Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: Summer

Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts

Thursday, May 31, 2018

10 Tips to Prepare Your Car for Your Summer Road Trip

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Before you head out on a road trip for a fun summer vacation somewhere warm, we highly recommend you inspect your vehicle to see if there is any auto maintenance it needs to be done. Winter and spring can take a pretty serious toll on your vehicle and its internal components, so it's important to have it serviced especially before you subject it to a long drive. There are also other road trip resources to consider bringing as well. So, whether you're heading south with your family or some friends from school, make sure to read up on our 10 tips to prepare your car for your summer road trip!

Get an Oil Change

Getting an oil change before a long road trip is very important. Your motor will be running continually for long stretches of miles (and hours) and if your oil is old it won't do its job effectively, lubricating your engine's internal components and keeping them from warping and doing serious damage.

Create a Roadside Preparedness Kit

To prepare for anything and everything, we recommend creating a roadside preparedness kit. Stock your car with bottled water, road flares, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, blankets, jumper cables, and make sure you have a spare tire and jack just in case.

Get Roadside Assistance

If you don’t have roadside assistance through your insurance, consider getting AAA. That way, if your vehicle breaks down while on your trip, you’ll always have someone ready to come to the rescue!

Bring a Map

While it's easy nowadays to rely on your phone's GPS and navigation systems, you may wind up driving through places with bad cell phone signal. If you take the wrong turn, you could wind up way off track and add more time to your trip. So, bring an old-fashioned paper map to ensure you'll always know how to get where you're going!

Plan For Rest Time & Switch Drivers

If you're heading out on a long road trip, plan on taking some to rest time from driving and/or switch drivers frequently. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Check Your Fluids

The fluids in your vehicle help keep your internal and external parts clean and running properly. Washer fluid and coolant are easy enough to replenish in your vehicle by picking some up at your local auto parts supplier, or our service technicians can always top off your fluids during your next service appointment at Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center. With long hours of driving to your summer destination, your coolant is especially important to help keep your engine from overheating, so make sure you've filled up before you leave for your trip. You don't want to wind up with engine trouble stuck on the side of the road midway to your destination.

Check Your Battery

After winter, it's important to get your battery checked to make sure that the freezing cold weather hasn't reduced its capabilities. Our experienced technicians run a simple diagnostic test to see if it's time to get a new battery.

Do Some Interior Cleaning

Your vehicle will likely get a bit messy during your road trip from food wrappers, receipts, crumbs, and other such debris. So, why not start your trip with a tidy vehicle and do some cleaning. At the very least, take your vehicle to a car wash and make sure to vacuum up all the road salt and debris tracked in during the winter.

Check Your Tire Tread

As one of the most important components of your vehicle, you want to take tire care seriously. Check your vehicle's tire tread to ensure they are in good enough condition to handle a long trip and effectively stop and handle well out on the road. If you're not sure, use the penny test to determine if your tire tread is satisfactory. Place a penny in-between the treads on your tire with Lincoln's head facing down, if the tread doesn't cover the top of his head, it's time for new tires.

Check/Replace Your Wiper Blades

Your wiper blades may be a bit worse for wear coming out of the winter season this year, and ineffective at clearing your windshield properly during rain, sleet, or snow. So before you head out on your summer road trip, it's important to check your windshield wiper blades to see if they need to be replaced. You don't want to get caught driving on the highway during heavy rain and have to pull off because you can't see the road well due to your streaky windshield wipers, adding more time to an already long road trip.

So before heading out on vacation, make sure you've read and completed our list of 10 tips to prepare your car for your summer road trip to ensure your vehicle doesn't encounter any issues far from home! Also, maybe you're looking for a new ride to show off this summer? Browse our online inventory of stylish and capable new 2018 Chevrolet models! Then, schedule a test drive with our friendly sales staff to experience them in person and find the right sedan, SUV, or truck to suit your lifestyle!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! 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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Thursday, May 24, 2018

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Road Trips

BAY CITY, Mich.,– On road trips, your passengers can make or break your time while you drive. Without proper entertainment to distract everyone, you'll probably hear "are we there yet?" more than once. Plus, distractions from passengers of any age can take your attention away from the road and can increase your chances of getting into an accident. Follow our guide on how to keep your kids entertained on road trips to maximize your peace and quiet and minimize any chances of distraction, giving everyone on the road a much safer experience.

