Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: November 2015

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Chevrolet Colorado is Being Tested

Design sketch of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Chevy Colorado

BAY CITY, Mich. – A hydrogen fuel cell Chevrolet Colorado is being tested by the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Chevrolet Colorado is being tested by the military extensively for the next 12 months. Of course, we don’t know what tests will be done by the military because that’s confidential, but if the midsize pickup can make it through that, it can make it through anything.

Fuel cell propulsion has very low-end torque capability making it great for off-roading. It also provides exportable electric power and quiet operation, which are great features for a commercial and military use.

Fuel cell vehicles help address two major environment challenges that automobiles face today, which are petroleum use and carbon dioxide emissions. The only emission this Colorado will have is water vapor because the truck runs on renewable hydrogen from sources like wind and biomass.

In 2007 GM launched a 119-vehicle fleet of hydrogen fuel cell Chevrolet Equinoxes and called it “Project Driveway.” The fleet was driven more than 3 million miles by more than 5,000 consumers. GM expects the Chevrolet Colorado to have just as positive results.

GM and TARDEC have fuel cell development and research facilities about 20 minutes away from each other in Pontiac and Warren. The two will continue to collaborate as TARDEC puts the hydrogen fuel cell truck through the rigorous testing.

While this truck is obviously not out for purchase, you can still head on over to our Kawkawlin area Chevrolet dealer to find yourself a "normal" Chevrolet Colorado. It’s a great vehicle for the snowy winter ahead!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your new family! 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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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Quick Fun Facts About Turkey Day!

BAY CITY, Mich. – Turkey day is here, which means you should enjoy your time with family and eat so much your belly expands. But before any of that gets underway, you can start your festivities with these quick fun facts about turkey day that are guaranteed to expand your perspective of this historical American holiday!

Fun Facts About Turkey Day

The first Thanksgiving was in 1621 and it was a three-day festival.
Thanksgiving wasn’t widely celebrated until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday.
There is a National Turkey Federation.
There are four US cities name Turkey. They’re in Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, and North Carolina.
Each year the President pardons a turkey.
Ben Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey.
88% of Americans have turkey on Thanksgiving.
A lot of the foods we eat now on Thanksgiving were not at the original Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year. 56% of drivers will travel at least 100 miles.
The busiest airports are in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, NYC, and San Francisco.
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started in the 1920s. There were real animals in the parade and no balloons.
Minnesota is the top turkey producing state in America. They’re raising about 40 million turkeys just this year.
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys play on Thanksgiving Day every year.
Forks were not yet invented; only spoons and knives were used.
In 1941 Congress declared Thanksgiving to be on the 4th Thursday in November.

We’re wishing you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day with your family. Get ready for the season with any auto service you may need before the cold comes. Come into Graff Bay City and we’ll take care of your snow tires or any other car parts that need to be updated.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Girl Scout Cookie Sale at Graff Bay City!

BAY CITY, Mich. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re not talking about the fact that the holiday season is upon us. We’re talking about the time of the year Girl Scout Cookies go on sale!

Great news: we’re having a Girl Scout cookie sale at Graff Bay City! Come into our store on Nov. 20 from 3–5 p.m. or on Nov. 30 from 4–6 p.m. to get your favorite Girl Scout cookies. Plus, if you buy four boxes you get a fifth one FREE! What’s better than free Girl Scout cookies?

It can be a little overwhelming with so many cookie choices available. Just so you’re prepared for the Girl Scout cookie sale at Graff Bay City, here’s the cookie low-down:

Thin Mints – If you like mint and chocolate, these are the cookies for you!

Somoas – Two words: caramel and coconut.

Tagalongs – These cookies are for all the peanut butter lovers!

Trefoils – Buy these if you you’re a shortbread cookie fan.

Do-si-dos – Indulge in a crunchy oatmeal outside and creamy peanut butter inside!

Cranberry Citrus Crisps – A whole grain cookie with tangy cranberry bits!

Lemonades – A fruity lemon-icing-topped shortbread cookie that will melt in your mouth!

Rah-Rah Raisins – It’s not just your average oatmeal raisin cookie, they also have Greek–yogurt flavored chunks!

Savannah Smiles – Delicious lemon flavored cookies with a powered sugar covering.

Thanks-a-lot – You'll say "thank you" when you try these shortbread cookies with a chocolate fudge bottom!

Toffee-tastic – A scrumptious rich, buttery cookie with a little crunchy golden bits.

