Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: March 2018

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Why You Should Choose Graff Bay City for All Your Auto Service Needs

BAY CITY, Mich. –– At Graff Chevrolet in Bay City, MI, we offer a vast array of auto repair and vehicle maintenance services to suit your every auto need. Our well-equipped Service Center is thriving with dedicated auto experts and technicians who are more than happy to help you with whatever service your car, truck, SUV, or crossover, of any make and model, may need. From simple oil changes to brake installation, we'll help get you back on the road safe in no time! Additionally, you can conveniently schedule a service appointment at the Graff Bay City Service Center online to help save yourself time by avoiding having to wait in line. We're dedicated to your satisfaction and safety. There are many reasons that why you can count on our team to take the best care of you, so read on to find out why you should choose Graff Chevrolet Bay City for your auto service needs!

ASE Certified Technicians

Our auto mechanics are ASE certified, ensuring that you will receive only the best service and repairs when you bring your vehicle to our shop. Additionally, our service techs are knowledgeable and friendly and will walk you through any repairs they need to make or will answer any questions you may have to make sure you understand the work that is being done on your vehicle. At Graff Chevrolet Bay City, we aim to create a comfortable atmosphere that can provide quick and high-quality service, so we only hire service technicians who can help provide both.

Two Service Locations

To provide the best auto maintenance service possible to our customers, and to ensure you can receive service whenever your schedule allows, we have two service locations at Graff Bay City. To get your vehicle worked on you can visit the Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center located at our dealership or visit our satellite Graff Xpress service station if you need any quick routine maintenance done such as an oil change starting at $24.00. Service is so fast at Graff Xpress, you don't even have to schedule an appointment. Additionally, although we're a Chevrolet dealership, we make repairs on all makes and models, both foreign and domestic! Our service technicians have a lot of experience working with all different makes and models.

Full-Service Collision Center

The Graff Chevrolet Bay City Collision Center is a full-service auto body repair shop where we make our customer’s satisfaction our number one priority. At our Collision Center, we offer free estimates for all makes and models, both foreign and domestic. This includes Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Pontiac, Honda, Kia, and more. No matter the car or truck you drive, our certified Graff Chevrolet technicians have the experience and skillsets to put your vehicle back together again and looking like it just rolled off the line whether you have minor scratches or dents to serious bodywork that need to be repaired. Additionally, we offer the following services to our customers to ensure complete satisfaction:

Free on the Spot Estimates
In-House Rental/Loaner Fleet
Great Relationships with Insurance Companies
A Lifetime Guarantee on All Repairs

Service Specials

Getting routine maintenance or repairs done on your vehicle doesn't have to break the bank. You can save big on your service fees at Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center by taking advantage of our service specials. One example, you can benefit from our Tire Price Match Guarantee to ensure you get a set quality of tires at an affordable rate. Make sure you print the coupon and bring it to our service center when you have an appointment!

Repair Financing

At Graff Chevrolet in Bay City, MI we’re happy to provide you with helpful finance solutions for all of your auto needs, including vehicle service, routine maintenance, and repairs! Whether it's a brake repair service that you planned for or a body collision repair that you didn't expect, vehicle ownership can be expensive. We understand that vehicle maintenance and automotive repair costs can be rough on your wallet and budget, which is why we offer available auto service and repair financing programs at Graff Chevrolet in Bay City, MI.

Additional Benefits & Appointment Scheduling

Scheduling your next service appointment online can make your experience much more stress-free. As an added bonus for our customers, when you schedule appointments online at Graff Chevrolet Bay City and create an account on our site, we provide the following information and reminders to give you the best and most comprehensive service experience in Bay County.

Your Service History
Maintenance Reminders
Personalized Reminders
Dealership News & Specials

So, as you can see, there are plenty of reasons to choose Graff Chevrolet Bay City for all your auto service needs! We take pride in our superior craftsmanship and timely process, because your safety and time is important to us. We want to make your dealership experience seamless, and your satisfaction is a priority to us. We're confident we can get you a great deal on quality auto service in the Bay Area. You can schedule your oil change, tire rotation, brake repair, or battery installation with our helpful and knowledgeable service team online or by giving us a call at (989) 684-4411. We're happy to serve our neighbors in Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, Essexville, Pinconning, Frankenmuth, Birch Run, Zilwaukee, and beyond at our Hank Graff Chevrolet Service Center located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706!