Play Road Games

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Road Trips

A great way to get children of any age involved in a fun and distracting activity is by playing the "alphabet game". Using road signs, businesses, and billboards, the goal of the game is to find words that start with every letter of the alphabet, from A to Z in order! You can make it a group effort or divide your vehicle into teams to make it more competitive. If you aren't a fan of the alphabet game, there are plenty of other road trip games you can try, too!

Purchase a Polaroid

For older passengers, a Polaroid camera can be an awesome way to make road trip memories extra special. They're relatively inexpensive and print photos as soon as you take them. Whether your passengers are taking pictures of noteworthy destinations, state signs, or landmarks, this is a great way to help your teens hone their photography skills and make use of their time in the car!

Non-Digital Entertainment

Want your kids to take a break from the screen time? You can keep them entertained with plenty of great non-digital activities to bring their creative minds to life! Coloring books, whether the artists are young or old, are proven to reduce stress and make them that much happier. Other activities, like a good old-fashioned game of Hangman, Mad Libs, or candy necklace making, can keep anyone of any age occupied for long periods of time!

Listen to an Audiobook

By age 3, children are typically old enough to follow a story. Head to the library or bookstore to purchase an audiobook that'll bring a story to life! Whether you're listening to the incredible story of Harry Potter, the classic tale of Charlotte's Web, or something else, you'll be able to find a story for everyone in no time. Plus, you can download audio stories on devices individually if you want to listen to music on your own but want to keep your kids distracted!

Download Entertaining Apps

With hundreds of thousands of apps to choose from, the possibilities are endless for entertainment and fun on the road! You can make a scrapbook with Animoto, play a game of Road Trip Scavenger Hunt, or take on the road with Extreme Road Trip! Whether you're looking for games, fun, or a great way to save your memories, there's something for everyone in the app store. Download plenty of apps on your tablet, phone, or other electronic devices to keep everyone entertained for hours to come.

There are plenty of ways to keep everyone on the road occupied, but having a few backup plans just in case something falls through is the best way to stay prepared! Now that you know how to keep your kids entertained on road trips, you'll have the perfect strategy to minimize distractions and maximize road trip fun. Plus, who knows, you just may join in on the alphabet game or another form of entertainment, too! Before you go on your road trip, don't forget to inspect your vehicle to see if it needs maintenance. If it does, schedule an appointment with us before you go on your trip to avoid any inconveniences! Also, don't forget any important vacation items while you pack this year!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! 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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Friday, May 11, 2018

Mouthwatering Summer Cookout Recipes

BAY CITY, Mich. – What's better than a summer cookout, surrounded by family, friends, and fun? Nothing! The summer is full of excitement, and your stomach should be too! Try some mouthwatering summer cookout recipes to treat your taste buds on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and the whole rest of the season! Even the pickiest of eaters will be coming back for seconds with these incredibly delicious dishes. From filling entrees to satisfying side dishes, creating the perfect cookout meal is just a few simple steps away!

Fajita Chicken Kebabs

Spice up this year's cookout with some tasty fajita chicken kebabs. Show everyone who's boss with this fantastic combination of chicken, vegetables, and salsa. Sprinkle some salt and limes to add an extra kick of flavor! If you aren't much of a salsa person, guacamole and chips go perfectly with this yummy entree.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Want all the taste of buffalo wings with none of the hassle? These grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches are sure to be the talk of the cookout. The bold flavor blends with the freshly grilled chicken, and it goes perfectly with the blue cheese-apple slaw served on top! It's an easy-to-make entree with an iconic buffalo sauce to top it off!

Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges

Take a bite of golden, tender perfection with these garlic parmesan potato wedges. They're much healthier than regular french fries, and have an added kick of garlic parmesan flavor, too! It only takes around 45 minutes to cook and the recipe serves up to 6 people, so you'll be able to feed the whole family with this terrific side dish!

