6 Tips to Avoid Getting the Flu in 2018

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Every year, around the country, the millions of Americans get sick with the flu. If that doesn't sound serious, consider that of those millions, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized due to the flu, and tens of thousands die from the illness. The flu is especially bad this year as well, putting more people than normal out of commission each coming week during the winter months. Everyone can get the flu but children younger than 5, seniors, and pregnant women are the most at risk, and will likely be the most affected by the illness' severe symptoms. To find out how to protect yourself, your family, and others from potentially getting the flu, read on to learn 6 tips to avoid getting the flu in 2018.

1. First and foremost, the best way to avoid getting the flu is to get the flu shot. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is designed to prevent you from getting the illness and protect against different strains of the flu virus.
2. Avoid or limit your contact with sick people. A good rule of thumb is to stay 3 feet away from others in general, but especially those exhibiting possible flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Cleanliness is key to keeping the flu at bay. Also, its wise to keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy all throughout flu season in case you're don't have access to a sink while you're out and about.
4. Generally, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth throughout flu season. This is the primary way germs spread, and touching your face after accidental contact with the flu germs found on public surfaces is most likely how you will get sick.
5. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. Public spaces at work, your desk, bathrooms, door handles, and other surfaces in your home are the primary places that should be cleaned regularly.
6. It's important to keep up a healthy lifestyle to keep your body and immune system strong during flu season to help fight off the illness. The CDC recommends eating a balanced diet, exercising at least 4 days a week, and getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Sleep is especially important because it is when your body recovers each day and builds its strength back up. So, this winter is not the time to be staying up late and not getting your rest.

However, if you do get sick with the flu:
The CDC recommends that if you are sick with the flu, you should stay home, and not go out in public or return to work for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities obviously. Note that your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. It is important to limit contact with others, including your family, as much as possible so that you don't infect them. The flu is very contagious and you do not want to spread it. Also, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then, throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

So make sure to following these 6 tips to avoid getting the flu in 2018. If you or a loved one gets the flu make sure to receive medical attention, especially if the symptoms continue to worsen. The flu is not an illness to take lightly, and it can be deadly in some cases. This time of year, it's also important to look after the health of your vehicle. Complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components don't get worn down, broken, or disabled by the cold weather or poor road conditions.

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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Give Your Car the Love It Deserves on Valentine's Day

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Valentine's Day is for showing our family and friends how much we love them, not just our significant others! Giving your loved ones cards, flowers, chocolates, cute teddy bears, and other gifts is a tradition of the holiday. However, there is one more "person" in your life who you may be unintentionally neglecting on Cupid's holiday, your car! It may seem silly, but your vehicle deserves some attention and affection this February and you can give your car the love it deserves this Valentine's Day with auto service and other gifts!

Floor Mats

Throughout the winter, snow, slush, and mud cling to your boots when you enter your vehicle and wind up on the floor. To help your vehicle stay clean, we recommend purchasing a set of Weather Tech Mats for Valentines Day. These top-of-the-line mats with catch and contain all the snow and debris, keeping it from soaking into your floor's carpet. Road salt in the slush your track in can cause unsightly stains and corrode the metal floor underneath the carpet.

Car Detailing/Car Wash

The same slush, mud, and corrosive road salt that may accidentally get tracked into your car on your boots will also coat and damage the exterior of your vehicle and rust out the undercarriage. Regular car washes and detailing will protect your paint job and maintain the integrity of your vehicles exposed components. So, pamper your vehicle with "spa day" by getting it washed and waxed on Valentines Day!

Oil Change

It is critically important that you don't let your vehicle go more than 3,000–5,000 miles between oil changes. If you neglect to get new oil put into your vehicle, you run the risk of overheating your engine causing major damage by warping the internal components. Bring your vehicle into our Graff Bay City Service Department for an oil change this Valentines Day so that your car, truck, or SUV will be running at top efficiency.

Winter Car Care

Protect your vehicle and its internal components from the freezing temperatures and poor road conditions by completing our Winter Car Care maintenance routine at Graff Bay City. This maintenance includes inspecting and replacing your tires, brakes, battery, and other components to make sure your vehicle handles well on the icy roads and doesn't break down or become disabled out in the cold. Winter Car Care is the automotive equivalent of getting your vehicle a bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates!

Spring Care Care

Once winter comes to an end, which thankfully isn't too far off, completing your Spring Car Care maintenance routine will be important. The toll winter has taken on your vehicle will be significant and to avoid further damage and get your vehicle back in top condition, you should bring it into our service center to get its alignment and suspension adjusted, fluids refilled, windshield wipers replaced, and much more. Get your vehicle ready to shine come springtime!