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.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist and Hack Guide

BAY CITY, Mich. –– It's finally spring! Now is the time to clean your home and get it ready to enjoy the warm weather after a long, harsh winter. Your mood and health will be improved by a nice, clean, pleasant-smelling living environment. So use our Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist and Hack Guide to ensure your home is clean as can be!

Spring Cleaning Checklist:

Clean Windows
Mop Floors
Vacuum Carpet
Shake Out Your Rugs Outside
Dust Baseboards
Dust Ceiling Corners
Dust Light Fixtures
Dust Ceiling Fans
Dust Window Blinds
Dust Crown Molding
Vacuum Your Couches
Clean Your Air Vents
Clean Mirrors
Replace Any Burnt Out Light Bulbs
Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Clean Microwave
Disinfect Sink
Clean Garbage Disposal
Clean & Organize Refrigerator
Clean Stove Top Burners
Clean Oven
Replace Water Filter (if needed) in Refrigerator
Clean the Dishwasher
Clean the Laundry Washer and Dryer
Clean out Dryer Vent
Dust Behind and Underneath Washer and Dryer
Clean Bathroom Air Vent
Disinfect Toothbrush Holders
Clean Shower Caddy
Polish Bathroom Faucets
Clean Walls of Shower
Wash Shower Curtain
Wash Shower Floor Mat
Re-caulk Around Bathtub or Shower
Clean Shower Head
Organize Your Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers
Disinfect Every Surface of Your Toilet
Wash Bed Sheets, Blankets, and Comforters
Wash Pillows
Clean Mattresses
Rotate/Flip Mattresses
Organize Nightstands
Clean & Disinfect Children's Toys
Clean Computer Keyboard and Monitor Window
Disinfect Car Keys
Disinfect Remote Controls
Rake Your Lawn for Leftover Leafs, Branches, eEtc.
Sweep Deck/Porch.
Sweep Garage
Organize Garage

Spring Cleaning Hacks:

Instead of using paper towel or old rags to wipe down surfaces while cleaning, we recommend purchasing microfiber clothes. Their ability to wipe up liquid cleaner, pick up debris, and avoid leaving streaks is far superior.

Use a lint roller to clean your screen doors.

Clean your bathroom walls with a Swiffer or dust mop.

Clean your air vents using a butter knife wrapped in a piece of cloth to get between the slats.

To clean your washing machine, fill it with hot water and add a quart of bleach. Complete one full cycle using only bleach to clean and sanitize. Then, run a second cycle with vinegar to help dissolve soap scum and grime. Lastly, use scrubbing pads to clean around the washer’s drum.

To clean your bathtub or bathroom tile and grout, all you need is baking soda, peroxide, and dish soap to make a budget-friendly cleaner.

Clean out your dishwasher with bleach, vinegar, and baking soda. In this 4 step cleaning process, you will use baking soda, bleach, and vinegar in a separate washing cycle to get your dishwasher smelling and looking like new.

You can clean your blinds by using kitchen tongs wrapped in microfiber cloth. Is your feather duster not doing it for you anymore? Use tongs wrapped in microfiber cloth to rid your blinds of dust and dirt.

Clean your shower head overnight with white vinegar. Fill a sandwich bag with white vinegar and place your shower head in the solution overnight. In the morning you should have a dirt and grime free shower head.

Use toothpaste to erase marker stains from wood, and to remove any drawings your children accidentally put on the walls, scrub lightly on the area with a damp sponge sprinkled in baking soda.

After scrubbing and disinfecting your garbage disposal you can ensure the removal of any stinky smells by running a few lemon rinds through the disposal and then running cold water to dispel any sour odors.

To help remove any pet smells or odors on your furniture or carpet, sprinkle the surfaces affected with baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up.

Got a scuff or a scratch on your wood furniture? Rub the scratched area with a walnut (shell removed) to mask the damage.

Make your home shine bright by using our Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist and Hack Guide this season! This time of year, it's also important to look after the well-being and tidiness of your vehicle. Complete our Spring Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components are repaired and or recalibrated after a long harsh winter.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Chevrolet Is off to a Great Start This Spring

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Chevrolet is off to a great start this spring, with a number of new vehicle unveilings, events, and other promotions that are pushing their reputation onward and upward. Most notably though, Chevy won nine J.D. Power and Associates Awards, making it the most awarded motor brand. Additionally, Chevy recently showcased the all-new 2018 model vehicles which will be on display at Comerica Park while the Detroit Tigers play this season. So read on to learn more about what Chevrolet has been up to lately!