Grilled White House Pizza

Looking for a healthier option this season, but don't want to miss out on great food? The grilled white house pizza uses vegetables and sweet potatoes for a surprisingly satisfying and tasty take on a pizza. You can make the most of this fresh flavor with some oregano for that bold kick! Give your taste buds the special treatment they deserve with a slice of this savory pizza.

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

Experience every color of the fruit rainbow with this honey lime fruit salad! Using orange juice, honey, and lime zest, you can create the perfect dressing for this extravagant spectrum of flavors! You can use the leftovers with some yogurt and granola to make a fantastic follow-up breakfast, too. The honey and lime dressing will help to create a tart flavor that will compliment the sweetness of the fruits, giving you a must-have side dish for cookout season!

With just a few of these easy-to-make recipes, you'll be the talk of the cookout in no time. Putting together these must-have dishes will fuel your creativity and give you even more ideas for the next cookout. We hope these mouthwatering summer cookout recipes have inspired the master chef in you! If you're out and about and run into any trouble on the road, feel free to contact us and we can get your vehicle towed and inspected as soon as possible! Make sure to regularly check up on our coupons to ensure that you get the best deal you can when you schedule service, too!

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Labor Day Desserts You Need to Try

BAY CITY, Mich.,–– Nothing beats an extra day of vacation, right? Labor Day is here, and to celebrate the accomplishments of American workers, everyone gets to celebrate the first Monday of September with their families. Unfortunately, Labor Day celebrations means that summer is coming to an end. Enjoy every second of the sunny weather while you can and give these Labor Day desserts you need to try a taste at your next cookout, dinner, or family gathering! Treat your taste buds with timeless classics and new recipes this Labor Day weekend!

Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes

Whatever day of the week it is, these strawberry shortcake sundaes are a must-try this season. This simple recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and serves up to 6 people! This tasty treat pairs perfectly with warm weather and cookout food.

S'mores Cupcakes

Just because the summer is ending doesn't mean that s'more season has to end! Satisfy your campfire cravings with this unique twist on a great summer treat. This recipe serves up to 24 people. It's a great dessert to bring along to potlucks, family gatherings, and get-togethers!

Red, White, & Blue Bark

Ever wonder what freedom tastes like? After taking a bite of red, white, & blue bark, you'll never wonder again. The recipe only calls for six ingredients and serves up to eight people, so you'll be able to spread the freedom around the family with this melting pot of sweetness!

Blackberry Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

If you're looking to make a brunch dessert that stands out for flavor and appearance, blackberry cake is your answer. This unusual take on a classic cake recipe combines the sweetness of blackberries with the tangy flavor of cream cheese, making one mouth-watering masterpiece.

American Pie

With flavor as bold as the iconic stars and stripes, show off your American pride with a great blend of strawberries and blueberries, topped off with an unbeatable design. Make your dessert the centerpiece of the get-together with an incredible American Pie.

Banana Split Lasagna

Combining the classic taste of a banana split with the size and shape of lasagna, banana split lasagna is bound to be one of the most surprising additions to the cookout this year! The best part is, this lasagna is no-bake, so you won't have to worry about an oven!

Banana Cream Pie in a Jar

Enjoy everything you love about banana cream pie in the portability of a jar! This easy-to-make dessert requires 5 ingredients and only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Take a spoon along for a quick on-the-go treat while you run errands!

Whether you're relaxing on the beach, catching up with the family at a cookout, or enjoying the company of your best friends, these Labor Day desserts you need to try will be the highlight of your Labor Day weekend. If you're planning to fire up the grill, give these mouthwatering cookout recipes a shot to prove you're the king or queen of the grill. Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out our family friendly Labor Day activities to find an event everyone can enjoy this holiday season, and if you need any maintenance done on your vehicle, utilize our coupons for affordable, quick, and efficient service at our Bay City Service Center!

