The Buick and GMC owner's guide to service, parts and collision repair

Service, Parts & Collision Guide

The Buick and GMC owner's guide to service, parts and collision repair

Updated . Written by the Haley Buick GMC Midlothian service team.

The short answer

This guide answers the questions Buick and GMC owners ask us most about maintenance, Virginia state inspections, recalls, genuine GM parts and collision repair. Haley Buick GMC Midlothian's service department repairs and maintains all makes and models, with factory-trained Buick and GMC technicians, Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-2pm. Our parts counter keeps the same hours, and our collision center repairs all makes, works with all insurers and is open Monday through Friday 8am-5:30pm. Ready to book? Go straight to Schedule Service, Order Parts or our Collision Center.

At a glance

Service and Parts hours
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm
Collision repair
All makes, all insurers
Virginia inspection fee cap
$20 per inspection
Recall repairs
Free at any GM dealer
On this page
  1. Start here: book service, order parts or get an estimate
  2. Service guide
  3. What a service visit is like
  4. Maintenance basics for Buick and GMC owners
  5. How to read your multipoint inspection
  6. Recalls, including the GM 6.2L V8 recall
  7. Virginia state inspections
  8. Dealer service vs. an independent shop
  9. Seasonal service for Central Virginia
  10. Parts guide
  11. Genuine GM parts vs. aftermarket
  12. GM parts warranty at a glance
  13. Ordering parts and accessories
  14. Collision repair guide
  15. How collision repair works, step by step
  16. More guides
  17. Frequently asked questions

Start here: book service, order parts or get an estimate

Where to go for what you need
You want to...Go toHours
Book maintenance, repairs, recalls or a state inspectionSchedule service or visit our Service CenterMon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm
Order genuine GM parts or accessoriesOrder parts online or call the parts counterMon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm
Get a collision repair estimateOur Collision Center, for all makes and all insurersMon-Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat-Sun closed

One number for every department: (804) 525-9626.

The rest of this guide answers the questions Buick and GMC owners ask us most, in three parts: the service guide, the parts guide and the collision repair guide. Factory-trained technicians, genuine GM parts and complimentary Wi-Fi in the waiting area come standard.

Buick and GMC vehicles on lifts in a service bay
Factory-trained technicians service Buick and GMC vehicles here, and the service department repairs all makes and models.

Service guide

Everything you need to know to keep a Buick or GMC running well in Central Virginia, from booking a visit to recalls and state inspections.

What a service visit is like

  1. Book online or by phone. Schedule online any time or call (804) 525-9626; tell us about warning lights, noises or recall notices so the right technician is ready.
  2. Check in with an advisor. Your advisor confirms the work, the estimate and when you'll hear from us. Wait in our lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi, or ask about a ride or loaner. Vehicles bought here get a loaner during major service through the Haley Advantage Rewards loaner program, on qualified vehicles.
  3. Review the inspection. Your multipoint inspection comes back green, yellow or red, and nothing beyond what you approved is done without your OK.
  4. Pick up and pay. Your repair order lists every part and labor operation, and GM stores the service record so the next GM dealer can see it.

Maintenance basics for Buick and GMC owners

Your owner's manual and the GM maintenance schedule are the authority for your vehicle. These are the items most owners ask about.

Common maintenance items
ItemHow GM handles itWhat we recommend for Central Virginia
Engine oilChange when the Oil Life Monitor calls for it, and at least once a yearFollow the monitor; short trips and stop-and-go Route 288 traffic can shorten oil life
Tire rotationTypically every 7,500 miles (check your schedule)Rotate with every oil change for even wear
Tire treadVirginia inspection rejects tread at 2/32 inch or lessReplace around 4/32 inch before ice season; water and ice grip drops sharply on worn tires
BrakesInspected at every multipoint inspectionReplace pads when measured thickness nears the minimum, not by a mileage guess
BatteryTested at multipoint inspectionsTest before the first hard freeze; cold weather exposes weak batteries
Wipers and washer fluidWear itemsReplace before freezing-rain season; use a de-icing washer fluid

Intervals vary by model, engine and driving conditions. Your specific schedule is in your owner's manual and the myGMC or myBuick app.

Close-up of a Buick SUV tire and black alloy wheel
Virginia's safety inspection rejects tread at 2/32 inch or less. We recommend replacing tires at around 4/32 inch before ice season.

How to read your multipoint inspection

Every visit includes a multipoint inspection that sorts findings into three colors. Here's what each means and how to decide what to do today.

Diagnostic scan tool resting on a vehicle under an open hood
A diagnostic scan reads stored trouble codes and system data, so the technician starts from facts rather than guesses.
Green, yellow, red: what each means
ColorMeaningWhat to do
GreenChecked and in good conditionNothing now
YellowWearing or approaching a limitPlan for it; ask for the measurement and a rough timeline
RedAt or past a safety limit, or failingFix now or before your next long drive
  • Ask for measurements, not adjectives. Brake pads are measured in millimeters and tires in 32nds of an inch. A number tells you how much life is left.
  • Ask what happens if you wait. Some items, like a cabin air filter, can wait. Others, like brake pads at the minimum, can't.
  • Compare against your maintenance schedule. If a recommendation isn't in GM's schedule, ask why it's being recommended for your vehicle.