Graff Bay City Service Coupons

You can save big on necessary repairs or routine maintenance this season by downloading our service coupons off of our website! We've got deals on various service packages which including tire rotation, fluid refills, brake inspection, and much more. The money you save can then go to showering your real Valentine with gifts on February 14th!

So give your car the love it deserves this Valentine's Day with routine maintenance, automotive service, or a car wash! Also, maybe you're looking to spoil your sweetheart with a new ride this Valentine's Day, browse our online inventory to see if have what you're looking for. Then, speak with our friendly sales staff to schedule a test drive to experience it in person. We'll be happy to help you find the perfect vehicle to cruise into springtime in!

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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10 Super Bowl Recipes Guaranteed to Impress

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Not sure what dish you're going to bring to pass at your Super Bowl party this weekend? Well, you're in luck as we've compiled a list of 10 Super Bowl recipes guaranteed to impress everyone in attendance. From the savory to the sweet, we've got crowd-pleasing dishes that will sure to be everyone's favorite part of the evening, aside from the funny commercials of course. So read on to find the perfect recipe to bring, and enjoy all the football and commercials on game day!

Cowboy Caviar

This new recipe is quickly becoming a favorite of ours! It's fresh, light, and packed with flavor. Plus, it's very easy to make and looks as good as it is delicious!

Taco Crescent Ring

A delicious and savory treat that's perfect for kids as well as adults! Perhaps the most underrated and under-appreciated football snack ever.

Jalapeno Poppers

These poppers are so good they're bound to make you miss that big play or awesome commercial because you just had to get up off the couch and go back for seconds.

Guacamole

Everyone loves guac! This particular recipe, however, will be the best you've ever had! When someone else inevitably brings another bowl of guacamole to the party, yours will be empty first. Trust us.

Quick tip, put the leftover avocado pits (maybe just two) into the dip while it's refrigerating, waiting for the party, to keep it fresh and green!

Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups

Yummy, cheesy, with an enchilada taste! Enjoy these little pinwheels that will also add a bit more protein and substance to your plate.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

It's hard to top guac as our favorite dip, but this recipe comes close. The bite of hot sauce and bleu cheese mixed with the savory taste of chicken and cream cheese make for an out-of-this-world dish!

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This recipe replicates the beloved taste of restaurant style spinach and artichoke dip. Likely to be the favorite dip of the ladies at your party!

Baby Bloomin' Onions

If you bring these cute lil onions to your Super Bowl party, they're guaranteed to be everyone's favorite appetizer. Get all the flavor of a true Bloomin' Onion in a bite-size snack with a lot less mess.

Caramel Churro Chex Mix

Switch it up from recipes that are salty and savory to a sweet treat! This delicious, cinnamon delight is perfect for grazing on.

Peanut Butter Cup Dip

To finish up the list, we thought we'd include a dessert-type snack that will have everyone wanting more. You'll hear "No way!" and "I can't wait to try it!" when you walk in the door holding this dish.

So enjoy the football, friends, and these Super Bowl recipes guaranteed to impress, courtesy of Graff Bay City, this Sunday. Also, please be safe when you're driving to and from your party, the winter weather can really take a toll on your vehicle and put your safety in jeopardy out on the road. So, we highly recommend preparing your vehicle for the freezing temps and icy winter roads by completing your Winter Car Care maintenance routine at our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center.

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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5 Steps to Cleaning and Protecting Your Car this Winter

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Safeguarding your vehicle's exterior and interior from the winter weather in Michigan is an almost impossible task. Snow, ice, slush, and corrosive road salt take a toll on your paint job, interior carpet, and other areas, causing damage, rust, and stains to occur. So while there is no perfect way to avoid the winter other than parking your car in the garage and waiting until spring to take it back out, there are 5 steps you can take to clean and protect your car this winter!

1. Clean the Interior

The first step to protecting your vehicle from the elements this winter is to clean out the inside of your car. Remove any trash, wipe down the steering wheel and dashboard, and vacuum the seat and floor, especially the seat wells, to start your cleaning process off with a 'clean slate'. If you have a leather or vinyl interior, we recommend applying a conditioner guard to protect it from cracking or ripping, as the cold and dry winter air can pull the moisture out of the material. Ideally, the conditioner guard should be applied and allowed to dry before the freezing weather sets in or when the vehicle cabin is at a reasonably warm temperature.

