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National Preparedness Month is a reminder that being ready for the unexpected can make everyday life a little easier. For North Carolina drivers, preparedness isn't only about what you keep at home. It's also worth considering what you carry in your vehicle. Weather can change quickly, road trips can take you farther from home than expected, and unexpected vehicle issues can happen without much warning. Whether you're driving around Smithfield or traveling across Johnston County, having a basic vehicle emergency kit can give you useful resources when you need them. Why Vehicle Preparedness Matters in North Carolina North Carolina drivers experience a variety of weather and road conditions throughout the year. Severe storms, heavy rain, flooding, and changing temperatures can all affect travel. Even when the weather is calm, everyday situations can create unexpected delays. A roadside preparedness kit isn't designed to solve every emergency. Instead, it gives you basic supplies that can help you remain prepared while you wait for assistance or determine your next step. What Should Go in a Car Emergency Kit? Every driver's needs are different, but there are several practical items worth keeping in your vehicle. Consider including: Flashlight with extra batteries First-aid kit Phone charger or portable power bank Bottled water Nonperishable snacks Jumper cables Basic tool kit Tire pressure gauge Blankets or extra clothing Reflective warning items Work gloves Rain gear Paper towels or other basic cleanup supplies You may also want to keep copies of important emergency contact information in a convenient location. Don't Forget Your Tires A tire problem can happen at an inconvenient time, making tire preparedness an important part of roadside planning. Check your tires regularly for proper inflation and visible damage. Also make sure you know whether your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire, tire repair equipment, or another type of tire-inflation system. If you're unsure how your Buick or GMC's tire-related equipment works, your service team can help you understand the equipment included with your vehicle. Keep Your Phone Ready A mobile phone can be one of the most useful tools in an emergency, but only if it has enough power. Keeping a charging cable and portable power bank in your vehicle can provide another option if your phone battery becomes low. Before a longer trip, it's also smart to make sure you know your route and have important destinations or addresses available. Prepare for Severe Weather Severe weather can create challenging driving conditions. If dangerous weather is approaching, the safest choice may be to delay your trip when possible. If you're already on the road and conditions deteriorate, slow down and adjust your driving to the situation. Drivers should be especially cautious around: Heavy rain Standing water Reduced visibility Strong winds Flooded roads Debris in the roadway Sudden changes in traffic conditions Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway when you cannot determine how deep the water is. Turning around can be safer than taking an unnecessary risk. Keep Your Buick or GMC Maintained Emergency preparedness isn't just about what you keep inside your vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle is another important part of being prepared for the road. Routine service can help you stay current on maintenance items such as tires, fluids, brakes, batteries, and other vehicle systems. Before a long trip, consider checking: Tire pressure Engine oil level Coolant Windshield washer fluid Exterior lights Wiper blades Battery condition Dashboard warning lights If something doesn't seem right, having it inspected before a trip may help you avoid an inconvenient roadside issue. Build a Kit That Fits Your Family There isn't one emergency kit that works for every driver. Families with children may want to add additional snacks, water, medications, or comfort items. Drivers who regularly travel long distances may want to carry additional supplies. Someone who primarily drives around Smithfield may have different needs than a driver frequently traveling throughout North Carolina. The goal is simple: think about the situations you're most likely to encounter and prepare accordingly. Visit Deacon Jones GM of Smithfield for Service National Preparedness Month is a good reminder to think about what you can do before an unexpected situation occurs. A vehicle emergency kit, regular maintenance, and smart driving habits can all play a role in roadside preparedness. If your Buick or GMC is due for service, the team at Deacon Jones GM of Smithfield can help you keep your vehicle ready for the road. From Smithfield to Raleigh and surrounding Johnston County communities, make vehicle preparedness part of your routine. Schedule your next Buick or GMC service appointment today.

As summer temperatures begin to fade, fall is a great time for North Carolina drivers to give their vehicles some extra attention. Cooler mornings, changing weather, and more family travel can put different demands on your vehicle. For GM drivers in Smithfield, Raleigh, and throughout Johnston County, a seasonal checkup can help keep your vehicle ready for the months ahead. From tire care to fluid levels, a few routine maintenance items can make a difference in how confidently you travel this fall. Why Fall Is a Good Time for Vehicle Maintenance Summer driving can be tough on a vehicle. Hot temperatures, long road trips, heavy air-conditioning use, and stop-and-go traffic can all contribute to wear. Fall provides a natural opportunity to check the condition of important components before winter arrives. A fall maintenance visit can help you: Identify worn or damaged components Check tire condition and inflation Inspect fluids and filters Evaluate battery condition Make sure lights are working properly Address routine maintenance that may have been postponed Prepare your vehicle for changing weather and road conditions Taking care of smaller maintenance needs now may help you avoid having them become larger concerns later. Check Your Tires Before Fall Travel Your tires are one of the most important parts of your Buick or GMC. They provide the contact between your vehicle and the road, making tire condition especially important as weather and temperatures change. Start by checking your tire pressure according to the manufacturer's recommended specifications. Tire pressure can change as temperatures fluctuate, so checking periodically is important. You should also pay attention to: Uneven tread wear Low tread depth Visible cracks or damage Bulges or punctures Tire pressure warnings Vibration or pulling while driving If your vehicle is due for a tire rotation, fall can be a convenient time to have it completed. Don't Forget Your Fluids Your vehicle relies on several fluids to help its systems operate properly. A seasonal maintenance check can help identify low levels, leaks, or fluids that may require attention. Depending on your vehicle and its maintenance schedule, your Buick or GMC service team can inspect items such as: Engine oil Coolant Brake fluid Transmission fluid Windshield washer fluid Following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual is an important part of keeping your vehicle running as intended. Inspect the Battery North Carolina winters may not bring the extreme temperatures found in some parts of the country, but cooler weather can still make battery condition worth checking. If your vehicle has shown signs such as slow starting, dimming lights, or other electrical concerns, don't wait for the problem to become more inconvenient. A battery inspection can help determine whether your current battery is performing as expected. Check Your Lights and Wipers Earlier sunsets and changing weather can make visibility especially important during fall. Walk around your Buick or GMC and check that your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and other exterior lights are functioning properly. Your windshield wipers also deserve attention. If they leave streaks, skip across the windshield, or don't clear water effectively, replacing them may improve visibility during rainy weather. It's also a good idea to make sure your windshield washer fluid reservoir is filled. Prepare Your Buick Chevy, or GMC for Fall Driving Whether you're commuting around Smithfield, heading to Dunn, traveling through Kenly, or making a weekend trip from Benson, seasonal maintenance can help you stay prepared. A simple fall checklist includes: Check tire pressure and condition. Schedule a tire rotation if needed. Inspect engine oil and other fluids. Check the battery. Test exterior lights. Inspect windshield wipers. Review your vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule. Address warning lights or unusual noises promptly. These steps don't replace your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, but they can help you identify areas that deserve attention. Schedule GM Service in Smithfield Fall is a convenient time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the season ahead. Whether your Buick or GMC needs routine maintenance, a tire rotation, an inspection, or additional service, the service team at Deacon Jones GM of Smithfield can help you stay on top of your vehicle's maintenance needs. Drivers from Smithfield and nearby communities, including Dunn, Kenly, and Benson, can turn to our dealership for Buick, Chevy, and GMC service. Don't wait until a maintenance concern becomes a bigger inconvenience. Schedule your next service appointment and get your GM ready for fall driving.