Chevy Wins Big at the J.D. Power Automotive Summit

Recently, six different Chevrolet cars, trucks and SUVs won awards in J.D. Power’s 2017 Vehicle Dependability, Initial Quality and APEAL Studies this year. Chevy won a total of won a total of nine J.D. Power awards, making it the most awarded brand of 2017 at the J.D. Power Automotive Summit before the National Association of Auto Dealers Convention.

Vehicle Dependability Study: This study examined issues reported by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles to determine which cars are the most reliable. The following Chevy models were listed as the top performers:

*Based on 2014 models

Initial Quality Study: This study measured the problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership. The following Chevy models were listed as the top performers:

Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL) Study: This study measured owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement across several attributes. The following Chevy models were listed as the top performers:

Chevrolet Is off to a Great Start This Spring

New 2018 Chevy Models On Display at Comerica Park

All season at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, the all-new 2018 Traverse High Country and 2018 Colorado ZR2 will be on display. The 3 million annual visitors to the Tigers' home field will see the all-new 2018 Traverse High Country and a 2018 Colorado ZR2 sitting high above the Chevrolet Fountain behind center field. For the last nine Tigers seasons, Chevrolet has sponsored the fountain, which features new Chevy models each season and has an array of water displays and the sound of a tiger growling after each Detroit home run. Additionally, to partner with the Detroit Tigers and Chevrolet is supporting the “Play Ball: Baseball at the DIA” exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts celebrating the great American pastime throughout the summer.

So after wrapping up a terrific 2017, Chevrolet is off to a great start this spring and should have plenty more to celebrate and unveil throughout 2018. Additionally, at Graff Bay City, making sure our customer's vehicles are in great condition and are able to keep the safe out on the road is our number one priority. So we highly recommend you bring your vehicle into our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center to get your Spring Car Care maintenance routine completed. Our friendly, informative, and quick service technicians will have your vehicle running well after dealing with the harsh winter weather in no time! Schedule an appointment today!

8 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Easter Eggs

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Dyeing your Easter Eggs a beloved family tradition, one that you can enjoy with your kids every spring. But, if you're looking for new, fun and different ways to craft your eggs this year, consider trying any of these eight creative ways to decorate your Easter Eggs. The Easter Bunny and your entire family will be very impressed with your colorful handiwork!

Kool-Eggs

Using Kool-Aid to dye your Easter Eggs is a more traditional way of doing things, but you just can't beat those vibrant colors! Plus, Kool-Aid is a much more spill friendly liquid to use if your little ones are helping dye the eggs.

8 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Easter Eggs

Emoji Easter Eggs

Add a little emotion to your Easter Eggs this year! All the different Emoji faces will make for a silly and fun crafting experience.

Paper Mache Easter Eggs

For those of us who are feeling extra artsy this spring, these paper mache are a gorgeous way to celebrate. They even look very similar to stained glass windows in churches.

Sprinkle Easter Eggs

Turn your Easter Eggs into a colorful creation that looks like its covered in rainbow-colored sprinkles.

Pineapple Easter Eggs

Give your Easter eggs a tropical spring break feel by decorating them as pineapples!

Paint Splattered Easter Eggs

Let your inner artist shine, by creating this elegantly simple Easter Eggs with a little paint splatter. This design is a great one for kids as there is no wrong way to splatter paint on an egg!

Mosaic Easter Eggs

This design is a two-step process that takes a little patience, but the results are beautiful and worth the effort!

Ice Cream Cone Easter Eggs

These might be the most adorable Easter Eggs on our list! While they do take some serious artistic talent to pull off, these cute little eggs will make your Easter all the cheerful.

Make Easter extra fun and colorful this year with these eight creative ways to decorate your eggs! Additionally, now that its springtime, it's time to consider completing your Spring Car Care maintenance routine. After a harsh winter season, your vehicle is likely to be in a bit of disrepair after dealing with ice, corrosive road salt, dangerous potholes, and more. So bring your vehicle into our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center where our friendly, informative, and fast service technicians will have your vehicle back in top working condition in no time! Schedule an appointment today!

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

9 Rainy Day Activities to Do with Your Kids

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Rainy days during the spring can often put a damper on you and your children's spirits. Plus, as parents, you know that the last thing you want is for your kids to feel cooped up or go stir-crazy. So when the weather isn't cooperating, try any of these nine rainy day activities to do with your kids to keep from saying the dreaded phrase, "I'm bored!"

