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You've taken the plunge and brought home your shiny new car. It's a thing of beauty which you'll be admiring for a while every time you see it. You'll likely be hearing advice from friends and neighbors who stop by to see your new ride. You'll want to protect your investment and performing simple preventative maintenance on your vehicle will go a long way. Here are a few tips from King O'Rourke Cadillac Buick GMC in Smithtown to take care of your new vehicle. BrakesNew brake pads on new brake rotors don't really require a break-in procedure. The texture deliberately left on the surface of the iron discs will grind down the fresh surface of the pad material within a few miles. Even so, refrain from high-speed stops or dragging the brakes for a few hundred miles. OilChange the oil regularly and check the oil levels between oil changes to keep it running smoothly. InteriorA generous dousing of Scotchgard or a similar protectant on the cloth upholstery and carpets will keep dirt, pollen and mildew from clinging. ExteriorProtect the paint surface from harsh environmental elements and prevent premature aging with a car wax, paint protectant or paint sealant.

A set of summer wheels in a tire warehouse, against the background of tire racks. Beautiful cool alloy wheels on a black background, seasonal tire fitting and overshooting, wheel storage Tire maintenance is important because your tires are the only part of your car that has direct contact with the road. Tires affect your vehicle handling, ride, braking, and safety. The team at King O Rourke in Smithtown is available to help but these are great tips to know on your own. Checking your tires on a regular basis is an important step in protecting your safety and your automotive investment. Ideally, tire inspections should be performed monthly. If you drive over potholes and debris in the road, live in a cold climate, or drive long distances regularly, then you should inspect your tires more often. Also checking tire air pressure, and regular tire maintenance such as rotation, alignment and inspections can help you save money. That is something Smithtown area drivers will love. Things to Look For: • Over inflation: Too much air pressure causes mostly the tire's middle section to contact the road. This creates wear primarily in the center of the tread, with less wear at the tire's edges. • Under inflation: Too little air pressure causes mostly the tire's outer edges to contact the road. This creates wear primarily on both edges of the tire tread, with less wear in the center. • Tread wear on one edge of the tire: This typically occurs when the wheels are out of alignment. • Erratic tread wear: This is often called cupping, and may mean the wheel is out of balance, or that the shock absorbers or other suspension components need to be replaced. • Raised portion of the tread or sidewall: May indicate that one of the belts in the tire carcass has separated from those next to it. • There are several tire maintenance procedures that automotive repair professionals should do because they require special tools and knowledge. However, understanding these procedures will help you feel more confident.

The 2017 GMC Acadia and Acadia Limited have arrived to Smithtown, NY at King O'Rourke Cadillac Buick GMC. We are so excited and have put together highlights about this amazing vehicle. 2017 GMC Acadia and Acadia Limited are available.GMC introduces the 2017 GMC Acadia-a reimagined crossover aimed at the heart of the midsize segment, designed to offer great versatility and refinement, with more advanced safety technologies.The new Acadia offers more-efficient powertrains, while continuing to offer three rows of seating on most models. The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability. A new, available 3.6L V-6 engine is more powerful and efficient than the current model, while offering 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). It is GM-estimated at 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 25 mpg highway (FWD models - EPA estimate not available). The new Acadia offers a greater emphasis on refinement, while remaining instantly recognizable with an evolution of the vehicle's signature, professional grade design cues such as a chrome-trimmed grille, squared off and flared wheel arches and wraparound rear side windows with dark D-pillars.

