Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: December 2017

Thursday, December 28, 2017

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:

Turn off all electrical accessories such as the headlights, heater, defroster, etc.
Insert the key into the ignition.
Turn the key to "On" position, turning on the display lights and the fuel pump.
Allow for a minute of time to pass so that the fuel pump can circulate fuel through the engine.
Turn the key fully, to start the vehicle.
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.

Friday, December 22, 2017

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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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

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.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Give Car-Related Christmas Gifts this Season!

BAY CITY, Mich. –– It's the season of giving, and this year, don't just give the typical presents to your friends and family, give them car-related Christmas gifts! Their vehicles deserve a bit of attention this time of year too, especially with the inclement winter weather bearing down on us. Check our list of gift ideas that will satisfy everyone from the biggest car-nut you know to your cousin who never remembers to get their oil changed!

Meguiar's Complete Car Care Kit

Pamper your vehicle and keep it in top condition with this extensive car care kit, including products for car washes, waxing, interior cleaner, and more. We recommend getting your vehicle washed somewhat regularly during the winter as road salt is corrosive and can rust off the paint and metal on your car. So whether you're doing it by hand or heading to the carwash, keep your vehicle clean in 2018!

DBPOWER 600A Peak 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter

Without another vehicle around to jump you, traditional jumper cables are practically useless. So why not get a portable jump starter kit that will allow you to restart your car all by yourself! This kit can jumpstart a vehicle with up to a 6.5L gas or 5.2L diesel engine, has a 18,000mAh power rating, has an LED light with 3 modes (high, strobe and SOS) in case needing to signal for emergencies, and is small enough to be stored in your glovebox.

WeatherTech Floor Mats

WeatherTech floor mats are the premier product for keeping the floor of your vehicle clean from any slush, mud, or debris that may get dragged in from outside on your boots. You can shop for the floor mats that are designed exactly for your make, year, and model type.

Tile Mate - Key Finder

For the person who is always misplacing their car keys, get them the world’s best-selling Bluetooth tracker for Christmas. They can then simply put the small tile on their key ring and use the Tile Mate app on their phone to locate it when it's gone missing. As an added bonus, if you have your keys but can't find your phone, simply double press the button on your Tile Mate to make your phone ring, even if it is on silent!

iOttie Easy One Touch 2 Car Mount Universal Phone Holder

Make it easier for your friends or family to discern their navigation directions while they're on the road, by getting them a mounted holder for their mobile phone! It's much safer to have the directions displayed up by your eye level with the road in front of you than to be constantly looking down at your phone to figure out where your next turn is. But make sure they don't get too distracted by it while they're driving, though.

Petego Rear Car Seat Protector

If the person on your Christmas list has a beloved pet that they love bringing with them everywhere, a seat protecter is the perfect way to help them keep their vehicle clean. They'll be so appreciative of the fact that their car seats will now be significantly less hairy from all the fur their dog sheds.

Winter Tires

Especially in Michigan, winter tires are a sound investment this time of year, and will keep you safer on the road in poor weather conditions. Winter tires feature deeper tread depths to reduce snow buildup and unique tread patterns to channel snow and slush. In fact, these tires also have an increased traction in deep snow and on ice so they brake in a quarter of the time of all-season tires.

Oil Change

Gifting someone an oil change this Christmas may not seem like a enticing present, but their car will sure thank you for it! Vehicles should be brought in for an oil change every 3,000–5,000 miles, that way your car, truck, or SUV will run better and you won't have to worry about your engine overheating and warping internal components.

Graff Bay City Service Coupons

The recipient of this Christmas present will save big on any necessary repairs or routine maintenance they need completed season when you give them service coupons to Graff Chevrolet Service Center. Simply download the service coupons off of our website for deals on wiper blades, wheel alignments, and more. You can even get 10% off Chevy and GM apparel such as shirts, hats, and vehicle accessories.

So this year, give your loved ones some Christmas gifts for their car, to help it run better, stay cleaner, and perform like the day they drove it off the lot. Or, if you want, you can always spoil yourself by getting any of these gift ideas for your own ride! Plus, If there's a new vehicle on your Christmas wishlist, browse our online inventory or Special Edition Chevy Vehicles to see if we have what you're looking for. You can then schedule a test drive at our dealership to experience the vehicle in person.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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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Saturday, December 9, 2017

Chevrolet Upgrades Safety Features on the 2018 Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Chevrolet and GM Fleet recently announced that they will be upgrading the 2018 Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) to better protect and serve officers of the law. To ensure the safety and well-being of police officers while they are out on the road, Chevy has improved the safety features of the new Tahoe to help reduce potential crash speeds and help avoid crashes altogether.