Play Cards or Board Games

Keeping those little minds occupied is always tricky, so on the next rainy day, pull out a deck of cards or some board games! Card games can keep your kids intrigued for hours! Play Slapjack, Old Maid, Six Card Golf, Crazy Eights, or the classic, Go Fish! That, or it's never too early to teach a young Michigander how to play Euchre!

Have a Dance Party

It's never the wrong time to get the wiggles out by dancing and singing along to your favorite music!

Bake Some Treats

Rainy days are always perfect for indulging your sweet tooth. Plus the warm and pleasant smells of baking some confectionary treats will make it feel less dreary outside. Try a batch of brownies, cookies, or even some homemade ice cream, all of which are simple recipes that your little ones can help whip up!

Go Bowling

This is a great way to still be active and get out of the house when the weather isn't cooperating! Visit any of the fun-filled bowling alleys in Bay City, including Bay Lanes, Monitor Lanes, or Washington Lanes.

Hold a Fashion Show

Let your kids dress up in some fancy clothes or costumes and strut their stuff on the runway! Dressing up is always fun!

Read Books

Dreary days are ideal for curling up with a good book! Or, to get out of your house, take a trip to your local library. Either way, you'll promote literacy with your young children and inspire their imagination to wander to the far reaches of creativity!

Build a Blanket & Pillow Fort

Everyone's favorite indoor activity. Create a fun little shelter where you kids can play inside with their toys, read a book, or take a nap.

Play Hide and Seek

Another fun game that will keep your kids active and engaged even when they can't play outside due to the weather.

Watch a Movie

Whether you head to the movie theater or have your own private screening at home, have some fun watching a movie or two on a rainy day! Make (or buy) some popcorn, grab a blanket and get comfy on the couch. Or, you can even watch from your pillow fort!

So help keep your kids happy and having fun with these nine rainy day activities to do with your kids this spring! Your children aren't the only ones who need looking after this time of year, however. After a harsh winter season, your vehicle is likely to be in a bit of disrepair after dealing with ice, corrosive road salt, dangerous potholes, and more. So bring your vehicle into our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center to get your Spring Car Care maintenance routine completed. Our friendly, informative, and quick service technicians will have your vehicle back in top working condition in no time! Schedule an appointment today!

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Spring Car Care at Graff Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. – Your safety on the road is our number one priority, so we've compiled a list of helpful tips for Spring Car Care at Graff Bay City. Routine maintenance and the right auto service will keep your vehicle performing its best all season long and prolong its lifespan. Under our service section on the website, you’ll find our new Spring Car Care tips that will keep you safe all season long. Learn about the proper routine maintenance for your wipers, tires, fluids, wheel alignment, and suspension. There’s even a section on spring cleaning for your car! Keeping your vehicle clean will help keep you focused on the road, and ensure the functionality of its various components. Find out more about each topic in the list below. Get ready for spring with our service experts at Graff Bay City!

Spring Car Care at Graff Bay City:

Wipers

Your wiper blades are essential in every season, but especially in the spring. Spring weather brings a lot of rain, and to keep you safe on the road at all times it’s important to have wiper blades that are in good condition. Head on over our spring wiper blade care page to learn about the signs wear and tear. If you’re unsure about your wiper blades feel free to come into our Service Center at Graff Bay City, and we’ll help you find new ones and install them.

Tires

Spring tire care involved checking your treads, rotating your tires, and replacing them as needed. Spring is also a good time to take those winter tires off and replace them with a set of all-season tires. New spring tires will ensure you have the traction you need on rainy roads and always keep you safe. If you’re unsure about your tires’ condition, take a look at our spring tire care page. Our service experts can install, rotate, and inspect your tires today. Schedule your spring service appointment with us online.

Alignment & Suspension

Your alignment and suspension affect your vehicle’s overall performance, but with the right Spring Car Care your ride will always be nice and easy. Your routine spring wheel alignment will keep your vehicle driving straight every ride and your suspension service will keep your ride smooth for miles to come. Take a look at our spring alignment and suspension care page to learn about the signs your vehicle needs to be serviced. Make your spring alignment and suspension appointment today.

