Tips to Keep Your Carpool Safe This School Year

BAY CITY, Mich.––It's easy for safety checks to get lost in the mix of homework, new school schedules, sports, errands, and everything else that comes along with the season. However easy safety checks go missing, they're one of the most important things to do at the beginning of the school year, especially if you'll be partaking in a carpool. Not only are you, as a driver, responsible for your own students, but others as well. Follow our tips to keep your carpool safe this school year, and don't hesitate to ask us at Graff Bay City for help.

1. Have your brakes inspected at your next oil change

Your brakes are one of the most important safety components, so having them checked at your next oil change at Graff Bay City will ensure you have the stopping power needed in any situation. Some signs you can look out for if your brakes need service include: a squealing noise when applying brakes, soft or spongy feeling brakes, shaky steering wheel when stopping, and a visibly worn brake pad.

2. Put on new wiper blades and top off your washer fluid

You can do this step right at home with store bought wipers and washer fluid, but we can take care of it at your next oil change if that's more convenient for you! With new wiper blades and a full washer fluid tank, you'll be prepared for any type of weather or dirt that hits your windshield Remember, your wiper blades and washer fluid are there to help you see clearly and can save your life in some emergency situations where visibility is down.

3. Check your tires for damage and inflate them to the recommended level

Doing a basic check for visible damage, like bulging or uneven tread wear, on your tires is a great first step to safe tires. Take it a step further and make sure you have properly inflated tires. You can find the suggested PSI for your tires in your owner's manual or on the sticker on the inside of your driver's side door. Check the PSI level of your tires while they're cold, and adjust as needed. This will help with your vehicle's efficiency and reduce the risk of a popped tire.

4. Have your oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles

As simple as this may sound, having your oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles will help your car run its best and eliminate the risk of an overheated engine. Dirty or old oil that has broken down can cause your engine's parts to wear prematurely and can potentially cause your engine to overheat, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

5. Check all your external lights and their function

This check takes two people to complete, but it takes less than 5 minutes. Run through each light individually by having one person sit in the car turning the lights on and off, and the other checking the exterior as the lights go on and off. Make a mark of anything that isn't functioning correctly. Your lights are important because they allow other drivers and pedestrians to see you, and are especially important on foggy, rainy, or snowy days.

Use these tips to keep your carpool safe this school year, and to keep your car running smoothly! The routine maintenance pages on our website are there to provide knowledge and understanding of important components on your vehicle. We also offer more vehicle maintenance tips on our Service FAQ page. If you have more specific questions about your vehicle’s maintenance, then contact our Graff Bay City Service Center. Our team of ASE Certified technicians is here to help you and your carpool group get back on the road safe and sound. Schedule your next service center appointment today and have your carpool vehicle inspected.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your weekend getaway! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Car Maintenance Tips for a Safe Summer

BAY CITY, Mich. - With Friday being the official first day of summer, Americans all over the country will be hopping in their car to travel for vacation. Whether you're traveling across the state or across the country, it's important to know specific car tips for a safe summer.

Safety tips are not only to ensure you practice safe driving, but for the actual maintenance of your vehicle as well. The summer heat can be particularly harsh on a vehicle, much like the winter's freeze, so it's important to know what to expect when you're in your car and on the road.

Before we cover these car tips for a safe summer, you should know that it's important to have your car regularly maintained. Maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, etc. do a lot for your car, and can give you peace of mind that you're driving a vehicle that is running at peak performance. If you aren't one to get your vehicle regularly checked, or you don't recall the last time you stopped in at Brighton Ford, check out these car tips to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the summer:

Tires

Checking your tires regularly is very important, as you don't want a frightening blowout to make you aware of your tire's state. So check your tire's pressure at least once a month (along with your spare) just to make sure that you're not losing air. Also, check to make sure that your tires aren't showing signs of irregular or excessive wear. Ideally, you want to make sure that your tires are all wearing evenly and maintain the correct air pressure. Having your tires fully inflated improves your gas mileage along as ensuring you won't have a flat - consider the fuel efficiency a bonus!

Belts and Hoses

The high temperatures that accompany summer can be especially hard on your belts and hoses. As a lot of the belts and hoses are rubber, the excessive heat can cause them to crack, blister, or break all together. So make sure to check your belts and hoses, just to ensure that they won't break when you're actually driving. If you're unsure about what to look for, stop in at Hank Graff and we can look it over for you.

Coolant Levels

If you're driving in the car for any amount of time, you definitely want to eliminate the possibility of your engine overheating. By checking your coolant levels and making sure that they are at the proper level, you shouldn't encounter any problems.

Air Conditioning

While we're on the subject of overheating, it's important to think about yourself! On a really hot day, it can be potentially hazardous to be driving in a car without air conditioning - especially if you are a child, or a senior. So check your AC performance now, and make sure that you're driving in a cool vehicle on a hot summer day.

Fluid Levels

We discussed checking your coolant levels, but you're going to want to be aware of the oil, brake, transmission, power steering and windshield fluids as well. Check all the fluid levels and top off any that seem to be getting a little low. If it's time for an oil change, now is the time to stop in.

By regularly looking over your vehicle and following the above-mentioned car tips, you're extending the life of your vehicle and minimizing any problems you may encounter on the road.

Looking to get a new or used car to start the summer off right? Stop by our Birch Run Area Chevrolet Dealership where we can show you a great selection of Low Mileage Used Cars and Discounted Used Cars. Your Mid-Michigan Chevy Dealer is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706. For more information on Graff Bay City, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website at www.graffbaycity.com.

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