Our guide to service recommendations shows how our technicians measure brakes and prioritize repairs.

Recalls, including the GM 6.2L V8 recall

Recall repairs are performed at no charge at any GM dealer, regardless of where you bought the vehicle. The recall most of our truck and SUV owners ask about is GM recall 25V-274, which covers 2021-2024 GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL models with the 6.2L L87 V8. The remedy involves an engine inspection and, depending on the result, an engine repair or replacement, along with a change to a specified engine oil.

Call (804) 525-9626 to check any GM vehicle for open recalls and schedule the work. Loaners for recall repairs aren't guaranteed; for significant repairs we may provide one, decided case by case, so ask when you schedule.

Virginia state inspections

Virginia requires an annual safety inspection, and state law caps the fee at $20 for a passenger vehicle. If your vehicle is rejected, you can bring it back to the same station within the validity period of the rejection sticker (15 days) and the re-inspection costs $1. Inspectors check brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights, horn, wipers, mirrors, glass and window tint, exhaust and more.

If you bought your vehicle from us, your annual inspection is included for life as part of the Haley Advantage on qualified vehicles. Our Virginia state inspection guide lists the items we see fail most often.

The Haley Advantage logo
Qualified vehicles bought from Haley Buick GMC Midlothian get lifetime Virginia state inspections through the Haley Advantage.

Dealer service vs. an independent shop

You don't have to service your vehicle at a dealer to keep your warranty; federal law lets you use any qualified shop, as long as you follow the maintenance schedule and keep records. Here's an honest comparison.

Choosing where to service your Buick or GMC
GM dealer service (Haley Buick GMC Midlothian)Independent repair shop
Warranty and recall repairsYes, at no chargeNo; must be done by a GM dealer
Technician trainingGM factory training on Buick and GMC systemsVaries by shop
PartsGenuine GM partsGenuine or aftermarket, by shop
Software updates and module programmingGM tools and updatesOften limited
Routine maintenance priceAsk about current service specialsOften lower for basic services
RecordsStored in GM's system and visible to the next dealerKeep your own receipts

Seasonal service for Central Virginia

A Central Virginia service calendar
SeasonWhy it matters hereWhat to check
Fall (Oct-Nov)Deer collisions peak and evening commutes go dark after the clocks changeHeadlight aim and lens clarity, wipers, tire tread
Winter (Dec-Feb)Freezing rain and black ice are more common than deep snowBattery test, tires, washer fluid, brakes
Spring (Mar-May)Pollen season and pothole repairsCabin air filter, alignment, wipers
Summer (Jun-Aug)Heat, humidity and lake towing seasonA/C, coolant, transmission and trailer wiring

Parts guide

How to choose and order the right parts and accessories for your vehicle.

Genuine GM parts vs. aftermarket

Genuine GM vs. aftermarket parts
Genuine GM partsAftermarket parts
FitEngineered for your specific vehicleDesigned to fit a range of vehicles
WarrantyUp to 24 months/unlimited miles on many parts, and a limited lifetime warranty on select parts (see below)Varies by brand
PriceUsually higherUsually lower
Best forSafety systems, collision repair, sensors and anything under warrantySome routine wear items, when quality is verified

GM parts warranty at a glance

GM parts limited warranties
CoverageGM Original Equipment partsGold parts (ACDelco)Silver parts (ACDelco)
24 months / unlimited milesEngine components, steering and driveline, air conditioning, air filters, starters and alternators, brakes, emission control, fuel filters, ignition, oil filters, thermostats and caps, TPMS, transmission filters, water pumpsBearings, brakes, conventional spark plugs, glow plugs, heavy-duty filters, marine spark plugs, remanufactured integral parts, remanufactured power steering pumps, remanufactured rack-and-pinion gears, window regulators, wipers (Professional and Specialty), wires and cables-
Limited lifetimeChassis parts, electric fuel pumps, front and rear bumper fascia/covers, ignition wire sets and single leads, radiators, sheet metal (against rust-through perforation while the original purchaser owns the vehicle), shock absorbers, struts and lift supports, wheel hub bearings, wire setsBelts and hoses (Professional and Specialty), chassis, chassis parts and universal joints-
12 months / unlimited miles--Brakes, chassis, shocks, wipers

Limited warranties apply to parts purchased April 1, 2018, and later, to the original retail purchaser. Contact our parts team for limited warranty details, qualifications and possible labor coverage.

Ordering parts and accessories

Our parts counter sells genuine GM parts and accessories for Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac to individuals and repair shops, Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-2pm. Order parts online or call (804) 525-9626 with your VIN so we can match the exact part. Service can install accessories like running boards, tonneau covers and hitches. See our GM parts and accessories guide.