Modern eco-friendly man recharging electric vehicle from EV charging station, using Innovative EV technology utilization for tracking energy usage to optimize battery charging on smartphone.Synchronos; Shutterstock ID 2391215953; purchase_order: -; client: - Ever heard the saying, 'there's an app for that'? Well, it holds true. There are smartphone apps for just about everything and you can use an app to find your car, your destination or the cheapest gas in the area, all from your smartphone. Use your phone to help diagnose problems or to entertain the kids as you scoot around town. Edmunds.com has compiled a great list of apps for Smithtown drivers that we have shared here. GasBuddy - FreeAvailable for: iOS, Android and BlackberryUse this app to compare gas prices and save time driving around to different gas stations. The Web site posts local gas prices in an easy-to-use format and in the different grades, including diesel. Dynolicious Classic - $8.99Available for: iOSDynolicious uses the iPhone's built-in accelerometers to gauge lateral and longitudinal acceleration and horsepower. The results are 0-60 and quarter-mile numbers. You can graph, save and compare the results, too. There's also Dynolicious Fusion ($12.99) that allows you to share your results online. Repair Pal - FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidThis is a great solution to calling different mechanics for pricing and inquiries. Use the app now! Just select your car and the type of repair needed, and it'll spit out what you might expect to pay in your area. It's based on the repairpal.com Web site and functions the same. Witness Driving - $0.99Available for: iOS and AndroidDash cams are here to stay and can help protect you from bad drivers and monitor the roads while you're driving. With Witness Driving you can convert your smartphone to a dashcam for $.099 versus spending up to $300 for an installed dash cam. Witness Driving logs time, date, speed, location and acceleration. There's even an accident detection feature that can send a notification e-mail. Waze - FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidThis is such an easy and popular app because Waze is more than a navigation app. It's community driven, using user data to pinpoint traffic jams, accidents and gas prices in real time. It even warns you if law enforcement is right around the corner. When heavy delays are shown, Waze will also route you around it as best it can. Traffic isn't limited to highways and major arteries, either. Side streets can be included, too. Car Minder Plus - $2.99Available for: iOSCar maintenance is important and Car Minder reminds you when it's time for scheduled maintenance as well as logging service and repairs. You'll have to input the maintenance schedule yourself from the owner's manual, but it's worth it. Car Minder also tracks your fuel economy and can distill all of that data into an easy-to-read graph. On top of it all, you can manage multiple vehicles. Real Racing 3 - FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidAnd now for a little fun. Good racing games are rare. Good mobile racing games are even rarer. Somehow, Real Racing 3 squeezes great graphics, stunning sound and entertaining gameplay into your smartphone. It's a heavy one, though, eating up more than a gig of memory, but hey, it's free!Tracks include Laguna Seca (minus the oak tree in the corkscrew), Spa, Bathurst, Silverstone, Suzuka and the Hockenheimring. There are also quite a few variants of these tracks, too. Car highlights include the Audi R8, Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCXR, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda R, Porsche 918 Spyder and SRT Viper GTS. PlugShare - FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidUse PlugShare to find the closes charge station for your plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. The PlugShare app makes it easy by showing you the closest charge station and breaking them down by which ones are home, public, quick-charge and in use.

The 2018 Cadillac CT6 is Cadillac's prestige full-size sedan and we are excited to share the updates for this model year. Changes include new paint colors, a new CUE and a high-pressure washer for rear-facing camera lens. Available new colors are:Satin Steel Metallic (available at extra charge; no additional charge on Platinum)Stone Gray Metallic (available at extra charge; no additional charge on Platinum; late availability)Red Horizon Tintcoat (available at extra charge; late availability) Updates have been made to the interior as well with auto-ventilated front seats and an automatic heated steering wheel, which now operate after the vehicle has been turned on. In addition, the range-topping CT6 Platinum trim level gets a leather-wrapped driver-side airbag cover, and the illuminated trunk sill plate is now installed at the factory, rather than an LPO-level item installed by the dealer. Technology updates are also key for this model year. The CUE infotainment system is updated to version 2.6. This means drivers will benefit from two main changes: Collection: this is essentially an app store for the CUE infotainment system. The CUE Collection enables users to easily browse, select and install apps that enhance the driving experience. Using the vehicle's touch screen, users can customize their content with music, audiobooks, weather and more (data plan rates may apply). CUE Collection is only available with the CUE system with navigation (IO6). The update also includes Teen Driver- a feature that lets drivers activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob to encourage safe driving behavior. The Teen Driver feature can limit certain vehicle features, and prevents certain safety systems from being turned off. It also provides an in-vehicle report about your teen's driving habits and helps parents continue to coach their new driver. The 2018 CT6 will be available later this year. Contact us to learn more.