2. Lay Floor Mats Down

Now that the floor and set wells in your vehicle are clean of salt, slush, rocks, and debris tracked in from outside, it's important to install floor mats in your car, especially underneath the driver's seat. Weather Tech Mats are the top product for catching and containing all the snow and such that clings to your boots when you enter a vehicle during the winter. It's important to not allow this snow and slush to soak into your floor carpet because the corrosive road salt in the slush will cause unsightly stains and corrode the metal floor underneath the carpet.

3. Get Car Washes Frequently

It is recommended that you get a car wash every two weeks during the winter, ideally on days when the temperature is 40 degrees or more, or at least above freezing.  Car washes will wash and clean your vehicle of road salt and other corrosive substances that will cause rust and paint chipping on the exterior of your vehicle.  Try to also get your car washes done during the daylight hours so that your vehicle has time to dry thoroughly in the sunlight and warmer temperatures. Also, make sure to get a car wash that cleans the undercarriage of your vehicle, an area of your car that is often forgotten but is exposed to the most amount of snow, slush, and road salt and therefore the most at risk for rusting.

4. Apply Wax to your Vehicle's Exterior

Wax or some kind of auto-exterior sealant is important to apply to your vehicle to safeguard its paint job this winter. Some car washes include a wax treatment otherwise you can purchase products from most auto supply or major grocery stores. Similar to a car wash, make sure you are applying the wax on a warmer day, at least above 32 degrees, and allow it to dry thoroughly in the sun.

5. Park in the Garage

If possible, make sure to park your vehicle in the garage every night all winter, or at least under some kind of overhang or cover.  Parking indoors will keep your vehicle protected from heavy snowfall or sleet as well as the freezing temperatures that will negatively affect your vehicle's internal components such as the battery, belts, hoses, and more.  If that's not an option, we recommend purchasing a weatherproof car cover for your vehicle to at least help shield it from the elements.

Follow these 5 steps to clean and protect your car this winter, and have your ride looking like new come springtime. We also want you to stay safe out on the road during the winter months of 2018, so we strongly recommend completing our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to help protect your vehicle's internal components from being damaged or disabled by the cold weather and poor road conditions.

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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8 Tips to Relieve Your Dry Skin This Winter

BAY CITY, Mich. –– During the winter months when the freezing temperatures roll in, many of us begin to experience dry, chapped, or split skin this time of year. It all stems from the cold air drawing the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry, brittle, and susceptible to damage. Your regular skincare routine may not work well enough during this time of year, so we recommend following our eight tips to relieve your dry skin this winter.

Don't Use Hot Water

Whether you are washing your hands or taking a shower, try to use your water at its hottest setting. Hot water strips your body and skin of its natural oil barrier which you need to help trap moisture and keep your skin smooth and moist. Instead try to just use mildly warm water, which isn't so tough on your skin.

Scrub Gently

Again, while either washing your hands or showering, take care this winter to be more gentle on your skin. Scrubbing your hands or skin too hard will definitely remove your body's natural oil barrier, but the friction of your intense scrubbing will damage your skin in general. Now during a warmer month, your skin would be able to bounce back, but during winter it will struggle to do so.

Apply Moisturizer Regularly

Lathering up with moisturizer is one of the tried and true methods of avoiding dry skin during the winter. Moisturizer's benefit is right in its name, helping to rehydrate your skin and avoid dryness. During winter, you should moisturize after every shower or bath to keep your skin healthy. Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion.We also recommend carrying a non-greasy hand cream with you the day as well for use after each hand washing.  

Drink Lots of Water

Moisturizer is a significant help when trying to hydrate your body, but you can always do it the old-fashioned way too, by drinking water. This winter, make sure you are still drinking lots of water to maintain your hydration levels and help your skin out. There are also plenty of fruits and vegetables you can eat to help keep yourself hydrated as well such as apples, oranges, kiwi, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. 

Wear Lip Balm or Chapstick

We all know that our lips can become chapped and dry as well during the wintertime, so make sure to keep lip balm or chapstick on your person during the day for regular use and application. It will help repair and defend your lips from the cold.

Bundle Up!

We're not quite sure why you wouldn't be wearing gloves, hat, or scarf outside in the freezing cold, but if you're not you are doing your skin a disservice. Bundling up during the winter isn't just about staying warm, it's also about protecting and shielding your skin from the cold air.

Get a Humidifier

Heating your house keeps you warm, but it also removes moisture from the air, making dry skin even more parched. To combat this, we recommend getting a humidifier for your home. Use the humidifier to reintroduce moisture into the air to create a comfortable living space and a reprieve from the cold outside for your skin. An indoor humidity of about 50% is recommended.

