Best Used Car Features for Teen Drivers in Connecticut

Gates GMC Nissan Celebrates 40 Years A history of the North Windham dealership and the family behind it December 1986 to December 2026 On December 1, 2026, Gates GMC Nissan will celebrate 40 years in business, a milestone that began with two gas pumps, 12 vehicles and nine employees in North Windham, Connecticut. What started as Craig Gates’s purchase of a small GMC truck dealership became the foundation of a family business whose reach would extend across automotive sales and service, real estate, hospitality and community philanthropy. The anniversary belongs first to the dealership where that story began. It also reflects the people who helped build it: the family members who supported Craig’s first venture, the employees who made their careers there, the customers who placed their trust in the business, and the communities that grew alongside it. Over four decades, Gates GMC Nissan became both a business in its own right and the starting point for a much larger Gates family enterprise. Craig Gates and the road to North Windham Craig’s connection to the automotive business began before he owned a dealership. His father, Gary Gates, had a successful career in automotive sales, exposing him to the industry and its possibilities while he was growing up. Craig developed his own contacts and an appetite for business opportunities, auctions and the fast pace of buying and selling. At Putnam High School, where he was a member of the Class of 1980, Craig parked a cattle truck in the student parking lot. In his high school class will, Craig Gates wrote, “I, Craig Gates, leave my parking place to anybody who drives a cattle truck or a Cadillac.” The detail captures a young man already comfortable moving between practical work and bigger ambitions. Craig was also nominated and inducted into the Putnam High School Wall of Honor in 2019, earning a lasting place among the school’s distinguished honorees. Craig began his automotive career at Cargill Chevrolet in Putnam, where he demonstrated ability in both sales and management. The business suited him: it rewarded energy, confidence, personal relationships and an eye for opportunity. Before long, he was ready to take on the responsibility of ownership while raising a young family of his own. In 1986, Craig’s stepfather, Al LeSage, introduced him to the Bousa family, who were interested in selling their North Windham dealership. Craig purchased Joe Bousa’s Garage, establishing the business that became Gates GMC. His family, close friends and then father-in-law, Maurice Hamel, provided important support during those formative years. That purchase was the beginning of the Gates dealership story. The operation was modest, but Craig had found a business in which his experience and ambition could take root. The original dealership and the addition of Nissan The earliest Gates operation sold GMC trucks. Its two gas pumps, dozen vehicles and nine employees provide a striking measure of how small the business was at the start. Building it required the daily work of selling vehicles, maintaining them, serving customers and earning the next referral. The business grew through honest work, personal attention and care for both customers and employees. Those principles mattered particularly in a dealership serving the towns and communities of northeastern Connecticut, where a customer’s experience could influence friends, relatives and neighbors. A defining expansion came in 1992, when Craig added Nissan to the business. The acquisition brought GMC and Nissan together and established the combination of brands at the center of the Gates GMC Nissan identity. Adding Nissan broadened the dealership’s offerings beyond its original GMC truck business. The North Windham operation developed into a dealership selling and servicing new and used vehicles, supported by technicians, parts personnel, salespeople and an office staff responsible for the work behind each transaction. The business operated as Gates GMC Nissan, with its dealership address at 143 Boston Post Road in North Windham. That location became the base from which the Gates name reached a wider market. Building a destination dealership Growth in North Windham came with a practical challenge. The dealership was outside a major metropolitan area and was not directly off a major highway. Attracting customers from greater distances required a deliberate investment in marketing and the customer experience. Gates developed a recognizable advertising voice through television, radio and online media. “Gates Gets It” and “We take anything in trade. Goats, boats, trains and planes. You name it, we trade” gave the business a personality and made its name easier to remember beyond its immediate neighborhood. That attention to the customer extends beyond advertising. The North Windham dealership offers factory-trained service technicians, covered service valet parking, a local shuttle, rental options and a parts department with delivery service. These conveniences support the everyday work of keeping customers and their vehicles on the road. A family business grows beyond its first location Gates GMC became the starting point for the dealerships that followed. The North Windham business laid the foundation for expansion into additional automotive brands, locations and related services. Columbia Ford began serving customers in 1991, adding another early chapter to the family’s automotive growth. Over time, the Gates family’s automotive businesses expanded to include Columbia