Fluids

Your fluids play a huge role in your vehicle’s performance and lifespan. Your spring fluid care includes checking the levels, flushing, changing, and topping them off as needed. Each fluid has a different service schedule, but if you head on over to our spring fluids care page you’ll learn about each fluid’s purpose, the maintenance needed, and what happens if you don’t take care of it properly. If you’re not confident about changing your vehicle’s fluids, feel free to schedule a spring service appointment with us today.

Spring Car Cleaning

Our spring car cleaning page offers you the best tips and tricks to make your vehicle spotless for the season. Having a clean car will keep your eyes on the road and not focused on unnecessary clutter. Plus, the materials that make up your vehicle will stay in better condition longer if they’re clean. At the bottom of our spring car cleaning page, you’ll even find a section that helps you get the salt out of your car mats. Follow our car cleaning steps and your vehicle will be neat and tidy this spring, and plenty of seasons to come!

Our service experts are happy to offer any help you need to keep your car performing its best. If you have any questions about our Spring Car Care or anything else on our website, give us a call at (989) 684-4411. You can also head on over to our service FAQ page for quick answers to your questions. Learning about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs every season will ensure a long life for your vehicle and your safety on the road. Make your spring service appointment online today for your wipers, tires, alignment, suspension, or fluids. You can always expect the best from Graff Bay City. We’re happy to serve the community of Bay City, including our neighbors in Saginaw, Pinconning, and Frankenmuth. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Green St. Patrick's Day Treat Ideas

BAY CITY, Mich.– Top o' the mornin' to ya! Are you feeling green with excitement for St. Patty's Day coming up? If you're needing a little extra boost to get in the spirit, we've got just the trick with these green St. Patrick's Day treat ideas that you and all your friends and family will love! These lucky snacks are perfect for sharing at work, parties, or for the kids to bring to school. Try one, or try them all, and get into the St. Paddy's Day spirit!

Green St. Patrick's Day Snack Ideas

Shamrock Shake

This festive drink's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years after being offered at a major fast food chain, but if you're looking to create one of your own at home, all you need are a few ingredients to get your minty green milkshake fix!

Lucky Rice Krispie Treats

These lucky bars scream St. Patty's Day with their green hue and magical marshmallows. It's just like making a batch of classic Rice Krispie Treats, but with green food coloring and Lucky Charm marshmallows for some added festive spirit.

Mint Brookies

Have you heard of brookies before? The insanely tasty dessert that is a cross between a brownie and a cookie. This version is made with mint Oreos, dark chocolate mint M&M's, brownie mix, and cookie mix. Plus, "brookies" sounds like it could be an old Gaelic word meaning "delicious!"

Green Velvet Cupcake Shamrocks

These Emerald Isle green cupcakes are decadent and fluffy. Delicious chocolate cupcakes are simple to bake, but their confectionary decorating may take a steady hand. Serve individually or in shamrock configurations to really enjoy the spirit of the holiday.

Chocolate Covered Oreos

If you're not really the baking type, then go for these chocolate dipped Oreos. To fit with the St. Patrick's Day theme, just use some mint Oreos, white and green chocolate melts, and green sprinkles for decoration. Super easy, but super delicious too!

We have to say, we're definitely looking forward to the luckiest of holidays this year and sampling some of these green St. Patricks Day treats. But as always, safety comes first, so please have a safe, responsible, and happy holiday! At Graff Bay City your safety is our number one priority and our service FAQ page will help you stay safe and sound on the road at all times. Learn about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs and schedule a service appointment with our experts at Graff Bay City today.

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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Monday, March 5, 2018

How to Change A Flat Tire After You Hit A Pothole

BAY CITY, Mich. – According to a study conducted by NBC News, almost 60% of Americans don't know how to change their vehicle's tires. Instead, many rely on roadside assistance for a quick and easy solution in the event of a flat tire. The likelihood of which is pretty great this time of year in Michigan, as our roads are covered in dangerous potholes that can damage your tire if you drive over one. Knowing how to change a flat tire is a necessary skill that all drivers should be able to do. While it is easy to rely on roadside assistance for help, there's always a chance that you may get a flat tire in an area with no cell phone reception, leaving you on your own. Luckily, changing your vehicle's tire is a quick and easy process to learn. Follow these guidelines if you wind up with a flat tire while you're out on the road.

What You'll Need to Fix a Flat Tire

Spare Tire
Lug Wrench
Jack
Vehicle Owner's Manual

In order to change a tire, you'll need all of these items to safely and effectively replace your flat. All of the items listed should come with your vehicle and, besides your vehicle owner's manual, are typically located in your trunk. If you can't find these items, or if your car didn't come with any of the items listed above, you should purchase new ones right away.