Moisturize Overnight

The best time to heal your skin is at night, a long interrupted period of time when it's not being washed, moved, or exposed to the cold. Lathering up with moisturizer or healing ointments before you hop into bed is recommended for best results. However, here's a handy tip if your hands or feet are severely cracked and damaged; generously apply your moisturizer to the affected areas and then put on socks and knit gloves to wear to bed. The socks and gloves will help trap the moisture in your skin allowing for a "deep-treat" overnight.

Follow our homemade dermatology routine with these eight tips to relieve your dry skin this winter. We can't stress how important it is to take of your skin this winter, but it is equally crucial to look after your vehicle this time of year as well. Complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components don't get worn down, broken, or disabled by the cold weather or poor road conditions.

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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9 Winter Driving Tips to Help Keep You Safe

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Driving on snowy and icy roads during can be very dangerous even for an experienced winter driver. The possibility of losing control of your vehicle due to the road conditions is greatly increased, and the freezing temps make any accident or mishap even more perilous. But thankfully, there are ways to mitigate the risks and ensure your well-being out on the road. Try these nine winter driving tips to help keep you safe this time of year.

Clear Off Your Windshield

Before you even start driving, it is extremely important to clean all the snow and ice off of your vehicle's windshield, windows, headlights, and brake lights. Clear visibility while driving is crucial to your safety while driving out on winter roads and to the safety of other drivers. You may often see some trying to drive to work in the morning while looking through a tiny little hole they cleared in the ice on their windshield. Simply put, that is not safe, and you should never do it. Take the time to clear off your windshield and other windows.

Drive Slower

Driving slower is the best way to stay safe on the roads this winter. Your reduced speed allows you to have more time to brake, react to other vehicles, and will lessen the impact of any slipping or sliding.

Allow for More Space Between Vehicles

Allowing for double or even triple the amount of distance you would normally give between you and the vehicle in front of you is important on snowy roads. In fact, the recommended that the normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds in snowy conditions. The added space allows you more time to react to their movements and brake if need be.

Don't Brake Abruptly

Putting your foot down hard on the brake pedal won't help you stop in snowy driving conditions. Instead, if you need to stop, slowly apply the brake. This way your wheels will slow their rotation in a controlled manner before coming to a complete stop. A hard stop will make your tires lose their grip on the road and slip.

Don't Take Sharp Turns

Make slow, wide, and deliberate turns to maintain control of your vehicle in the snow. Sharp or fast turns through intersections or elsewhere can cause your vehicle to fishtail, swinging the back of the car out of control, with the possibility of hitting another vehicle.

Don't Use Cruise Control

Cruise control can be extremely dangerous to use during winter. If you're driving on the highway or just a normal road with cruise control activated and your vehicle slides on some ice, slush, or snow your wheels may wind up off course. The cruise control will then keep you accelerating on your new path potentially sending you off the road, into a ditch, or maybe even into oncoming traffic.

Winter Car Care

The best way to ensure your vehicle is up to the task of winter driving is by completing our Winter Car Care maintenance routine. During freezing temps your vehicle's internal components can become compromised, crack, break, or become disabled. It's also important to get your vehicle's battery, tire pressure and tread, heating, and other components as winter sets in.

Check the Forecast

Keep an eye on the weather channel or other meteorology services for what is headed your way. If possible, avoid driving during snowstorms or in other poor road conditions.

Practice Driving in the Snow

The best way to become a comfortable and skilled winter driver is to practice. Find an empty parking lot with some snow and ice where you can practice turns, braking, and more so that you're prepared for anything out on the road.

Driving on the snow and ice can be nerve-wracking but if you follow our nine winter driving trips to help keep you safe, you'll feel much more confident in your ability to be on the roads this time of year. If you have any additional questions about our Winter Car Care maintenance routine, schedule an appointment at our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center. We'll make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the cold weather. Or, if you're interested in any new 2017 or 2018 Chevrolet models and their advanced safety features, give our friendly sales staff a call. They will answer any questions you may have and can even help you schedule a test drive to check out a new sedan, truck, or SUV in person!

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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How to Deal with the Post-Holiday Blues

BAY CITY, Mich. –– It's very easy to get down in the dumps once the holidays are over. This time of year, with bills rolling in from all the Christmas gifts you bought, nasty winter weather, and the sun going down at what feels like 5 pm every day, it's likely you're going to start feeling a bit sad and morose. But thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself feeling happy and bright until springtime blooms. So read on,  to learn how to deal with the post-holiday blues!

Find Things to Look Forward To

People often find January and February tough because the holiday season was such a big string of fun and family filled events and get-togethers. Now that they're over though, it can feel like there's not a lot to look forward to until summer or maybe spring break. Mentally it can be helpful to plan trips or events for yourself in the near future, that can give you something to look forward to. So schedule a vacation for sometime in 2018 or even a weekend getaway sometime soon. Or, you can always get tickets to a show, schedule meet-ups with friends, or just find reasons to get out of the house.