Ford Kia, Putnam Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Kia, Spotless Auto Wash & Appearance Center, Columbia Collision Center, Putnam Body Shop, and Jolly John’s Truck & Equipment. The next generation also helped extend that history. Craig’s son, Denny Gates, purchased Capitol Garage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in 2017 and Wile Hyundai in 2020. The family’s presence expanded into New London with Capitol South Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in 2024, following the acquisition of the former Secor Chrysler Dodge Jeep business. Kia of Groton joined the family’s automotive operations in 2026, extending that presence into Groton. The expansion reached beyond vehicle showrooms to include three body shops, a heavy equipment repair center and a 32,000-square-foot automotive parts warehouse. The parts distribution network extended into New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. Commercial vehicle and fleet services added another way to support the businesses that depended on reliable transportation. Craig’s interests also expanded into real estate and hospitality. He saw possibilities in properties ranging from restaurants to an abandoned alpaca farm. Those interests grew into wedding venues, including StoneHurst at Hampton Valley, as well as the Black Dog Bar & Grille and the Thunderbird Café at Columbia Ford Kia. Real estate holdings also provided locations for other automotive and restaurant businesses. One particularly personal connection involved the Black Dog Bar & Grille. Years before Craig owned the property, it was the Stables Restaurant, the site of a community award ceremony at which he had been honored. Its later place in his business story linked an early recognition of his community service with his interest in restoring and developing local properties. The next generation and the people behind the business Denny Gates grew up around Gates GMC Nissan and has worked in every department. That experience gave him an understanding of the dealership from several perspectives and reinforced the importance of caring for the people on both sides of the service counter and sales desk. The company encouraged promotion from within, valued employees who had been there since its earliest days and included multiple generations of working families. From its original nine employees, the wider family enterprise grew to employ hundreds of people across its automotive, hospitality and other operations. Company picnics and Christmas gatherings became opportunities to thank employees and bring people together. Craig would observe the events and make notes about how they could be improved the following year. He placed value on saying “please” and “thank you,” and wanted employees to feel appreciated. A nickname that followed him for years was “Craig Gates—The Working Man’s Friend.” It reflected the importance he placed on relationships with employees and the working families who depended on the company. The family placed a high priority on retaining employees and providing opportunities to build long careers. Its staff remained central to the company’s success, and the family looked toward future generations continuing the business. Adapting when the automotive business changed The history of Gates also includes periods when the industry required a different approach. During the pandemic-era supply chain disruptions and semiconductor shortages, the availability of new vehicles declined sharply, changing the way dealerships and their customers approached buying and maintaining vehicles. The company responded with stronger pre-owned vehicle sales and increased activity in its parts and service departments. Customers who delayed replacing their vehicles needed help maintaining and repairing the ones they already owned. The business continued adding employees during that period. That experience illustrates the value of the dealership’s development into a full-service operation. Sales remained important, but service, parts and the ability to respond to changing customer needs also supported the business through a difficult market. Community involvement that began before the dealership Craig’s commitment to local causes predates his ownership of Gates GMC. In 1985, the Putnam Area Chamber of Commerce presented Craig and Kevin Foley with a special Community Service Award for their efforts in the “Light up Putnam” campaign. The recognition came a year before Craig purchased Joe Bousa’s Garage. Craig supported charities, children’s programs and community organizations in ways that went beyond writing a check. One substantial effort involved the Willimantic Elks Lodge No. 1311, where he helped lead a building improvement project. He advanced approximately $250,000 and worked with the lodge on fundraisers, raffles and other events to repay the advance and support the organization’s renewal. Another project honored his father, Gary Gates, who died in 2010. Craig helped facilitate the Gary Gates Barn Renovation Project for the Windham County 4-H Foundation. Funds supported repairs to Horse Barn No. 1 for the organization’s horse camp program, connecting a family remembrance with an investment in opportunities for young people. The family has supported veterans’ causes, canine sponsorships, Little League, 4-H, hospitals, emergency response organizations and community programs. Organizations and events supported over the years include the Woodstock Fair Horse Show, Friends of Plainfield, Putnam Science Academy, Windham Theatre