How to Change a Flat Tire

Find a Safe Place to Park: If you notice you have a flat tire, slowly reduce your speed and look for a safe and level place to park. Turn on your hazard lights, pull over into the safe area away from traffic, and apply your parking brake.
Remove Your Hubcap: If your vehicle has hubcaps that cover the lug nuts on the wheel, you'll want to get it removed before you can get to work on your tire. Use the flat end of your lug wrench (the "L"-shaped tool in your tire changing kit) to pry your hubcap off. If you aren't sure how to remove your hubcap, consult your vehicle owner's manual.
Loosen the Lug Nuts: Using the other end of the lug wrench, unscrew the lug nuts on your vehicle's tire (there should be six of them) until they're loose. Do not completely remove the lug nuts just yet though. Also, if you're having trouble loosening the lug nuts, use your foot or the weight of your body against the lug wrench if you need to.
Position Your Jack Under Your Vehicle: Look under your car for a clear area of exposed metal or a groove in your vehicle's frame near the flat tire where you can place your jack. If you aren't sure where to look, consult your vehicle owner's manual to find the specific location to place your tire jack.
Raise Your Vehicle With the Jack: Carefully crank the lever on your vehicle's jack to raise your vehicle until it's at least six inches above the ground. While your vehicle is raised, it is extremely important to make sure you don't put any part of your body underneath it.
Unscrew the Lug Nuts: Now that your vehicle is raised, it's time to finish unscrewing your lug nuts. You should be able to do it by hand after loosening them up in step 3. Once removed, keep the lug nuts in a nearby location so you can have them on hand when you put the new tire on.
Remove Your Flat Tire: Grab your tire by the treads and carefully remove it until it's free from your vehicle. Make sure to lay it flat so it doesn't roll away.
Mount Your Spare Tire: Now, take your spare tire and line up the lug nut holes in the rim so that they align with the lug bolts (the metal bolts where you removed the lug nuts). Gently push your spare tire in until the lug bolts are visible through the rim of your tire.
Tighten the Lug Nuts: Put your lug nuts back on the lug bolts and tighten them by hand. Tighten them as much as you can.
Lower Your Vehicle: Slowly and carefully lower your vehicle on the jack so that it's on a level plane again. After this, you'll want to tighten the lug nuts one more time with your lug wrench for good measure.
Replace Your Hubcap: Your hubcap should fit in perfectly back on your spare but if it doesn't, keep it with your flat tire after you put everything away.
Put Away Your Equipment: Put your flat tire, lug wrench, and jack in your vehicle's trunk. Double check that you have everything and pat yourself on the back! You've changed your flat tire!

Your vehicle's spare tire isn't built to handle high speeds or long drives, so make sure you drive carefully to the nearest auto service technician. If you need to have your tire fixed or replaced, do not hesitate to call us or schedule an appointment for service. We'll get your flat tire looked at, fixed, or replaced as soon as possible! Now that you know how to change a flat tire after you hit a pothole, you'll be prepared if you end up stuck on the road with a flat. If you happen to get a flat tire or need service performed on your vehicle, take a look at our service menu to find out what we can do for you! At Graff Bay City, we're glad to assist you with any tire care or routine maintenance you may require. Let us know how we can help!

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Spring Break Packing & Travel Tips

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Packing for Spring Break, or any vacation or trip really, can be stressful. Remembering to pack all the essentials can be difficult enough, and even then there are plenty of other traveling pitfalls that can derail your trip. So before you head off on a well-deserved vacation to somewhere warm (or at least warmer than Michigan right now!), make yourself a checklist of everything you need to pack and accomplish before you head off on your trip. To help you, we've created a list of Spring Break packing and travel tips that sometimes get overlooked but are very important to remember to ensure you have a great vacation. Oh and one last thing, don't forget to water your plants before you leave!

Bring Sunscreen

You may think, "Oh, I can just buy sunscreen at my destination", and you're not wrong. However, in most popular vacation spots, the cost of sunscreen is significantly higher than here at home. So, to save yourself from getting price gouged, and keep your skin from getting burned, load up on sunscreen at home and pack it in your luggage. Also, don't forget to grab lip balm/chapstick with SPF in it. Your lips can get burnt just as easily as the rest of your skin.