Friday, August 18, 2017

Back to School Checklist for Middle Schoolers

BAY CITY, Mich.,–– The summer is almost over, which can only mean one thing: school is starting again! Whether your kids love it or hate it, you can tell it's the end of the summer when it's time to go back to school shopping. Get everything done ahead of schedule this year with our back to school checklist for middle schoolers to beat the traffic and get the best deals possible! From 6th to 8th grade, we've put together a list of necessities that will make shopping a breeze. Some teachers release lists of supplies students are required to bring, but these supplies will help to organize and prepare your middle schooler for the next few years!

6th Grade

Back to School Checklist for Middle Schoolers

Purchasing school supplies for 6th graders can be difficult. It's tough to know what supplies will work best for your child as they become more organized and prepared for classes than ever before. Here are a few items we think will help your 6th grader get off to a great start:

An agenda for organization
(5-6) 2-pocket folders per class
(2) 3-subject notebooks w/dividers
(12) No. 2 pencils
(2) red pens for corrections
Hand wipes, sanitizer, etc.
Plastic flip-top drink container for water
(2) packages of pocket tissue packs
(1) pencil case
Magnetic locker basket for easy organization
Small umbrella for rainy days
Pair of gym shoes
(10) pens, blue and/or black
(1) package of loose leaf paper
12" ruler
Pair of scissors

7th Grade

In the 7th grade, your child will start to enjoy a more personalized schedule. They'll be able to pick certain classes they enjoy while also taking part in the required core classes every middle schooler has to take. They'll probably be a little more knowledgeable about what they need, but it's better to be prepared for anything! Make sure you get these supplies before the school year starts:

Package of graphing paper for math
Agenda for organization
2 GB flash drive
Graphing compass
Scotch tape
(4-5) 3-prong folders with pockets
(12) pencils with extra erasers
Composition notebook
(4) packages of dividers
Black, blue, and red pens
Dry erase markers
Class-specific requirements (instrument, art supplies, etc.)
Handheld pencil sharpener w/lid
College lined loose leaf paper
White out

8th Grade

With one year left in middle school, your 8th grader probably wants to get back to school shopping done as quickly as possible. Since you've probably acquired most of the supplies you'll need over the past couple years, shopping with your 8th grader will be much easier. However, don't forget any of these extremely important supplies:

Graphing calculator
(3) 3-ring binders
Protractor
Dry erase marker/whiteboard
Package of sticky notes
(5) packages of dividers
(12) pencils w/extra erasers
White out
Agenda or planner for organization
Stapler and staple remover
Blue, black, and red pens
Sharp scissors
(3) highlighters, different colors
Colored pencils
(4) composition notebooks

Back to school shopping can be an enjoyable and easy experience if you are prepared and get organized ahead of time. Stay ahead of the curve this year with our back to school checklist for middle schoolers so you aren't lost or stuck Googling school supplies while you shop! Before school starts up, plan a fun getaway during Labor Day with some fresh and fun family-friendly activities. Planning a cookout for Labor Day weekend? Try some of these mouth-watering recipes to give your tastebuds the vacation they deserve! If you're going on vacation soon, make sure you double check everything you pack to ensure you aren't missing one of the top 10 most forgotten vacation items!

Friday, August 4, 2017

Family-Friendly Labor Day Activities

BAY CITY, Mich.,– Before we know it, Labor Day will be here! This is the last chance to enjoy some fun before the school year begins again. Prepare for this great holiday by planning some family-friendly Labor Day activities. Enjoy your time off work with your friends and family with different activities ranging from boat tours to baseball games. You can make this year's Labor Day weekend a fun-filled extravaganza with these affordable events that'll be sure to entertain everyone!

September 2nd - Saturdays on the Saginaw River Tour

Head out on the Saginaw River on Saturday for a two hour cruise aboard the Princess Wenonah or Islander! Enjoy an educational tour with a history lesson while you enjoy some snacks aboard a historical riverboat in Bay City. You'll learn all about Bay City and its origins while you explore the Saginaw River, spotting local wildlife along the way. Plus, if you miss the tour Labor Day weekend, you'll still have a chance to catch it again throughout fall!

