7 Tips From a Hummer Parts Guy
You bought a Hummer because you knew it was going to be a safe vehicle, something that would really be built to perform for a long time to come.
Each of the original H1 (’92-’06), newer H2 (’03-’09), and newest H3 (’06-’10) models provide a class leader in size, style, and capability. In spite of not being made currently, all three models still turn heads down every road they travel.
Thankfully, these beloved vehicles are still supported by plenty of aftermarket parts suppliers, so you won’t be left stranded for parts and maintenance.
Now that you’ve bought one for yourself, here are 7 key tips from a Hummer parts guy that you can keep in mind during your ownership!
1. It Pays to Know a Hummer Parts Guy
With Hummer dealerships going the way of the dinosaurs, it’s a great idea to find a mechanic you can count on to service your Hummer. While most of the parts on the H2 and H3 Hummers are coming from the GM parts bin, they were still adapted to be used on these models.
Special vehicles like these will sometimes require some very fussy maintenance practices, so it’s better to find someone you can trust. A mechanic who’s been properly trained in how to keep these vehicles on the road will help you take the best care of your Hummer.
2. You Did Not Purchase a Light Vehicle
The H3, at 5,100 lbs, is the lightest of the available Hummer models. With H2’s weighing in at over 6,600 lbs and H1’s topping the scales above 7,500 lbs, you can count on these vehicles to put many of their components to the test.
Suspension, brakes, tires, and other parts absorbing the weight of these vehicles are going to be subjected to tremendous abuse during the course of their life. It’s good practice to keep on top of the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule with each of these items to keep the unexpected repair bills to a minimum.
3. Safety Recalls Were Rare for Hummers
As a consumer, you love to see that your choice in a vehicle hasn’t spent much time being recalled to correct for manufacturer’s mistakes.
The H3 has only one recalled part, for the ’08-’10 models, referencing an issue with the hood on the vehicle.
The H2 has seen multiple electrical systems recalls, as well as an issue with the wheel speed sensor on the ’08 model.
Both the H2 and H3 were given mixed reviews during their production cycles for their reliability, and buyers have rated each model within the range of two or three stars out of a potential five.
4. Radiators Tend to Crack
This is a particularly well-known and recognized issue with the H3 more than any other Hummer model. The aftermarket has done wonders to help consumers not be victims to this over and over again.
A good Hummer parts guy is going to be able to help you find a quality replacement for your radiator the first time it goes bad, so make sure you follow point #1 and find someone you can trust.
5. Always Buy the Newest Model You Can Find
Hummer’s engineers, like engineers from many other manufacturers, made little adjustments to the materials and components used in each model during the course of its production.
To buy an early model (year one or two in the production cycle) is to subject yourself to a higher number of potential failures from the parts making up your Hummer. The last two or three years of each model were the best-made versions of these vehicles.
When your parts guy is going through the Hummer H3 parts catalog to fix your H3, ask him about the option of using the parts from later years for increased reliability and longevity. It may save you some serious money later down the road!
6. Consult the Vehicle History Report
A look at the latest version of the vehicle’s history report will reveal much about what kind of repairs you can expect to make in the future. Hummer’s warranty was extensive, so there is a good chance many of the repairs made would have been made by the dealership.
Records from dealership repairs are great to see, as the technicians at the dealership only got there after receiving extensive training. Their training and expertise applied to your Hummer bode well for the longevity of your vehicle.
It’s not uncommon to see Hummers reach beyond 200k miles, but the only way those vehicles reach that threshold is by being kept up with. When reading through various H3 Hummer reviews, you’ll see that both the I5 engine and the V8 are surviving for many years when properly maintained.
7. Trim Level Matters
There were four trim levels offered on the H3 in 2010, up from just two when it was released in 2006.
The Alpha (’08-’10) represented the most rugged of all the available trims, while the Luxury Edition and Adventure Edition each put their own spin on the interior treatment of the vehicle. All trims were offered with the I5 engine, with the exception of the Alpha, which received a GM-sourced V8.
The H2, meanwhile, only had one trim level, making it very easy to pick the right parts for your vehicle.
H1 Hummers offered two different trim levels: Open Top and Enclosed. Both were mechanically identical, aside from the fact that one looked more like a truck and the other looked more like an SUV.
Enjoy your Hummer for Many Years to Come
Hummer built their vehicles to last, and since becoming a discontinued brand, it’s now more important than ever they last. Take it from a Hummer parts guy – you need to find a little help you keep your Hummer on the road for the future ahead.
We’re here to help with that, offering all the information you need to be a great owner to your Hummer.
Now it’s time to enjoy your Hummer – get out and have a drive!