Trios – Calling all gluten free eaters! Try these peanut butter oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips.

Come to our Girl Scout cookie sale at Graff Bay City to help this great organization! This month we’re also giving back to the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. We'll donate $10 to the organization for every vehicle purchase and $0.25 for every vehicle service done. If you need any service done this holiday season visit your Frankenmuth area service center. We can take care of your tires, oil change, or car parts to prepare you for winter.

Winter Car Tips to Get Ready for the Cold

BAY CITY, Mich. – Michigan winters are brutal; we all know it. But while winter is hard on us, it can be hard on your car, too. Keeping up with your auto maintenance is a no-brainer for some people, but it’s especially important in the winter. Being stranded on the side of the road when it’s 20 degrees out does not sound like a good time. Use these winter car tips to get ready for the cold and make the season a little easier on you and your vehicle.

Keep an emergency kit in your car. It’s the absolute best thing you can have in your vehicle in case something happens. Some things that should be in this kit include a flashlight, flares, engine oil, and jumper cables to name a few. Here’s a full list from the DMV: http://bit.ly/1hsqZgT.

Check your belts and hoses. Your car’s belts and hoses should be checked when you get a tune-up, but it’s beneficial to check them again when the weather starts getting cold. Harsh temperatures can crack and weaken belts and hoses, and if something happens to them you’re not going anywhere.

Replace windshield wipers. Wipers should be replaced every six months just to be safe. Without good wipers, you put other drivers and yourself in danger if you’re driving through a snowstorm.

Fill your car with antifreeze. Antifreeze will keep your engine from freezing in cold weather. Antifreeze should always be mixed with water, usually at a 50/50 ratio. Fortunately, most places sell antifreeze already mixed properly with water so you don’t have to measure it out.

Check your battery. Batteries normally last around three to five years. Winter months make your battery work much harder, so it’s important that you replace yours before it gets too cold.

Invest in snow tires. We can’t stress this enough. Snow tires help with traction, braking, and driver control. Michigan roads don't usually close down for snow, so having these tires will greatly benefit you.

Use these winter car tips to get ready for the cold and you’ll stay safe and warm with your vehicle all season long. If you need any auto service before the snow hits, stop by our service center near Mt.Morris, MI. We’ll take care of your tires, brakes, and car parts.

Monday, November 16, 2015

The Chevy Colorado Diesel is the Most Fuel Efficient Midsize Pickup

BAY CITY, Mich. – Good news for you truck lovers! It was confirmed this week that the 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel is the most fuel-efficient midsize pickup with an estimated 31 mpg on the highway.

Not only is the 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel leading in fuel efficiency, but it’s also the only midsize truck that you can get with a diesel option, giving its drivers a better experience with less gas fill-ups.

The 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel is the most fuel-efficient midsize pickup with great trailering perks as well. The 2WD models can tow up to 7,600 pounds, and the 4WD models tow up to 7,700 pounds with the available trailering package.

As a bonus, two new features on the 2016 Chevy Colorado help with driving control. Drivers will be more confident with the smart diesel exhaust braking and an integrated trailer brake controller.

Smart diesel braking assists with vehicle control and reduces brake wear and tear by decreasing the need for braking on downgrades. The integrated trailer brake works alongside the antilock brake system to give immediate measured brake force, which makes it unnecessary for an aftermarket trailer brake controller.

The 2016 Chevy Colorado is available to truck enthusiasts this fall, so be on the lookout for that. If you’re looking for something a little more compact, then head on over to your Frankenmuth area used car dealer to find a great deal. We’re happy to help you with anything you need to find the perfect vehicle for you.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Thanksgiving Appetizers To Compliment Your Feast

BAY CITY, Mich. – It's hard to believe, but turkey day is almost here which means it's time to decide what you're making for the family! While all of your guests are most likely looking forward to the main course, you can prevent them from getting 'hangry' before dinner hits the table with these delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers to compliment your feast!

Perfectly satisfying and autumn-themed, these Thanksgiving day appetizers will keep your guests perfectly entertained while you finish cooking the meal. Make sure to add these ingredients to your grocery list so you're prepared for the big day!

Thanksgiving Appetizers To Compliment Your Feast

Crunchy, crisp, and sweet. These Apple, Brie, and Honey Bruschetta Bites are a simple yet savory appetizer to tide your guests over before the main meal is complete!

If you like the idea of sweet and savory, but want to incorporate Thanksgiving's fruit of choice, the cranberry, these Cranberry Brie Bites are for you!