September 2nd - Enjoy a Great Lakes Loons Game

Looking for an inexpensive, fun, and entertaining getaway? Take the family out to a Great Lakes Loons game for a fun day at the ballpark! The Loons will be taking on the Lake County Captains this September, and the Dow Diamond is sure to be full of excitement for everyone. Tickets are available now, so make sure to get yours today before it's too late. The game starts at 7:05 pm.

September 3rd - The Art of the Brick

The Midland Center of the Arts will be celebrating the Art of the Brick on its final day on Sunday, September 3rd. These unique art exhibits, created entirely with Lego bricks, contain over 85 exhibits of famous artwork, locations, and more. Plus, your ticket admission comes with admission to the Hall of Ideas and Spark!Lab for additional hands-on fun! Enjoy these exclusive exhibits while they last!

August 31st - The Last Whistle Celebration

The Saginaw Art Museum will be honoring renowned artist Ken Newman with a permanent addition to their exhibits. Newman's sculpture, The Last Whistle, honors Bay County's blue collar workers and their dedication to their community. The Saginaw Chamber of Commerce will be consummating this sculpture with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a picnic after. Take a look at the art exhibit, enjoy the newly dedicated sculpture, and make your trip to Saginaw a fun one!

August 31st - September 4th - Catch a Movie at the Theater

Head on down to the Bay City Goodrich Theater for a fun filled movie night! From family friendly flicks to date night must-sees, the theater is full of great showings throughout the months of August and September! Plus, Labor Day discounts will come in handy with finding an affordable movie for the whole family to enjoy on the weekend. Take a look at show times and dates to find the perfect film for the extended weekend!

The Bay County area is full of fun on Labor Day weekend! Whether your family prefers baseball games, art exhibits, or even movies, there's something for everyone this holiday season. Our list of family-friendly Labor Day activities is just a start, but there's plenty of fun to be had for the full extended weekend, no matter what you do. Before you head out for the long holiday, take advantage of our $18.95+tax oil change special to get some routine maintenance done at an inexpensive rate! If you need new tires, brakes, or other service, utilize some of our coupons so you'll save even more before Labor Day comes!

Monday, July 24, 2017

Netflix Shows You Need to Start Today

BAY CITY, Mich.,– Need a new show, but don't know where to start? Netflix carries so many different shows that it can be hard to figure out which ones you may actually like. Whether you're looking for a heart-pumping drama, hilarious comedy, or something totally off the beaten path, we've got you covered! Our reliable guide on Netflix shows you need to start today will help you find the perfect show that suits your taste!

The Office (Comedy)

If you haven't started this award-winning comedy yet, you're missing out! Follow the story of bumbling boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell) and his bizarre coworkers in this incredible (and surprisingly emotional) comedy series!

Mad Men (Drama)

After reaching an incredible conclusion in 2015, Mad Men has withstood the test of time as one of the best dramas of the 21st century. Don Draper, suave ad executive, battles with clients, coworkers, and his past in this incredibly jaw-dropping drama.

Stranger Things (Science Fiction)

Take a trip back in time with this bone-chilling homage to the 80s! When local boy Will Byers disappears suddenly, his friends embark on a journey to find him, discovering a supernatural world that threatens to swallow their hometown alive.

Master of None (Comedy)

Dev, a 30 year-old freelance actor from New York, navigates the confusing life of adulthood with plenty of questions and jokes along the way. Aziz Ansari's debut show is full of beautiful cinematography and incredibly funny and relatable jokes.

Orange is the New Black (Comedy/Drama)

Piper Chapman, a public relations executive, is sent to minimum-security prison for a crime she committed almost a decade earlier. She quickly learns how life changing prison can be, making a few friends and enemies along the way.

House of Cards (Drama)

House of Cards tells the story of Frank Underwood, a notoriously ruthless congressman who will stop at nothing in the quest for power. This Emmy and Golden Globe winning political tale is on its final season this year, so new viewers will get to see Frank's story told from beginning to end.

Black Mirror (Science Fiction/Thriller)

For something scary, realistic, and a little too real, Black Mirror is the answer. Considered the "modern day Twilight Zone", Black Mirror follows several stories of the near-future and what happens to society when it comes to rely too much on technology.