Collision repair guide

What to do after an accident, how insurance and estimates work, and what a quality repair includes.

How collision repair works, step by step

Haley Buick GMC Midlothian's collision center repairs all makes and models and works with all insurance companies. Here's what to expect after an accident.

  1. Get safe and document it. Photos of all vehicles, the scene and the other driver's insurance information.
  2. File your claim. Deer strikes are usually comprehensive claims; most crashes with another vehicle or object are collision or liability claims.
  3. Choose your shop. In Virginia you generally have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired, even if your insurer suggests a shop.
  4. Get an estimate. We inspect the damage and write an estimate; hidden damage found during teardown is submitted to your insurer as a supplement.
  5. Repair and calibration. Body and frame work, factory-matched paint and, when bumpers, windshields or sensors are disturbed, calibration of driver-assistance cameras and radar.
  6. Quality check and pickup. We road-test and inspect before you pick it up.
Technician polishing a repaired black vehicle panel
Paint finishing is one of the last steps in a collision repair: the repaired panel is polished to match the factory finish.

Ready for an estimate? Visit our Collision Center. Planning ahead for deer season and winter ice? Read what to do if you hit a deer and what to do after a winter fender-bender.

More service, parts and collision guides

Each guide below goes deeper on one topic from this page. New guides are added as they publish.

Collision centerAll makes, all insurers.
GM 6.2L V8 recall centerCovered models, VIN check and status updates.Publishing Oct 20
What to do if you hit a deerNight-driving safety tech and the first 10 minutes.Publishing Oct 27
Virginia state inspection guideWhat fails, how long it takes, lifetime inspections.Publishing Oct 29
Genuine GM parts and accessoriesOrdering, cost and warranty.Publishing Nov 10
Thanksgiving road-trip checklistHoliday prep and hours.Publishing Nov 23
How much does transmission repair cost?Repair vs. rebuild vs. replace for GM trucks and SUVs.Publishing Dec 2
Which service recommendations can wait?How we measure and prioritize.Publishing Dec 4
How much does brake pad replacement cost?Pads, rotors and what our technicians measure.Publishing Dec 9
After a winter fender-benderInsurance, repairs and hidden damage.Publishing Dec 11
Accessory gift guideParts-counter picks by budget.Publishing Dec 14
Cold-morning battery and tire checksWinter prep for Central Virginia.Publishing Dec 17
What do the numbers on a tire mean?Tire sizes decoded, plus tires for the Sierra 1500.Publishing Dec 30

Frequently asked questions

Is this the Haley Buick GMC Airport service department?

No. This guide is for Haley Buick GMC Midlothian at 9831 Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County. Haley Buick GMC Airport is a separate store in Sandston with its own service department, phone number and hours; visit pickhaley.com to reach it.

How is this guide different from the Service Center and Collision Center pages?

This guide answers common questions about maintenance, inspections, recalls, parts and collision repair. To book an appointment, order parts or request a repair estimate, use our Service Center, Order Parts and Collision Center pages, which have the scheduling tools and forms.

Do you service vehicles I didn't buy from you?

Yes. Our service department provides certified repair and maintenance for all makes and models, not just GM vehicles, wherever you bought them. Buick and GMC owners also get factory-trained technicians and genuine GM parts.

Does the collision center work on other brands?

Yes. Our collision center repairs all makes and models and works with all insurance companies.

How much does a Virginia state inspection cost?

State law caps the fee at $20 for a passenger vehicle. A re-inspection at the same station within 15 days of a rejection costs $1. Vehicles bought from Haley Buick GMC Midlothian get lifetime state inspections on qualified vehicles.

Is my truck part of the 6.2L engine recall?

Recall 25V-274 covers 2021-2024 GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL models with the 6.2L L87 V8. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call (804) 525-9626. Recall work is free at any GM dealer.

Do I have to service my car at the dealer to keep the warranty?

No. You can use any qualified shop if you follow GM's maintenance schedule and keep records. Warranty and recall repairs themselves must be done by a GM dealer.

Can I choose my own body shop after an accident in Virginia?

Generally, yes. Virginia lets you choose where your vehicle is repaired, even if your insurance company recommends a shop.

Do you sell parts to the public?

Yes. Our parts counter sells genuine GM parts and accessories to individuals and repair shops, Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-2pm.

What warranty comes with genuine GM parts?

Many GM Original Equipment parts carry a 24-month/unlimited-mile limited warranty, and select parts such as chassis parts, radiators, shocks and struts carry a limited lifetime warranty. ACDelco Silver parts carry 12 months/unlimited miles. Coverage applies to parts purchased April 1, 2018, and later, to the original retail purchaser; ask our parts team about details and possible labor coverage.

Talk to a real person at Haley Buick GMC Midlothian

9831 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235. Sales Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm. Service and Parts Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm.