pulling power. The standard TurboMax© engine provides 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, offering up to 9,400 pounds of towing. Upgrading to the 5.3L V8 with a 10-speed automatic transmission increases capability. For maximum performance, the Duramax© 3.0L Turbo-Diesel remains the top choice. GMC Sierra 1500 Trim Levels for Towers Matching your truck to your needs requires understanding the trim lineup, ranging from the Pro to the luxurious Denali Ultimate. The Pro starts strong with the TurboMax© engine. The SLE adds a 13.4" touchscreen, a 12.3" Driver Information Center, and an auto-locking rear differential. The Elevation introduces gloss-black styling and LED fog lamps. Advancing to the SLT brings a standard 5.3L V8, chrome trim, and the available ProGrade© Trailering System to streamline hitching. Off-Road Towing: AT4 and AT4X The AT4 and AT4X cater to off-road towing. The AT4 includes the Duramax© 3.0L Turbo-Diesel, a 2" factory lift, off-road suspension with Rancho© monotube shocks, an Autotrac© transfer case, and skid plates. The AT4X upgrades to front and rear electronic locking differentials, Multimatic© DSSV dampers, and an AEV© stamped steel front bumper, delivering supreme confidence in challenging conditions. Premium Towing: Denali and Denali Ultimate The Denali and Denali Ultimate combine serious capability with upscale interiors. The Denali features a standard 5.3L V8, authentic wood trim, Forge perforated-leather seats, and an available CarbonPro© composite bed. The Denali Ultimate includes a standard 6.2L V8, Super Cruise© hands-free technology with a 3-year OnStar One© plan, and a 12-speaker Bose© Premium Series audio system. It forms a well-rounded package mixing raw power and premium comfort. Find Your 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 at Holloway GMC There is a configuration in the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup built for your situation. From the reliable Pro to the sophisticated Denali Ultimate, every trim delivers strong towing performance. Drivers throughout Portsmouth, NH can explore the full lineup at Holloway GMC. Visit hollowayauto.com to browse inventory, compare trims, and find the perfect truck today.

Maintaining your GMC vehicle's peak performance requires attention to detail, including tire care. Regular tire rotations are a simple yet crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that can significantly impact your driving experience. For GMC owners in Portsmouth, NH, Holloway GMC can help you understand the importance of tire rotation to ensure safety, improved performance, and extended tire life. more Why Tire Rotation Matters Tire rotation helps distribute wear evenly across all four tires. Uneven wear can compromise handling and traction, especially on wet or icy roads—a common concern for drivers in Portsmouth, NH. By ensuring even wear, regular tire rotations enhance your GMC’s overall performance. Whether you're driving a rugged Sierra or a family-friendly Acadia, balanced tires contribute to smoother rides, better fuel efficiency, and safer handling. How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires? The frequency of tire rotations depends on your driving habits and the type of GMC vehicle you own. As a general rule, it’s recommended to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, consulting your GMC owner’s manual or scheduling tire service in Portsmouth, NH with Holloway GMC ensures you follow the best maintenance schedule for your specific model. For example, if you drive a GMC Sierra 1500 and frequently tow heavy loads, your front tires may wear faster due to the added stress. Regular rotations help balance this wear, keeping all four tires in optimal condition for longer. Benefits of Regular Tire Rotations 1. Extended Tire Life: Uneven wear can lead to premature tire replacement. Rotating your tires regularly ensures they last longer, saving you money in the long run. 2. Improved Safety: Worn tires can reduce traction and increase stopping distances. Balanced wear provides a consistent grip on the road, enhancing safety during sudden stops or sharp turns. 3. Better Fuel Efficiency: Tires with uneven wear can create extra drag, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Properly rotated tires reduce rolling resistance for improved gas mileage. 4. Enhanced Performance: Balanced tires contribute to smoother handling and a more comfortable driving experience. This is essential for navigating Portsmouth’s diverse road conditions. Signs It’s Time for a Tire Rotation Even with regular maintenance, certain signs indicate it’s time to schedule a tire rotation: Uneven tread wear patterns Vibrations while driving Decreased fuel efficiency Pulling to one side while steering If you notice any of these issues, don’t delay scheduling your next tire rotation in Portsmouth, NH, at Holloway GMC. Addressing these signs early can prevent further damage and ensure your GMC remains road-ready.