Jessica Jones (Action/Thriller)

One of Marvel's darkest but best told superhero stories, Jessica Jones is a private investigator who uses her abilities to track down a tormentor from her past. It's a much darker take on the traditional superhero origins, but is easily one of the most unique and dynamic.

While these are only a few of the best shows available to Netflix users, they'll be sure to keep you up late wanting to binge for more. Watch these Netflix shows you need to start today if you're looking for something new! While you're catching up on your new favorite show, take a look at our new vehicle inventory to do some shopping, too. You'll be able to customize it with exclusive General Motors accessories, available to any customers of Graff Bay City! If you're just looking to save some money on auto service, though, you can always take advantage of our coupons for the best deals in Mid-Michigan!

Friday, July 21, 2017

Varieties to Try During National Hot Dog Month

BAY CITY, Mich.,– This July is National Hot Dog Month. Every year, this American all-star is honored around the world with different toppings, buns, and more. Whether you're a fan of the classic ketchup and mustard combination, a loaded Chicago dog, or a special combination of your own, there are so many delicious options to enjoy. If you're a true hot dog love, here are some famous regional varieties to try during National Hot Dog Month!

The New York

While hot dogs originated in Germany and were first sold at ballparks in St. Louis, the Big Apple is known worldwide for their hot dogs. In fact, the name "hot dog" came from the New York Polo Grounds on a cold Yankees game in 1901. The New York dog is recognized by its toppings: they're typically covered in sauerkraut or onions, which are occasionally dipped in chili powder, and topped off with a swizzle of spicy mustard. New York style hot dogs are hard to come across in the Mitten, but the ingredients are easy to find and you can make your own at home!

Chicago Style

One of the most renowned and unique hot dog styles around the globe, the Chicago dog is loaded up with toppings and carries a crazy amount of tastes. Typical Chicago dogs use poppy seed buns, which are filled with tomato slices, pickle spears, celery salt, pickled peppers, relish, lettuce, and mustard. While this may seem like a lot, the veggies, dog, and condiments all blend together to make this Windy City special a must-have in the Midwest. Try making them yourself!

Danger Dog

Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, Venice Beach, and the infamous "Danger Dog." It earned its name from the method in which it is cooked. Danger dogs are wrapped in bacon and deep fried, and are served with a variety of toppings. Combine the deep fried, bacon-wrapped goodness of the dog with grilled onions and bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, then you've got yourself one dangerous hot dog. Give the recipe a try yourself if you think you're up for the challenge.

Corn Dogs

Originated from Texas, corn dogs can be found at carnivals, ballparks, and fairs around the country! They substitute the traditional bun for a sweet, crunchy, deep fried cornmeal casing, and are held on a stick for the eater's convenience. Dip it in mustard, ketchup, or whatever you prefer for a great classic taste! You can find corn dogs at your grocery store, ballpark, or you can make them yourself!

Coney Dog

We saved the best for last! Not only is Michigan the best state in the union, but you can also find one of the most comforting hot dog styles at almost any coney-island type restaurant. Warm chili, tangy mustard, and fresh onions top off these all-beef dogs. Whether you're a loyalist to Lafayette or a diehard American Coney Island fan, these hot dog styles are simply unbeatable. If you're already familiar with the Detroit style, familiarize yourself with Flint's unique take on the coney dog, which substitutes the Detroit style Coney sauce with ground beef flavored with dry sauce.

From Hollywood to the Big Apple, the United States is full of different interpretations on hot dogs, each with their definition of the "best hot dog in the world". Whether you prefer your hot dog spicy, savory, or simply plain, these varieties to try during National Hot Dog Month are a great way to give your taste buds a trip around the USA! While you're out celebrating Summer and National Hot Dog Month, bring your vehicle to our Service Center for a limited-time $18.95 + tax oil change! You can also get more bang for your buck with our overstock sale, with trade-ins starting at $3,000.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

5 Fun and Easy Upcycling Projects

BAY CITY, Mich.–– Did you know that you can repurpose the old stuff that's cluttering up your garage and storage spaces into fresh, new projects? "Upcycling" is a brand new trend that breathes new life into your old stuff that may not be useful to you anymore. Check out a few of these 5 fun and easy upcycling projects to make the most of things you would otherwise throw out! You can help the planet and your wallet with these easy-to-follow instructions!