Now we know mashed potatoes are one of Thanksgiving's most important side dishes, but these bite-sized Mashed Potato Puffs are perfect for those who just can't wait to dig in!

The great thing about these Skinny Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms is that they're delicious and nutritious. How could you not love them?!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be spent with family and friends to appreciate each other. This year, and every year, we are so thankful for the support our community has show us and so we are focusing these last few weeks of the year on our Season of Giving! From the Safe Harbor Kitchen Drive to Jayden's Toy Drive, we want to give back in any way that we can and we appreciate everyone who helps us!

If there is anything we can do to help your family stay safe this season, stop by our Midland area used car dealer and we'd be more than happy to take care of any auto service you need done. Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your new family! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Graff Bay City Supports the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

BAY CITY, Mich. – It’s a new month, which means we need to announce our partner for Graff Gives Back. This November, Graff Bay City Supports the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.

The best time of the year is definitely when Girls Scout cookies go on sale! Who needs fresh baked cookies when Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties area around? No one, that's who! Come to our dealership and help out this great organization.

The Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan not only teaches young girls life skills like cooking, building a fires, and communication, but also gives them an opportunity to build character and make lasting memories.

The Girl Scouts teach young ladies leadership and confidence. It’s not just about selling those delicious cookies we love. They’re empowering themselves to be the best person possible and building life-long friendships.

Graff Bay City supports the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan by donating $10 for every vehicle purchased and $0.25 for each service done. It’s a small way for you to make a big difference in these girls’ lives.

Come into your Frankenmuth area used car dealer and get any auto service you need before the winter comes. You can also check out our used cars and trucks for sale. Come in for a test-drive today.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we can help you find the perfect fall vehicle! 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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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation Toy Drive

BAY CITY, Mich. – It’s giving season at Graff Bay City! We have partnered with the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation once again this year for the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation Toy Drive.

The Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation (JLMF) was created in the memory of Jayden Lamb, a 9-year-old boy whose life was taken way too soon by cancer. He was a boy with a heart of gold and a smile that could melt your heart!

Jayden’s family created JLMF to raise money for other families that have lost children to pediatric cancer. Their goal is to send families on vacation after a child has passed to get their mind off of the loss and to coupe with the pain.

Through November and December we’re collecting new toys for the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation Toy Drive. The toys will be given to children who are fighting pediatric cancer and other children in the Great Lakes Bay Region in honor of Jayden’s memory.

Please keep in mind that the toys need to be donated with enough time to be handed out to the children before Christmas. Any donations you make are very appreciated by us and JLMF. Every donation makes a child’s day, so we hope that you stop by our showroom and drop some off.

If you’d like to learn more about the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation you can find it here: http://jaydenlamb.org/about

Please share our Facebook event as well to get the word out: http://on.fb.me/1WAul2F

Graff Bay City is proud to give back to its community. We can help you this holiday season as well by showing you some great deals on our used cars for sale at our dealership near Midland, MI. If you’re looking for something a little bigger, you can take a look at our used trucks for sale too.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Black Friday Bash at Graff Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. – It’s time to start planning your Black Friday shopping strategy! If you're planning on hunting down all of the best deals at the best stores, then add the Black Friday Bash at Graff Bay City to your list. Come out to our dealership on Nov. 27 for incredible savings for you and your vehicle. Check out the different deals going on throughout the day:

7:30–9:30 a.m.

Oil changes as low as $15.95! Don’t miss out on this! All services will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you get here early to find a place in line.

9:30 a.m. to 4p.m.

Get $10 off a Graff Gift Card purchase of $50 or more and $20 off a Graff Gift Card of $100 or more. We know Dad is hard to buy for when it comes to Christmas presents, so why not get him a gift card? He’ll love it!

1–5 p.m.

Take a test-drive and we'll enter you to win 1 of 2 iPads. There’s no purchase necessary, making it a chance you shouldn’t pass up. Think of it as a little Christmas present to yourself!

Remember, these deals are LIMITED TIME ONLY so there’s no way you should pass them up! You can’t beat deals like this, so make sure you put the Black Friday Bash at Graff Bay City at the top of your shopping list.

We look forward to seeing you at our Black Friday Bash on Nov. 27, but if you need any other auto service in the meantime, stop by our service center near Frankenmuth anytime and our certified technicians will replace your vehicle's tires, check its brakes, and handle any other car repairs you need to have taken care of before winter hits.