Guild, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Day Kimball Hospital, Thread City Dance Company, Boy Scout Troop 27, Guardians of the Flame, The ARC and the Northeast Chamber of Commerce. Denny’s community involvement has included board service with Jolly John’s Keep You Truckin Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce Northeastern CT, service as a Windham Hospital corporator, and board service with Make-A-Wish Connecticut. These commitments placed members of the family in ongoing community roles as well as fundraising and donation efforts. Jolly John’s Keep You Truckin One of the most personal chapters in the Gates family’s history began with the loss of John Bellavance on July 19, 2012. John was Craig’s cousin, confidant and best friend. During his battle with leukemia, he became concerned about how other patients and their families managed a serious illness while also struggling to meet everyday financial obligations. The Jolly John’s Keep You Truckin’ Fund was established in 2012 to carry that concern forward. With Craig helping lead the effort and volunteers contributing their time, the nonprofit provides financial relief to cancer patients and their families, helping pay bills and easing some of the pressure that accompanies treatment. By August 24, 2026, the fund had helped 396 families and distributed $1,044,760.41 directly to recipients. Its work serves cancer patients in Windham, Tolland and New London counties, turning the generosity of donors and volunteers into practical assistance for local families. In 2026, the fund marked 14 years of helping families. It operates through volunteers and donations, with no paid staff. Its annual fundraiser brings together supporters, local businesses and the dealership community for auctions, entertainment and a shared effort to help neighbors facing cancer. The fund gives a particularly clear picture of the connection between the Gates family and its community. A family member’s wish became an organization, and the resources and relationships developed through years in business helped give that wish practical effect. Forty years from a small beginning As Gates GMC Nissan approaches its December 1, 2026 anniversary, the original scale of the dealership remains one of the most telling details in its history. Two gas pumps, 12 vehicles and nine employees were enough to begin a business that would support careers, introduce a new generation to dealership leadership, and help launch an expanding group of automotive and other enterprises. Craig Gates’s story runs through each stage: learning the business in Putnam, taking the opportunity in North Windham, adding Nissan, investing in people and properties, and using the relationships built along the way to support local causes. Denny and other members of the family became part of that story, alongside employees whose work made the business possible. The 40th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize all of them. It marks the years of service provided to customers, the trust that brought people back, and the contribution of employees and neighbors whose involvement turned a small dealership into an enduring local institution. On December 1, 2026, Gates GMC Nissan will celebrate the business Craig began in 1986 and the community that has been part of its history ever since.

Is Your GMC Ready for a Connecticut Winter? 7 Features That Make Winter Driving Easier Winter driving in Connecticut can be unpredictable. One day you're enjoying a clear commute through Mansfield, and the next you're navigating snow-covered roads, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions. Whether you drive a GMC Sierra, Terrain, Acadia, or Yukon, knowing which features can help you handle winter weather makes a difference. At Gates GMC Nissan in North Windham, CT, we're helping Connecticut drivers prepare for the colder months by highlighting seven GMC features worth knowing before the first snowfall. 1. Available All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive When winter weather arrives, traction becomes especially important. Many GMC SUVs offer available all-wheel drive (AWD), while GMC trucks and select SUVs offer four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems. What's the difference? AWD: Helps distribute power between the front and rear wheels to improve traction in changing road conditions. 4WD: Provides additional traction when needed, including on snowy roads and challenging terrain, depending on the selected setting. Both systems can help you get moving in slippery conditions, but neither replaces proper winter tires or careful driving. Explore our new GMC inventory to find a vehicle that fits your Connecticut driving needs. 2. Snow/Ice and Weather Drive Modes Did you know some GMC vehicles offer driving modes specifically designed for slippery conditions? Depending on your model and equipment, Snow/Ice or Weather Mode can adjust throttle response and other vehicle settings to help manage wheel slip. These features are especially useful when navigating snowy neighborhood streets, slippery intersections, or changing road conditions. Check your owner's manual to see which drive modes your GMC offers and when to use them. 3. Heated Seats and Heated Steering Wheels There's nothing quite like getting into a cold vehicle on a freezing Connecticut morning. Available heated front seats and heated steering wheels make winter commutes more comfortable, especially during those early drives to work or school. These comfort features are offered on select GMC models and trims, making them worth considering when shopping for your next vehicle. 4. Remote Start for Cold Mornings Imagine getting ready for work while your GMC is already warming up outside. Available remote start lets you start a properly equipped GMC before getting in, helping prepare the cabin for your drive. Depending on your vehicle's equipment and settings, climate features may also activate. Always use remote start outdoors in a well-ventilated area, never inside an enclosed garage. 5. Available Heated Mirrors and Rear Defoggers Snow, frost, and condensation can make visibility more difficult during Connecticut winters. Available heated outside mirrors and rear-window defoggers help clear moisture and frost, making it easier to prepare for your drive. Before leaving, always remove snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights, and the vehicle's roof. 6. Traction and Stability Control Systems Even experienced drivers can encounter unexpected slippery conditions. GMC vehicles offer electronic traction and stability control technologies designed to help maintain control when traction becomes limited. These systems can help manage wheel slip and vehicle stability, but they cannot overcome the laws of physics. Slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time for braking when roads are snowy or icy. 7. Available Driver Assistance and Visibility Features Winter weather can make everyday driving more demanding. Depending on the GMC model and trim, available technologies such as Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and camera systems may provide additional assistance. However, snow, ice, and road grime can obstruct cameras and sensors, and poor visibility can limit system performance. Always keep your vehicle's sensors and cameras clear and remain fully attentive behind the wheel. Don't Forget: Winter Maintenance Matters Too! Even with helpful winter features, routine maintenance is essential. Before Connecticut's coldest weather arrives, consider checking: Tire condition, tread depth, and inflation pressure Battery health Windshield wipers and washer fluid Heating and defrosting systems Brakes and exterior lights Engine coolant and other recommended fluids Need help preparing your GMC for winter? Our certified service team at Gates GMC Nissan in North Windham is here to help. Schedule your GMC service appointment today. Find Your Winter-Ready GMC at Gates GMC Nissan in North Windham, CT Whether you're commuting through Willimantic, traveling from Mansfield, or exploring the back roads of eastern Connecticut, the right GMC can help make winter driving more comfortable and manageable. From the capable GMC Sierra to the versatile GMC Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon, there's a GMC for a variety of lifestyles. At Gates GMC Nissan, we're proud to help drivers throughout North Windham, Mansfield, Norwich, Coventry, and surrounding Connecticut communities find the right vehicle. Ready to explore your options? Shop our new GMC inventory or visit us at 143 Boston Post Road, North Windham, CT 06256. Have questions? Call our sales team at 860-455-4736. Features vary by model, model year, trim, and equipment. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for operating instructions.

Which GMC SUV Is Best for Your Family? A Guide to GMC SUVs in Connecticut Shopping for a GMC SUV in Connecticut but not sure which model is the best fit for your family? From daily commutes and school drop-offs to weekend road trips and family vacations, choosing the right SUV comes down to much more than simply counting seats. GMC offers several SUV options for different lifestyles, including the compact GMC Terrain, three-row GMC Acadia, full-size GMC Yukon, and spacious GMC Yukon XL. At Gates GMC Nissan in North Windham, CT, we help drivers from North Windham, Mansfield, Norwich, Coventry, and surrounding Connecticut communities find vehicles that fit their everyday needs. So, which GMC SUV is best for your family? Let's compare the 2026 GMC Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL. 2026 GMC Terrain: A Great Everyday Family SUV If you want the versatility of an SUV without driving something oversized, the 2026 GMC Terrain is a great place to start. The Terrain seats up to five passengers and offers up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row with the rear seats folded, giving families plenty of flexibility for groceries, sports equipment, luggage, and everyday gear. Its smaller footprint can also make the Terrain a convenient option for commuting, running errands, school drop-offs, and navigating parking lots. Technology is another highlight. Depending on configuration, Terrain shoppers can find features such as a 15-inch diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment System, available camera views, an available AutoSense power liftgate, and a wide range of standard safety and driver-assistance technologies. Want to take a closer look? Explore the 2026 GMC Terrain at Gates GMC. Who is the GMC Terrain best for? The Terrain may be a great fit if: You have a smaller family You primarily need two rows of seating You want an SUV that's easy to use for everyday driving Parking and maneuverability matter to you You still want flexible cargo room for everyday life For couples, young families, commuters, or anyone who doesn't need a third row, the Terrain offers a practical combination of technology, comfort, and versatility. 2026 GMC Acadia: Three-Row Versatility for Growing Families Need a third row but aren't sure you want to jump all the way to a full-size SUV? That's where the 2026 GMC Acadia comes in. The Acadia is GMC's three-row mid-size SUV, making it an appealing option for growing families and drivers who regularly carry additional passengers. Its larger interior gives families more flexibility when balancing passengers and cargo, while its mid-size dimensions can make it easier to manage than a full-size SUV. The Acadia also offers modern GMC technology and available features designed to make longer drives more comfortable. Depending on trim and configuration, shoppers can find advanced driver-assistance technology, large infotainment displays, premium interior options, and plenty of family-friendly convenience features. You can browse new GMC inventory at Gates GMC to see current Acadia availability and other GMC SUVs for sale in North Windham. Who is the GMC Acadia best for? Consider the Acadia if: You need three rows of seating Your family is growing You regularly carry kids, friends, or additional passengers You want more room than a compact SUV You don't necessarily need the size of a Yukon You want a balance of everyday usability and family space For many Connecticut families, the Acadia can be the sweet spot between a smaller crossover and a full-size SUV. 2026 GMC Yukon: Full-Size Space and Capability For families who need even more room, capability, and available premium features, there's the 2026 GMC Yukon. The Yukon is a full-size, three-row SUV designed for drivers who want generous passenger space without giving up capability. Its larger size makes it especially useful for family road trips, sports equipment, luggage, and busy households that regularly use all three rows. The Yukon lineup also offers access to some of GMC's most advanced available technology and premium features. Depending on configuration, that can include Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance, premium interior appointments, advanced camera technology, and available capability-focused features. If Super Cruise is one of the features you're considering, read our guide to How GMC Super Cruise Works to learn more about GMC's available hands-free driving technology. Who is the GMC Yukon best for? The Yukon may make sense if: You have a larger family You regularly use all three rows You want full-size SUV capability You take frequent family road trips You have significant passenger or cargo needs You want access to premium GMC technology and features The Yukon is a strong option for drivers who don't want to choose between family practicality, capability, and comfort. Check our new GMC inventory in North Windham to see current Yukon availability. 2026 GMC Yukon XL: Maximum Room for Passengers and Cargo Need even more space? That's where the GMC Yukon XL comes in. The Yukon XL takes the full-size Yukon formula and adds additional room, making it an excellent option for families who regularly need three rows of passengers and space for everyone's belongings. That extra cargo capacity can be especially valuable for road trips, sports families, vacations, camping gear, strollers, or simply those days when it feels like the entire house is coming along for the ride. Who is the GMC Yukon XL best for? Consider the Yukon XL if: You regularly travel with a full vehicle You need three rows without sacrificing as much cargo room You take long family road trips You frequently transport sports equipment, luggage, strollers, or other large items Maximum interior space is one of your top priorities If you've ever filled every seat in an SUV and then wondered where everyone's luggage was supposed to go, the Yukon XL deserves a closer look. You can see available Yukon XL models and other new GMC SUVs for sale at Gates GMC. GMC Terrain vs. Acadia vs. Yukon vs. Yukon XL: Which Is Best for Your Family? There isn't one GMC SUV that's right for every family. The best choice depends on how many people you regularly carry, how much cargo space you need, and how you use your vehicle. Choose the GMC Terrain if: You want a smaller two-row SUV that's practical for commuting, errands, and everyday family life. Choose the GMC Acadia if: You want three-row versatility and additional passenger space without moving all the way up to a full-size SUV. Choose the GMC Yukon if: You want a full-size SUV with three-row seating, strong capability, advanced technology, and available premium features. Choose the GMC Yukon XL if: You want maximum passenger and cargo versatility, especially if you regularly use the third row while carrying plenty of gear. A family commuting around eastern Connecticut may have very different needs from a larger family that regularly travels with luggage, sports equipment, or a trailer. That's why comparing these SUVs side by side can make choosing the right one much easier. Shop GMC SUVs in North Windham, Connecticut Still deciding between the GMC Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL? Sometimes the easiest way to find the right family SUV is to experience the differences in person. At Gates GMC Nissan in North Windham, you can compare GMC SUVs, explore different trims and features, and find a vehicle that fits your family's lifestyle. Whether you're looking for the everyday versatility of a Terrain, the three-row flexibility of an Acadia, the full-size capability of a Yukon, or the additional room of a Yukon XL, our team is here to help. Browse our new GMC inventory to see what's currently available, or contact Gates GMC to learn more about a vehicle or plan your visit. Gates GMC Nissan 143 Boston Post Road North Windham, CT 06256