Set Some Goals

Maybe you didn't make a New Year's Resolution for 2018, but that doesn't mean you can't set some goals for yourself this year. Start small, and make sure that within your goals there is a way to document your progress. Working out, eating healthier, growing an indoor plant, or other ideas can be great ways to lift your mood. When you see the progress continue to add up, your brain will reward itself and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Declutter Your Life

Messes and clutter can have a negative psychological effect on you, especially this time of year when you're likely stuck inside at home most nights and weekends. Cleaning and organizing your work and living space can really improve your emotions, and leaving you feeling unburdened and ready to start anew. So clean up your desk at work, clear your computer desktop, clean your kitchen, organize your closet, pick up your room, and more to give 2018 a fresh start.

Stay in Contact with Your Loved Ones

You get to see a lot of your friends and family over the holiday season and spend quality time with them. So come the second week of January, it can start feeling a bit lonely as you start back into the grind of your work schedule and see less of your loved ones in person. But there is nothing stopping you from messaging them, calling them, and even using video chat to stay in contact with your loved ones. Don't let a false feeling of isolation keep you from reaching out to people who make you happy and upbeat.

Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself

When you're already feeling down because of the post-holiday and winter blues, it can be easy to overreact to any little that goes wrong or that you mess up, like forgetting your lunch at home or something simple like that. But give yourself a break! You're not going to navigate life perfectly and it's important this time of year to cut yourself some slack.

Change Your Thinking

It can be tough but try to not look at the first few months of the year as something to get through, and instead see them as time to get yourself in shape or develop a new talent, or put in extra time at work to make an impression. Pretend that from now until May you're a caterpillar in its cocoon, developing and working hard to make improvements in your life until you emerge into the warm summer weather as the new you!

Look After Yourself

With dark cold nights that keep you from being as active as usual, it's important that you take care of your health this winter. Make sure get enough sleep, eat well, drink a lot of water, and get plenty of exercise. All of these factors will help improve your wellbeing as well as your mental health. Even going for a short walk during your lunch break to get a little sunshine can have a significant improvement in your mood.

It's important to learn how to deal with the post-holiday blues, as they happen to most people and can really hinder your happiness, relationships, and growth as a person. So try taking the steps listed in this blog to start 2018 off right and keep yourself happy and upbeat for all that the new year has in store for you. We also recommend looking after your vehicle's wellbeing this time of year as well, as the freezing temps and harsh weather can have significant negative effects on it as well! Complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components aren't worn down, broken, or disabled by the cold or poor road conditions 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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How to Start Up Your Car on Winter Mornings

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Waking up to freezing temperatures on winter mornings is no fun to begin with, but add in the potential for not being able to start your car because it's too cold, and they're positively dreadful. Most drivers will warm up their vehicles on chilly mornings, to defrost the windshield and warm up the cabin for their commute. Now, you may have heard that it is bad for your engine to warm your car in the morning. While that's technically not false information, there are also positives to warming up your vehicle that will help it run better and avoid internal damage, so long as it's not warming up for a prolonged period of time. So, allow us to explain further, and walk you through how to start up your car on winter mornings.

Over the course of a winter night, as the temperature drops, a number things happen to your vehicle. The battery in your car begins to produce less current as it grows colder, making it more difficult or impossible to start your vehicle. The engine oil in your car also becomes thicker and doesn't flow as well. Circulating through your engine then becomes difficult for the oil and doesn't allow it to lubricating your engine's internal components as well.

To help mitigate the negative effects the cold weather, we strongly recommend keeping your vehicle parked inside your garage if possible. It that isn't an option, even parking in an open carport or under a large tree will keep your vehicle a few degrees warmer than if it was out in the open, completely subjected to the elements. You may also consider getting a battery heater or engine block heater, as this will help your vehicle be able to start up with relative ease in the morning.

So, to properly start your car on a cold winter morning, follow the routine below:

1. Turn off all electrical accessories such as the headlights, heater, defroster, etc.
2. Insert the key into the ignition.
3. Turn the key to "On" position, turning on the display lights and the fuel pump.
4. Allow for a minute of time to pass so that the fuel pump can circulate fuel through the engine.
5. Turn the key fully, to start the vehicle.
6. You should only allow your vehicle idle and warm up for five minutes. This will allow the oil and fuel to warm up and properly circulate so that no internal damage to the vehicle will occur.

If your engine is cranking slowly and does not turn on, you should take it into an auto service center and have the battery checked, especially if the battery is more than 3 years old. Older batteries can't stand up to freezing temperatures and won't  be able to start up your car.

If you have any additional questions on how to start up your car on winter mornings, you can visit the Graff Bay City Service Center to speak with our knowledgeable and friendly service technicians. We also recommend that you complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to take care of your vehicle's internal components so they are not compromised, cracked, or disabled by the cold weather. These service fixes will help your vehicle run in top condition all through the winter and help you avoid breaking down on the side of the road in freezing temperatures.

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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Winter Car Care Vehicle Maintenance Tips

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Michigan winters can be tough on us, the roads, and our vehicles. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt all take their toll on cars and it's important to prepare your vehicle for the winter. We suggest bringing your vehicle into our Graff Bay City Service Center to get some seasonal maintenance work done like getting your brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and batteries checked and replaced if need be. Getting an oil change this time of year is a great idea as well. Following our Winter Car Care vehicle maintenance tips can help ensure your vehicle will be able to perform in top condition, handle well on the icy roads, and avoid the possibility of breaking down. Read on to learn the importance of taking care of your vehicle this winter!

On our new Winter Car Care Page, you’ll find tips on –

• Brakes: Your vehicle's brakes keep you safe through every season, but during the winter they are especially important. In winter weather it can take your vehicle a longer distance to break on snow and ice, so making sure your brakes work properly is key. You don't want to be the car that slides through an intersection or into a ditch. Follow the link to read more about your brakes.
• Tires: Find out why it’s important to understand the value winter tires offer. Winter tires are designed to handle winter roads specifically, and with the roads being slushy and icy, the thicker treads will help keep you from sliding around. Click the link to learn more about winter tires.
• Oil Changes: Your engine’s performance depends on regular oil changes, and when your oil is changed on a regular basis, you help extend the life of your vehicle. In the winter, it’s particularly important to keep up with oil changes because the frigid temperatures can have a negative effect on the oil, making it less effective at keeping your engine components from overheating and warping. For a list of signs your vehicle needs an oil change, follow the link.
• Wiper Blades: You need a clear view to drive in any season, but your vehicle's wiper blades become especially important in the winter due to debris from snow, salt, and ice. Harsh winter conditions can wear on your wiper blades, so click the link to find out how to know if you need to replace your wiper blades.
• Batteries: In general, car batteries normally last around two to three years. However, freezing temperatures can be hard on your battery life and make it more difficult to start your engine in the morning after a cold night. So, it’s crucial to be aware of your vehicle's battery life and replace it when necessary. Learn more about your car battery by clicking the link.

We hope you consider following our Winter Car Care vehicle maintenance tips, as they will help keep you safe on the road and likely save you money in the long run on costly repairs. If you're still worried about you and your passenger's well being out on the road, we recommend reading up on Chevrolet's new advanced safety features available on most new 2018 Chevy models. Features like the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist Technology, Forward Safety Awareness, and more can help make driving a much safer endeavor.

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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11 Fun and Festive Christmas Treats

BAY CITY, Mich. ––All throughout December, ovens are warmed to make all manner of confectionary treats and desserts to help celebrate the holiday season. This year, if you're looking for some tasty new recipes to try out make to take a look at our list of 11 fun and festive Christmas treats to make. Our list has a number of great recipes that are perfect for parties, handing out as gifts, or even just as something fun to make with your kids. So indulge your sweet tooth this holiday season and try any our delicious cookies, brownies, and more!

Christmas Tree Brownies

Fun to decorate and delicious to nibble on, these Christmas tree brownies are simple to make and will be wonderfully decorative for your dessert table.

Rice Krispie Wreaths

Crispy, gooey, festive, and sweet. What's not love about these Rice Krispie Wreaths? Simply add some green food coloring and shape the molds into circles to make the confectionary decorations.

Sweet Tortilla Snowflakes

A super fun treat to make with your kids. Simply fold up the tortilla, cut out the design you want, and toss some powdered sugar or sprinkles on top before baking.

Cookies in a Jar for Santa

A perfect holiday treat to pass out to friends and family as a gift. Put all of the ingredients needed to make cookies for Jolly Old Saint Nick into a single mason jar, so practically all you'll have to do is pour the contents into a bowl, mix, and bake.

Oreo Ornaments

A quick and easy treat to make and allow your creative side to come out while decorating the "ornaments" with mini m&ms or different types of sprinkles.

Whoville Cookies

Tasty enough to delight even the Grinch, himself! These cookies also look great and festive out on a serving plate.

Rolo Ornament Cookies

Another chance to decorate your own edible ornaments! The little Rolo on top makes it truly look like they should be hung on your Christmas tree.

Melted Snowman Cookies

These delightfully cute cookies will be everyone's favorite this holiday season. How can you resist these smiling snowmen!

Christmas Caramel Popcorn

Another great festive treat to hand out as presents to our neighbors, teachers, friends, and loved ones. A batch of this caramel popcorn is super simple to make too!

Peppermint Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is a delicious treat, to begin with, but adding some peppermint and candy cane to the recipe makes it truly irresistible! 

Christmas White Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

A simple and fun treat to make with the kids this holiday season. Simply melt some white chocolate for dipping and the pretzel rods with sprinkles to give them a festive look. For a fun party dessert, you can even make a little station with all of the ingredients so that people can make their own right there!

We hope you enjoy making and tasting any or all of these 11 fun and festive Christmas treats this holiday season. If you're looking for other yuletide activities to do, we recommend putting on some Christmas music, making crafts with the kids, or even trying to find ways to give back. Now is also a great time to get your vehicle prepared for all the nasty winter weather by completing our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components won't freeze, crack, or get damaged in the cold temperatures.

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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Classic Christmas Party Playlist

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Listening to joyful Christmas music is one of the highlights of the holiday season! If you're preparing for a party at the office, with friends, family, or just want to listen while admiring the lights on your tree at home, use our Classic Christmas Party Playlist to make it more festive for everyone! On our playlist, we've got plenty old classics and new hits to make your get-togethers merry and bright.

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) - Nat King Cole

A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives

Silver Bells - Bing Crosby & Carole Richards

Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - Gene Autry

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Burl Ives

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Johnny Mathis

Frosty the Snowman - Jimmy Durante

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Dean Martin

Winter Wonderland - Johnny Mathis

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) - Alvin & The Chipmunks

Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas - Perry Como

Christmastime is Here - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys

Joy To The World - Nat King Cole

A Marshmallow World - Francesca Battistelli

I'll Be Home For Christmas - Bing Crosby

Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry

All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Thurl Ravenscroft

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season full of great times with friends and family. So feel free to put our Classic Christmas Party Playlist to good use! Additionally, we encourage you to drive safe this season on the perilous Michigan winter roads. We recommend completing our Winter Car Care routine to ensure the internal components of your vehicle are ready to stand up to the freezing temperatures they are bound to endure.

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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7 Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids

BAY CITY, Mich. –– School will be out soon for the holiday break and your home will be full of little elves running around once again. This year, try any of these seven Christmas crafts ideas for kids to keep them occupied and engaged. They'll also love the fact that they can add their touch to the holiday spirit in your home! There's only so much time you can spend out playing in the snow and sledding before it gets too chilly, so when that happens, bring your children indoors for some fun and artistic crafts this December.

Paper Plate Santa

A fun and easy craft that only requires a few materials. You and your kids can create jolly-looking Santas to be displayed on the walls or the refrigerator for all your family and holiday guests to admire.

Handcut Reindeer

Tracing your hand doesn't just make a turkey, simply flip it upside down and you've got a reindeer shape. Use pipe cleaners for the antlers and a red pompom, sequin or bead as the nose. Decorate the rest of the reindeer as you please!

Cardboard Gingerbread House Gift Tags

Trace and cut out a cardboard house then use a white marker or whiteout to draw the shingles, windows, doors and other features of the house. Your presents will be all the more festive!

Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees

A DIY ornament, but one that is a perfect craft to make with your kids! They're simple and easy to make, and your little ones will be proud to show off their handiwork hanging on the family tree!

Candy Cane Reindeer

A super simple craft that is also a tasty treat. Perfect for handing out to carolers or as stocking stuffers!

Popsicle Stick Elf

Grab a few household craft items such as construction paper and popsicle sticks to make your own versions of Santa's little helpers. These smiling elves will add some cheer to your home.

Reindeer Footprint Christmas Cards

Send friends and family a homemade Christmas cards with Rudolph on the front. Your kids will love getting to paint their feet to imprint the reindeer head!

Need more yuletide inspiration? Check out these Christmas crafts for the kids and other recipes and decorations on our Holiday Pinterest Board. You can also make things easier on Santa this year by taking a look at our online inventory to find the vehicle at the top of your wish list! Happy Holidays from Graff Bay City! Also, make sure to prepare for the cold winter weather ahead by completing your Winter Car Care routine at our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center.

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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The Best Chevrolet Vehicles for Winter Driving

BAY CITY, Mich. – Michigan winters make for perilous road conditions and can threaten the safety of motorists. The best way to stay in control while driving on slick and icy roads and avoid accidentally sliding through an intersection or into a snowbank is with a dependable vehicle designed weather the elements and perform with the well-being of its passengers in mind. We recommend the best Chevrolet vehicles for winter driving to help you drive safely during the coming months. Continue to reading to learn about just a few of Chevy's remarkable snow-conquering machines.

Suburban

A behemoth SUV with the DNA of a Chevy truck, the Suburban is the ideal choice to go dashing through the snow in this winter. The new 2018 model is powered by a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque so you don't have to worry about being stuck in the snow. It also boasts ample ground clearance and weight of approximately 5,700 lbs, for better results in deep snow and poor winter road conditions.

Tahoe

Ranked the Best Large SUV by U.S. News & World Report, the 2018 Tahoe has the same available power and utility as the larger Suburban, but with more nimble maneuverability. In addition to its functionality on winter roads, the Tahoe's comfortable interior will provide a warm and cozy reprieve from the harsh weather outside. You'll feel extra secure knowing the that all of your advanced Chevrolet safety features such as the Forward Collision Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are working to keep your protected while driving on slick, icy roads.

Silverado

Strong, capable, and ready for action in the most inclement of weather! The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado has 420 horsepower, 460 lb.-ft. of torque, and 12,500 lbs. of best-in-class towing capability thanks to its available 6.2L V8 engine. It's likely you'll be the one who your friends and neighbors call to help tow them out a snowbank. Winter is no match for the Silverado and its legacy of rugged performance and dependability.

Who better to design a truck or SUV that's equipped to handle ice and snow than engineers from Detroit? Conquer the elements with the best Chevrolet vehicles for winter driving! Browse our inventory online and once you find the right vehicle for you, call our friendly sales staff to schedule a test drive. You can also get your current vehicle prepared and ready to stand the freezing temperatures and snowy roads with our Winter Car Care maintenance routine. Either way, safety is our primary concern for our customers and we want your vehicle to be ready to handle the elements.

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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What's New with Chevrolet? - February 2017

BAY CITY, Mich. ––Chevrolet has continued to embolden its brand after a strong showing at the North American International Auto Show in January. The bowtie brand has recently debuted a new vehicle series at the Chicago auto show and had its electric automotive marvel win yet another prestigious award among other things. Chevy shows no signs of slowing down in 2017 and will continue to innovate and make strides in the industry. Read on to learn more about what’s new with Chevrolet!

2017 Chevrolet Bolt wins Motorweek Driver's Choice Award - Best Car of the Year

The Chevrolet Bolt continues its winning ways after taking home the Best Car of the Year award from Motorweek recently. The 2017 Bolt EV was also named the 2017 North American Car of the Year, 2017 Motor Trend® Car of the Year, 2017 Green Car Journal Green Car of the Year, and was listed among Car and Driver's 2017 10Best Cars list.

Chevrolet Debuts Redline Special Edition Series

Chevrolet premiered the Redline special edition series at the Chicago Auto Show recently. The Redline series is the broadest cross-portfolio special edition ever offered by the brand. All Redline vehicles are equipped with black wheels featuring distinct red hash marks, black nameplates with a red outline, blacked-out grilles, and black Chevrolet bowtie logos. Additionally, each vehicle also has other specialized design elements.

The Chevrolet Redline series spans across nine vehicles in the car, truck and crossover segments including:

• Cruze LT (sedan and hatchback)
• Camaro LT/SS (coupe and convertible)
• Colorado LT
• Equinox LT
• Malibu LT
• Trax LT
• Traverse Premier
• Silverado Double Cab LT Z71, Crew Cab LTZ Z71

Chevrolet Owners Consumed 4,220 Terabytes of Data in 2016

Chevrolet owners in the U.S. love to use their data! Last year, they used an incredible 4,220,684 gigabytes (or 4,220 terabytes) of data in 2016. This comes as an increase of nearly 200 percent of 2015's usage. Tahoe and Suburban owners deserve the lion share of the "blame", accounting for the largest increase in usage, using three-and-a-half times more data than a year ago.

Chevrolet Announces 2017 Colorado ZR2 Pricing

The high-performance, off-road ZR2 trim level will launch this spring for the 2017 model year with a starting price of $40,995 MSRP. Fans of the brand and auto enthusiasts alike have been excited about this new midsize pickup since its preview at SEMA 2016.

You're all caught up with what's new with Chevrolet in 2017, but the Detroit automotive brand will likely still be making waves as the year continues! Additionally, your safety is important to us and with winter weather and road conditions adversely affecting your vehicle, we highly recommend completing your Winter Car Care routine at our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center.

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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