Regular auto alignment service is a vital part of vehicle care that keeps your GMC wheels pointed exactly where the factory intended. If you drive in Portsmouth, NH, you need to visit Holloway GMC to keep your ride smooth. Misaligned wheels lead to uneven tire wear, worse gas mileage, and sloppy handling that ruins your drive. For every GMC owner in Portsmouth, NH, routine checks are the only way to protect your performance and stay safe on the road. When your alignment is off, the vehicle pulls to one side or sends vibrations through the steering wheel. These problems hurt your driving experience and lead to mechanical failures if you do not fix them fast. more Understanding Auto Alignment Service Your truck or SUV relies on precision to conquer the road. Whether you drive a Sierra 1500 with a 5.3 L V8 pumping out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, or a Yukon Denali, your suspension must be perfect. Precision alignment ensures every 20" or 22" wheel touches the pavement at the right angle. This service prevents your 13.4" infotainment screen from shaking while you use Apple CarPlay© or Android Auto©. Benefits of Regular Alignment Checks Enhanced Tire Longevity One major win from regular auto alignment service is making your tires last way longer. Misaligned wheels scrub the rubber off unevenly, which means you have to buy new tires way too often. By locking in the right alignment, you get every mile possible out of your tread and keep more cash in your pocket. Improved Fuel Efficiency Poor alignment causes your GMC to work harder than necessary just to maintain a straight path, which can significantly impact your fuel economy. Regular alignment checks ensure that your vehicle operates smoothly with minimal resistance, helping you save money at the pump. This is especially important for drivers in Portsmouth, NH, who rely on their GMC for long trips or daily commutes. Better Handling and Safety Proper alignment makes sure your GMC reacts instantly to your steering, giving you a ride that is both silkier and safer. You need this control when you navigate the tricky roads around Portsmouth, NH. Your confidence behind the wheel grows when you know your vehicle tracks true and steady. Signs Your GMC Needs an Alignment You must spot the red flags before they turn into expensive disasters. Watch out for these common signs: Tires are wearing out fast or in weird patterns The vehicle is pulling hard to the left or right A steering wheel that stays crooked while you go straight Rude vibrations felt through the steering wheel If you see these issues, you need to book an alignment check with a pro in Portsmouth, NH, right away. Fixing these glitches fast stops more damage and keeps your GMC in prime 1st class condition. Schedule Your Expert GMC Alignment Today Owners in Portsmouth, NH, can protect their vehicle health starting today with professional auto alignment service. Head over to Holloway GMC or book your spot online to make sure your GMC runs like a beast. Our master technicians deliver the high-level care your specific model requires to dominate the pavement. Standard auto alignment service is way more than a simple chore because it is a real investment in the power, safety, and life of your GMC. By hitting alignment issues early and sticking to a schedule, you get a better ride and dodge high repair bills later. Drivers in Portsmouth, NH, should always rely on Holloway GMC for every alignment need to see what elite service really feels like.

There are two kinds of engine owners. The first changes oil regularly and enjoys years of calm, dependable driving. The second delays… and eventually funds a mechanic’s vacation home. If you drive a GMC in Portsmouth, NH — where cold starts, short trips, and seasonal swings all stress engines — oil changes are not optional housekeeping. They’re mechanical survival. more Why Fresh Oil Actually Matters Engine oil does three essential things: lubricates moving parts, carries heat away, and traps contaminants. Over time it breaks down and thickens, turning from protective fluid into something closer to gritty soup. That’s when friction rises, wear accelerates, and efficiency drops. Regular oil service restores lubrication, cooling, and cleanliness in one inexpensive step — far cheaper than internal engine repairs later. How Often GMC Oil Should Be Changed Most modern GMC vehicles use synthetic oil and include an Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS). That system tracks temperature, load, and driving patterns to determine service timing. For many drivers, this lands around 7,500 miles or once per year. However, Portsmouth conditions often shorten intervals: Frequent cold starts in winter Short trips where oil never fully warms Towing or hauling loads Stop-and-go coastal traffic In these cases, earlier changes help maintain engine protection. Oil Changes and Overall GMC Reliability Consistent oil service supports everything else in the powertrain — timing components, turbochargers, valve gear, and seals. Engines that receive clean oil on schedule typically run quieter, last longer, and maintain resale value better. At Holloway GMC in Portsmouth, technicians use OEM-approved oil and filters matched to GMC engine requirements, ensuring correct viscosity and filtration performance. During service, they also check fluids, battery condition, and visible wear points — catching small issues before they become large invoices. Scheduling Service in Portsmouth, NH Oil service is quick, predictable, and far cheaper than neglect. Whether you drive a Sierra 1500, Acadia, or Yukon, maintaining interval discipline keeps the engine operating as designed through New England’s seasonal extremes. Drivers in Portsmouth, NH can schedule GMC oil change service at Holloway GMC and keep their vehicle protected with fresh oil, proper filtration, and routine inspection — the simplest way to preserve long-term engine health.