Did you know that no network footage exists of Super Bowl I? Apparently it was taped over for a soap opera. This is just one of the fun facts we unearthed about the Super Bowl. For some, the Super Bowl is the biggest event of the year and it stirs up a lot of passion and healthy competition among football fans and party goers alike. If you love the game or just love a good party the Super Bowl delivers on both fronts. Fun Food Facts • Americans will spend more than $50 million on food in the four days prior to the Super Bowl. • Holy guacamole! 8 million pounds of guac and 14,500 tons of chips will be eaten. • Beer sales go up about $17 million during Super Bowl week. • Americans will drink 50 million cases of beer on Super Bowl Sunday Trophy Facts • At every Super Bowl, two Lombardi trophies are present in the unfortunate event that one is accidentally destroyed in the celebrations. • Each Super Bowl trophy is handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. master artisans at their workshop in Parsippany, New Jersey, and is valued at $12,500. • Each Super Bowl trophy takes approximately four months and 72 man-hours to create. It is all about the commercials! SuperBowl commercials are legendary. About 1 out of 12 people watching the game will be suffering through the boring football part just to see the commercials. Nowadays, a 30-second commercial costs $4 million, but during the first Super Bowl, it was only $42,000. Game Facts • Fewest points by a Super Bowl-winning team (The Dolphins in Super Bowl VII). They only scored 3 points! • A quarterback has been named Super Bowl MVP- 27 times! • The Super Bowl is measured in Roman numerals because a football season runs over two calendar years. This helps us keep track.

Traffic jam caused by heavy snowfall; Shutterstock ID 181434695; purchase_order: 1234; client: The holiday season often includes driving to visit friends and family in the Smithtown area. It also means heavy road traffic and sometimes winter weather can throw a wrench into the most well-planned trip. Also, this year's low gas prices mean many people will probably choose to drive this holiday season so stay alert while driving and learn to spot and avoid hazards using these tips. These driving tips from King O'Rourke Cadillac Buick GMC can help you motor with confidence this holiday season. Use Defensive Driving TipsDefensive driving means taking reasonable action to prevent a collision. But defensive driving starts before you even get on the road. Checking weather and road conditions in advance helps you plan a route and know what to expect along the way. It's also important to pack the car with basic supplies. A first aid kit, flares, snacks and blankets ensure you're ready for emergencies on long drives. 1. Checking your mirrors every three to five seconds and continuously scanning ahead for possible dangers. 2. During heavy traffic, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and give yourself ample response time by slowing your speed. 3. Look for signs of impaired, distracted and even aggressive driving and develop techniques like deep breathing to keep calm under pressure. Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA's telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

colorful autumn leaves. fall season concept background; Shutterstock ID 1208692903; purchase_order: 0001; client: Sincro-BlogMigration Cooler evenings have arrived to Smithtown and surrounding areas. Drivers may encounter slippery roads, higher winds and cooler temperatures. Take advantage of this time of year to make sure your vehicle is ready for the fall weather. Also, October is Fall Car Care Month so now it is the perfect time to give your vehicle some TLC. Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, King O'Rourke Cadillac Buick GMC recommends five proactive steps to make sure your car is ready for fall driving. Basic car care goes a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of a vehicle. 1. Battery - Keep the battery connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Cold weather is hard on batteries, so it's wise to check the battery and charging system. Because batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail, it is advisable to replace batteries that are more than three years old. 2. Heater, Defrosters and Wiper Blades - Check that the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system are working properly as heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting. Fall is also a great time to check your air filters. Wiper blades that are torn, cracked or don't properly clean your windshield should be replaced. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. When changing the blades, be sure to also check the fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir. 3. Tires - Check the tires, including the tire pressure and tread depth. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly as tires lose pressure when temperatures drop. 4. Brakes - Have the brake system checked, including brake linings, rotors and drums. Brakes are critical to vehicle safety and particularly important when driving on icy or snow-covered roads. You can also download a car care guide here with the National Car Care organization.