“We want to protect our protectors and help them get home safely at the end of every shift,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet. “The safety technologies we are introducing on the Tahoe PPV may serve as a second set of eyes.”

While the Tahoe PPV includes a suite of standard safety and driver assist features including StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System, Rear Vision Camera with Rear Park Assist, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and steering wheel controls, it now has the new Enhanced Driver Assist Package available as well. This safety package is the first of its kind for a pursuit-rated vehicle, with five different technologies that make up the package, including:

Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking: This feature automatically helps to reduce the severity of a collision. If the vehicle is traveling at a low speed and the system detects that a front-end collision is imminent, it will apply the brakes if the driver has not already done so.

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: This system helps drivers avoid unintentionally drifting out of their lanes on the road with a gentle steering wheel turns. to when they are not actively steering and the turn signals are not activated.

Safety Alert Driver Seat: Instead of audible crash avoidance alerts, drivers can activate this GM-patented alert system to receive a haptic seat-bottom vibration pulses.

Forward Collision Alert: This technology employs radar and a forward-looking camera to measure the closing speeds between a vehicle and objects in its path. If the system determines that there is too small of a distance to the object in front of the vehicle, it will trigger a visual alert and audible beeps or seat pulses to alert the driver, if equipped.

Power Adjustable Pedals: To accommodate drivers of all sizes and help them find their optimal driving position for comfort and control, the Power Adjustable Pedals work in conjunction with the 2018 Tahoe PPV’s standard 10-way power driver seat and tilt wheel as well.

“When they’re on road patrol, police officers are constantly multitasking,” said Theodore Quisenberry, 43-year law enforcement veteran and the retired chief of the Royal Oak (Michigan) Police Department and the Oakland County Homeland Security Division. “Now when officers are scanning their surroundings, so is their vehicle. That will help them stay safe.”

To do their part to support the men and women serving as officers of the law, Chevrolet has upgraded the safety features on the new 2018 Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle. The available Enhanced Driver Assist Package will help to keep police officers safe while they are in their patrol vehicles with such features as Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, the Safety Alert Driver Seat, and Power Adjustable Pedals. In fact, features like these are so important that according to a 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) report, there is a 27 percent reduction in the rate of rear-end crashes reported to police by vehicles with forward collision warning systems, and when combined with automatic braking, the incident rate is decreased by 50 percent. To keep yourself and your own vehicle safe out on your road this season, we recommend completing our Winter Car Care maintenance routine. Your vehicle and its internal components can be adversely affected by the freezing temperatures this time of year, and getting service done to get them into top working order is a great way to ensure your vehicle doesn't break down out in the cold.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

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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Friday, December 1, 2017

6 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

BAY CITY, Mich. – December is a festive month for spending time with family and showing them how much they mean to you. But giving gifts to loved ones isn't the only way to make an impact this time of year. You can donate or volunteer to help those in need and make the season bright for everyone in your local community! So, if you're looking for ways to give back this holiday season read on to learn six ideas on how to do so.

1. Donate to a food drive/bank: Food banks need our support year-round, but their resources are stretched especially thin through the holiday season due to demand. The best way to donate is through a monetary gift, however, as most food banks have partnerships with local grocery stores where they can get more food for a dollar than average shoppers. Find your local food bank to donate to on Feeding America's website.

2. Donate winter coats, hats, and gloves: The cold winter weather we experience in Michigan can chill you to the bone. Help keep up local children and adults in need from being cold at home, school, or work this year by donating your gently-used winter coats, hats, and gloves to Just For Kids or the Salvation Army.

3. Adopt a family: Help make the holiday season one to remember for a family in need in your local area. You can adopt a family through Volunteers of America to provide direct support, such as food, toys, and clothing.

4. Donate toys: Make a child's Christmas extra special this year by making sure they receive a toy under the tree. You can donate new toys or gently used toys to local children's hospitals or Toys for Tots.

5. Volunteer at an animal shelter: Dogs, cats, and other animals can use some love and attention during the holiday season as well. Find a local animal shelter or humane society to volunteer at this December.

6. Use Amazon Smile: Are you an avid Amazon shopper? Instead of using the regular "amazon.com" URL, register your account through "smile.amazon.com". It's the same Amazon you use, except 0.5% of your eligible purchases will be donated to the charity of your choice.

Make it a great holiday season for those in need this year with any of these 6 ways to give back. At Graff Chevrolet Bay City, giving back is extremely important to us and a core tenant of our business. Learn about the many causes and organizations we donate and help raise money for on our Community Involvement page. Also, before you do any holiday traveling this month, make sure your vehicle is running in top shape by scheduling an appointment at the Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center.