Bring Cash

It's something we often forget about in this modern age with credit cards and digital payment option. But, if you need to take a traditional taxi, tip a bellhop, or just in case of emergency, it's important to have cash on hand. Make a quick trip to the bank to take out some spending money, and consider having your bank teller break your larger bills into smaller ones to make tipping easier.

Bring Pants for Dinner!

Most of the time for Spring Break, all of us Michiganders can only think about getting out of the cold and getting to wear shorts in a warmer vacation spot. But, don't forget to bring some nicer pants or slacks to wear if you're going out to a nice dinner. In some restaurants, men are required to wear pants, not shorts, to dinner. It's an easy thing to forget, so make sure to pack accordingly.

Pack the Essentials in your Carry On

If you're flying to your Spring Break destination, make sure to pack a set of clothes, your swimsuit, all your medication, and any other essentials in your carry on. There's always the possibility your luggage could get misplaced or delayed, and you're stuck in

Bring Some Gum for the Kids

Whether you driving south through some of the mountainous regions of the country, or are flying to your vacation spot, bring some gum for your children. The changes in elevation can give way to ear aches and popping, an unpleasant experience for kids and adults alike. It may be difficult to explain to your children that swallowing or gulping air can help reduce the sometimes painful experience, so chewing gum is often an easy solution for young kids to use to mitigate the effects of the elevation changes.

Don't Forget Your Phone Charger

Double check, no, triple check your bag to make sure you've packed your phone charger. You don't want to have to buy one while you're away from home on your trip.

Don’t Post Photos While You're Away

It may be tempting to post photos of your Spring Break vacation on social media while you're there, but this will alert people to the fact that you're not home. Then, your home or apartment could be broken into and robbed. Sound far-fetched? You'd be surprised how frequently this happens, and many hometown police departments advise their residents each year to wait until coming home to post pictures of their vacation. Also, it never hurts ask a neighbor you trust to keep an eye On your home while you're away.

Roll Clothes When Packing

This tip is a tried and true method used by backpackers, hikers, and other frequent travelers. Instead of folding your clothes traditionally to pack them into your suitcase, tightly roll your clothes to save significant space in your bag. That way, you can fit more stuff into each bag you bring on the trip. Plus, when rolling your clothes, they are then less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.

So follow these Spring Break packing and travel tips to ensure you'll have fun and relaxing vacation full of sunshine. Also, if you're taking a long road trip to get to your Spring Break destination, consider scheduling a quick service appointment at the Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center beforehand. Our experienced and friendly service technicians can check your vehicle and make sure it's up to the task of driving on a long road trip, or they will help you complete your Spring Car Care maintenance routine.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

6 Fun Spring Activities

BAY CITY, Mich., – Spring has sprung! It may not quite feel like it just yet, but warmer weather and greener trees are on their way! After the long Michigan winter, we're ready for some sunny skies and colorful flowers. We've put together a list of six fun spring activities to get you outside, active, and in the mood for the new season!

Plant Something

When the weather finally cooperates, get your green thumb ready and plant some flowers! You could also try your hand at starting your own herb garden, or just pull up the weeds around your house!

Ride Your Bike

Pull your bikes out of the garage and dust them off! The nicer weather is a great opportunity to get outside and get some exercise riding around your hometown.

Eat Outside

You can do this at home, or try your favorite restaurant once they open up their patio! "Dining al fresco" is always a nice way to enjoy the warmer weather and make some fun memories with the whole family.

Play With Sidewalk Chalk

You don't have to have kids to enjoy drawing with sidewalk chalk! Pick up a packet of colorful chalk at the store and decorate your driveway with flowers, rainbows, and other designs!

Visit the Farmers Market

One of the best things about spring is the re-opening of farmers markets! Once the produce is ready, head out to a fresh air market in your area. You'll find all the ingredients you need to create delicious and healthy recipes for dinner or lunch.

Go to a Sporting Event

Fun Spring Activities 6 Fun Spring Activities

We couldn't forget to mention that spring also means Opening Day for baseball! Plenty of other sports kickoff in the spring as well, so get outside and watch a game! Check out the Great Lakes Loons schedule or take one of the many Saginaw Valley State University athletic events held this spring.

Since spring has finally arrived, we'd like to welcome it by ushering in some warmer weather and giving you a few ways to appreciate the change of season! We hope you get a chance to try all of these six fun spring activities! Don't forget to take good care of your car as the spring weather rolls around! You can use our Spring Car Care pages to help you with your spring vehicle cleaning!