1. Turn An Old Sandbox Into a Kid's Garden

Teach your children the basics of gardening with this fresh and creative take on sandboxes! When they outgrow the sandbox phase, you can repurpose it into a new garden to educate your children and give them their own chance to grow something of their own! It only takes a few steps and they can help, too!

2. Turn a Colander into a Flower Basket

With a few simple steps, you can turn that old colander of yours into a brand new hanging flower basket for the patio! Upcycle your old kitchen accesories for a unique take on a flower basket that will be sure to impress everyone!

3. Turn Old Jars into New Canisters

What do you do with the jar when you finish a container of jelly, salsa, or sauce? You upcycle them, of course! Using a few easy-to-find supplies, you can turn these old jars into brand new jar canisters that you can keep for a long time! Not only do they look great, but they help you save money on containers and make your kitchen look modern and sleek!

4. Turn Dollar Store Frames into Hurricane Lanterns

If you want to redecorate your house but you're on a budget, try making these beautiful hurricane lanterns for only $5! Using dollar store picture frames, you can turn an otherwise plain item into a gorgeous decoration. The project will only take up to 30 minutes of your time, so you can create a lot of these very quickly to breathe some life into your house!

5. Turn Your Tin Cans Into Retro Lights

Want to give your home an old school twist? Try giving your tin cans a second chance by upcycling them into retro lights! It only takes a few minutes and the lights work surprisingly well. They can work in almost every corner of your house, so give this handy trick a shot today!

Upcycling is the best way to save money and redecorate your house this summer. With quick and simple solutions to expensive problems, we hope that these 5 fun and easy upcycling projects will keep you and the whole family entertained for the summer! If you're looking to save some more money with routine maintenance, we have a page of coupons that are available at your disposal! Enjoy every second of this summer with upcycling!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Fun in the Sun in Mid Michigan

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Check the weather: sunny days are here to stay! After a winter that lasted way too long, it's finally time to step outside and enjoy some fresh air. There's plenty going on during this next month that will give you plenty of time to enjoy fun in the sun in Mid Michigan and the surrounding area. Make this summer the best one yet with activities ranging from park trips to concerts!

Enjoy a Concert at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

This summer, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort has filled their calendar with some of the best shows around! There are concerts that anyone can enjoy, from Jason Aldean to Weezer, with plenty of fun for anyone of any age! If you aren't much of a concert-goer, there are tons of other events you can register for as well to make your day in Mt. Pleasant a fun and exciting time!

Take a Trip to the Children's Zoo

The Saginaw Children's Zoo at Celebration Square is open for the summer, and with admission rates of $5 per person, it offers a fun and affordable trip for the entire family! There are a lot of animals to see, from goofy penguins to spooky alligators. Learn more about some of Earth's coolest creatures this summer at the zoo!

Check Out the Chippewa Nature Center

Midland has a lot of hidden gems, but one of their best kept secrets is the Chippewa Nature Center. With over 50 years of history, the nature center features hundreds of acres to explore and a beautiful vista overlooking the Chippewa River. Additionally, the park hosts several events like film festivals and nighttime nature walks! Take a look around and get in touch with the incredible nature of mid Michigan!

Visit the Midland Centre for the Arts

While you're out enjoying the sights of Midland, make sure you visit the Midland Centre for the Arts! New events and exhibits pop up every week, from the intriguing Art of the Brick exhibit to the eye-opening Forgiveness Project. There are plenty of great opportunities to learn something new as you explore some of mid Michigan's finest art!

The best part about all of these events is that they take place through the remainder of the summer, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything the Mitten has to offer! Make the most of this beautiful weather with some fun in the sun in Mid Michigan! While you're out and about, consider making your car look just as cool as you do with some custom graphics! We offer quotes for any work that you'd like done, and we can answer any questions you have with our informative FAQs!