Thinking about a new SUV? The 2016 Buick Encore is a great option for Smithtown drivers. The Encore is a pocket-sized Enclave and features some of the big Buick SUV's traits. Its stylish cabin is feature rich, quiet, and comfortable for four. The base engine is a 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo four, which delivers on fuel economy but struggles under heavy loads. The Sport boost output to 153 hp for a bit more zip. Handling is fairly agile and the ride is silky smooth. King O'Rourke has 80 Buick Encores on hand including the FWD and AWD models. You can view inventory here. All models offer room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet (1,371 liters) of storage space, along with a confident, higher driving position. Standard features include 10 air bags, StabiliTrak stability enhancement and a 138-horsepower (102 kW) Ecotec 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain - rated at 33 mpg on the highway (FWD models) - along with technologies such as Buick's voice-activated IntelliLink and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot (includes a three-month/3GB data trial). Buick's exclusive QuietTuning is also standard and includes Bose® Active Noise Cancellation technology. Encore offers available safety features including rear cross traffic alert and side blind zone alert systems with the Convenience Package. Encore Premium models offer front- and rear-park assist, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Experience Buick Protection on all 2016 Buick models includes the first two visits of scheduled maintenance services for two years/24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It complements Buick's four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

The Buick Envision is a great option if you're looking for a compact SUV that feels nimble. The Envision's stylish exterior and well-styled cabin are appealing, while its value-packed features list serves as the cherry on top. A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gives 252 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. An eight-inch touchscreen, active noise cancellation, and Bose audio are standard features. High-tech features such as a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and a collision-mitigation system are optional. The Envision seats 5 comfortably and averages 26 mpg with an intelligent twin-clutch all-wheel drive. Stay connected and confident behind the wheel with available intuitive technology like a Surround Vision Camera and Automatic Park Assist. Smart innovations like an available 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and OnStar services personalize, protect and elevate the experience for everyone. Performance includes responsive steering, improved cornering and reduced noise and vibration. We think the Buick Envision is pretty incredible and you'll have to see it for yourself. If you're ready to stop reading and start driving, please contact the dealership to learn more information about the 2016 Buick Envision. You can reach us at (631) 982-4447.

Helping a local hero! Army Corporal Christopher Levi will be the recipient of a 'smart' home on Long Island as part of the GMC Enlist Me Program. Levi was severely injured when the armored Humvee he was traveling in Iraq was hit by an improvised explosive device. The blast severed both legs at mid-thigh and injured his hand. King O'Rourke has already raised $1000 towards this worthy cause this past week through donations in the service department. Smithtown military veterans are pitching in to help this amazing program for injured military service members.

We are proud to support our nation's military and will be collecting donations for the GMC Enlist Me program. You can make a contribution during your service visit at King O'Rourke with one of our service advisors or online at www.ourbravest.org/enlistme. The Smithtown, New York area is home to 2 Military Bases and 1 Air Force base so this program touches home for our community. The GMC Enlist ME Program is a national charity partnership with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and their Building for America's Bravest (BFAB) Program. Through this vital program, funds are raised to build custom-designed, specially adapted "smart homes" for our nation's most catastrophically injured military service members. Energy efficient, automated, and easily accessible, these innovative homes use "adaptive technology" to help these courageous men and women live better, more independent lives. The foundation, named after Stephen Siller, a New York City Firefighter who heroically sacrificed his life as a first responder on September 11, 2001, seeks to build a minimum of 200 smart homes for deserving veterans who eagerly await. To date, with the help of other major corporate sponsors, the foundation has built or is in the process of building 44 homes, but there is a long way to go. As each smart home costs nearly $500,000 to build, it will take the help of all of us to make a difference.GMC launched a national campaign called #enlistme. This will serve as a rallying cry to stir people to act. We want to lead the charge to help build more smart homes and invite people to "enlist" to "unlist" these service members from the waitlist.