If you want to keep your GMC in optimal condition, there are a couple of things you want to do regularly. Some of these you'll do yourself, and some of them you want to take the vehicle to the GMC dealership for. Here's how to make sure your GMC is always running right. more 1. Take it to the GMC Dealership for Regular Maintenance Your GMC will come with an owner's manual that gives you a maintenance schedule. This schedule assumes normal driving conditions, but once you come to us for your first maintenance service, we can talk to you about whether you might need a different interval based on how you're using your vehicle. If you regularly tow heavy loads or drive off road, a different schedule might be right for you. These regular maintenance visits are the most important, foundational way to keep your GMC in fighting trim at all times. We take care of your tires, rotating them regularly, check on your braking system and keep it in good order, get your oil swapped out, and go over all the important elements of your car at each maintenance service to make sure we catch trouble brewing before it can become a major issue that costs you money or causes a breakdown. 2. Keep It Covered and Washed GMCs are tough, but even the toughest vehicle is going to last longer when it's protected. If you're able to keep your vehicle in a garage, it's always best to do so. If not, consider getting a cover. You don't need to use the cover constantly, but if you can protect your GMC from the worst of the direct rays of the sun and have a cover to throw on if there's ever hail in the forecast, it helps. New Hampshire weather is also hard on vehicles, particularly in the winter. Be sure to get it washed once a week whenever there's snow, ice, and road salt to protect the undercarriage and avoid rust. During the rest of the year, getting it washed at least once a month is going to be helpful and help your vehicle last as long as possible. 3. Keep an Eye on the Most Important Things Every week, get in the habit of checking your tire pressure, oil level, and to make sure there aren't any leaks under your vehicle. If you notice that a tire is regularly running out of air and has to be refilled, this might be a sign that it needs to be replaced. Your oil level should be good between maintenance and services, but if it drops, make sure to bring it in. If you see any leaks, always get help from your dealership right away. To keep your GMC in great shape, contact our service department at Holloway GMC in Portsmouth, NH today.

Regularly scheduled maintenance helps to keep your GMC running efficiently and reduces repair costs. As your GMC dealership, we'd like you to know a few signs you may need to visit us for GMC maintenance. more High Engine Temperature Your engine works most effectively at temperatures between 185°F and 220°F. When you accelerate, tow a heavy load, or drive uphill, these temperatures will naturally rise as the engine works harder. At approximately 180°F, coolant is released into the engine to control the temperature by absorbing the heat and transporting it to the radiator for removal by heat exchange. If the temperature rises above its normal operating level, the cooling system speeds up to remove heat faster. If you notice your engine temperature is climbing for no apparent reason, something is wrong. A coolant leak, a jammed thermostat, or a failed water pump are some of the possible causes. Our technicians will examine the cooling system, find the fault, and fix it. Screeching Noises A high-pitched screening noise when you brake means that one or more of your brake pads have worn down and need replacement. The brake pads fit into the brake calipers, which are forced against the wheel rotors when you hit the brakes.  The pads have a 1/2" rough material covering that generates friction against the rotors, and this friction stops the wheels. A pad's material covering slowly wears down, and as the material becomes thinner, the braking distance will increase, and braking speed will decrease. Each pad contains a metal spike buried inside the material. When a pad is due for replacement, the spike becomes visible and will scratch against the rotor each time you brake, producing an annoying screeching sound. We can replace worn pads in minutes, and the noise will disappear. Black Exhaust Smoke Thick black exhaust smoke means the toxic waste products produced by combustion aren't being converted to harmless gases by the catalytic converter. The two main causes of this problem are a fuel-rich engine or a damaged converter. If the converter is damaged, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic gases pass through the exhaust and exit as a cloud of black smoke. A fuel-rich engine contains more air than fuel in the fuel-air mixture. The lack of air means most of the fuel won't burn, and this hot, unburnt fuel is dumped into the catalytic converter. The converter can't process all of this fuel, and some of the fuel will exit the tailpipe. We'll find the cause of the problem and repair it, and the exhaust smoke will return to normal. If your GMC isn't performing as well as it should, contact our service department today at Holloway GMC in Portsmouth, NH.