Storm Season Body Parts: GMC Yukon XL Edition

Hail, glass and lamp replacement without going aftermarket. Applied to a 2015-2020 Yukon XL, here is what that looks like.

Suspension

Watch for the nose diving noticeably further under braking than it did new. Shocks and struts are wear items. Plan on inspection at 50,000 miles and replacement somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 depending on road quality and load.

Body and Exterior

Watch for a hazy or yellowed headlamp lens that no longer projects a sharp cutoff. Not a scheduled item. These are damage and failure replacements.

Filters and Fluids

Watch for a slight hesitation on hard acceleration with a dirty air filter. Follow the oil life monitor rather than a fixed mileage. Engine air filter every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. Transmission service intervals vary widely by transmission and by whether you tow.

Cooling System

Watch for a temperature gauge that climbs in traffic and drops back on the highway. GM’s long-life coolant is generally rated for 5 years or 150,000 miles on the first fill and 5 years or 100,000 miles after that. Hoses and the surge tank should be inspected annually once past 80,000 miles.

The Short Version

Shocks: Trim and package content matters enormously here. Off-road packages, air ride and adaptive or magnetic damping all use different parts than the base vehicle wearing the same model name.
Mirrors: Trim level changes almost every exterior part. Take a photo of the connector on the part you are replacing before you order.
Oil filters: Engine size and emissions equipment change the filter, and diesel filter kits in particular are not interchangeable across model years.
Radiators: Engine, tow package and rear-A/C content all change the radiator and hose part numbers. Have the VIN ready.

Ordering is easiest if you have the VIN in front of you. Head to our GMC OEM parts catalog to shop by vehicle, or search for Yukon XL parts to go straight to a part.