Friday, July 29, 2016

Quick & Easy Road Trip Snacks to Pack

BAY CITY, Mich. – What's the first thing your kids say when you all pile in the car for a summer road trip? "Are we there yet?" may come first but, "I'm hungry!" is probably a close second. At Graff Bay City we want to help you keep everyone's hunger and energy levels in check with these Quick & Easy Road Trip Snacks to Pack for your next vacation!

When you're prepping your car for a summer road trip, aside from making sure your vehicle itself is safe and running well, you want to make sure you are prepared to keep your passengers happy by keeping their bellies full. And when it comes to eating on the open road, there are a few key criteria for the best take-along snacks: tasty, healthy, easily fit into a cooler, won't make a mess, and can be eaten without dishes or utensils! Take a look at our recommendations and share your ideas in the comments section!

Quick & Easy Road Trip Snacks to Pack

Fruit
For ultimate simplicity, you can opt for personal sized fruits like apples, bananas, pears, etc. Or throw chunks of pineapple, melon, grapes, or other small fruits into a Ziploc bag and you're ready to go!
Veggies
The same goes for veggies. Just chop up your favorites for the perfect grab-and-go healthy snack. You could even bring along some hummus for dipping!
Packaged Snacks
If you're looking for a road trip snack that will stay fresh a little longer, bring along your favorite healthy packaged snack. Think granola bars, crackers, cereal, trail mix, dried fruit, string cheese, etc. As it goes with packaged snacks though, just make sure to take a peek at the nutrition label first so you know what is really in your snack.
Sandwiches
For something a little more filling, sandwiches and wraps are super simple to prepare ahead of time and are convenient to grab when you're feeling hungry mid-trip. Keep it simple with nut butter and whole grain bread, or mix it up with a whole grain tortilla roll up!
Frozen Water Bottles
This idea is genius! Freeze some of your water bottles so they can be used as ice packs, and then as they thaw they can double as a refreshing drink for any thirsty passengers.

If you want to get a little crazy, you could even prepare your favorite healthy foods like salad or quinoa in tupperware. Just bring along some plastic utensils to enjoy them during your journey. But when it comes to easy road trip snacks, it's all about keeping in mind what your family likes and what will keep everyone's spirits up when the drive gets long. Don't forget a few napkins just in case, and of course, enjoy the ride!

What better way to enjoy the ride than with a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse? This Chevy SUV was named Kelley Blue Book's "Best Family Car of 2014". With enough seating for eight people and new 4G LTE Wi-Fi technology, your whole family will enjoy a comfortable and connected road trip. To test drive the new 2016 Chevy Traverse contact our Graff Bay City sales team today! Before you hit the road make sure to check your current vehicle's fluids and filters. Our new routine fluids page will take you through the different fluids your vehicle uses and how to properly take care of them. Our routine filters page will let you know how important filters are to your vehicle, and what will happen if they are not regularly serviced. Schedule your routine maintenance service appointment online!

If you need any help making sure your vehicle is ready for your summer road trip, stop by our Bay City Chevrolet Dealership and we can help you out! 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.

Monday, May 2, 2016

5 Blooming Paper Flower Crafts

BAY CITY, Mich. – On rainy spring days like today, you may need some cheering up! Try making one, or all, of these 5 blooming paper flower crafts. These flowers are perfect to do with friends, kids, or even by yourself. These paper flowers are not only fun to make, but also don't require too much material. Plus, when you’re done you can hang them up in your office or home to brighten up a room. Have fun crafting!

5 Blooming Paper Flower Crafts

Paper Peonies

Paper Dahlias

Paper Gardenia

Paper Rose

Paper Sunflowers

We hope these 5 blooming paper flower crafts brighten up your day! Another great idea for a rainy day is taking care of your seasonal maintenance. On our website, we have a Spring Car Care section that covers all the spring auto service your vehicle needs. If you haven’t gotten around to taking care of your car this season, schedule a service appointment with us online or give us a call. We’ll take great care of your vehicle and make sure you’re driving safely this season.