Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: April 2018

Friday, April 27, 2018

5 Kids Activities to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Cinco de Mayo, also known as "El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla" (the Day of the Battle of Puebla), commemorates Mexico's unlikely victory over the French on May 5th, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War. Mexico commemorates the holiday ceremoniously with military parades, but Cinco de Mayo is a larger celebration of Mexican culture in the United States and even other countries like Japan who celebrate Latin-American culture as a whole.

For parents, the holiday is a great opportunity to give your kids the chance to experience Mexican culture, and we at Graff Bay City have put together a list of 5 kids activities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

1. LEARN SOME SPANISH

Starting your kids early learning a second language can be very beneficial to their mental and social development, as bilingual children have been shown to possess better critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as greater mental flexibility and mindfulness of those from different cultural backgrounds. Spanish is not only one of the easiest languages for a native English-speaker to learn, but it's also one of the most practical, as it is spoken by over 400 million people making it the world's second most spoken language, as well as an official national language of 21 countries including the United States.

Similarly to English, Spanish has roots in Latin. When you start to dive a little into the language, you'll find that there are actually a lot of familiar-sounding words, Americans sometimes even use Spanish words as part of our everyday slang without even thinking about it! Additionally, Spanish is a phonetic language, meaning that the words are often pronounced how they're spelled making it easy to sound them out.

There are tons of resources out there to learn Spanish with your kids, like apps for your tablet or smartphone and educational websites on the Internet that often offer videos and practice exercises. You could also get a little artsy by giving your child a word like "gato" (cat) or "perro" (dog) and having them draw a picture of it with the Spanish word written underneath. This will help facilitate learning as having pictures in their head with which to associate their new vocabulary makes things easier.

2. PAPER BAG PINATAS

It isn't a true Mexican celebration without a pinata. Although making one the traditional way will more than likely end up with you running up to Party City to grab one that's already made. Instead, give these super easy DIY paper bag pinatas a try!

Get the directions from The Spruce Crafts.

3. MEXICAN HAT DANCE

"El Jarabe Tapatio", aka the Mexican Hat Dance, is a traditional cultural dance originating in Mexico, but also popular in other countries such as Cuba, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. It's also a fun and interactive way to expose your kids to Latin-American culture! You could also incorporate an arts & crafts element to it by creating homemade maracas, a traditional Mexican instrument, to use in the dance.

Mexican Hat Dance Tutorial

Mexican Hat Dance Song

DIY Maracas Tutorial

4. SET UP A TACO BAR

While the exact origin of the taco is unknown, some historians theorize roots in the Mexican silver mines in the 18th century, when the word referred to small explosive charges used for excavation, consisting of gunpowder wrapped in paper. Another theory states that it comes from the Nauhatl (the language spoken by the indigenous Aztec people) "tlahco", meaning "half" or "in the middle", which makes sense given the food's preparation and presentation.

Regardless of how they came to be, tacos are a traditional Mexican cultural food enjoyed in many countries, and no Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without them! Add an educational aspect by labeling each ingredient, and facilitate discussion in Spanish by using these phrases:

¿Qué pusiste en tu taco? (What did you put in your taco?)

¿Cuál es el ingrediente más importante en un taco? (What do you think is the most important ingredient in a taco?)

¿Cuál es tu ingrediente de taco menos favorito? (What is your least favorite taco ingredient?)

5. LEARN ABOUT MEXICAN HISTORY

Given the origins of Cinco de Mayo, there's no better way to celebrate than to educate your kids on the history of Mexico. There are tons of kid-friendly resources online to utilize, as well as historical picture books. Much like bilingual children, those who are exposed to a culture and history different from their own benefit greatly both socially and mentally with reinforced values of acceptance, open-mindedness, and compassion.

Graff Bay City hopes you'll take advantage of these 5 kids activities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Learning about other cultures, no matter how you do it, is not only a lot of fun but also a great way to instill values of cultural awareness and acceptance of others in your kids. We wish you a happy, safe, and most importantly fun Cinco de Mayo!

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, April 20, 2018

National Car Care Month: Get Your Oil and Important Fluids Checked

National Car Care Month: Learn Why You Should Have Your Oil and Important Fluids Checked

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Oil, coolant, and washer fluid are essential to your vehicle's performance, function, and efficiency. Ensuring that they're regularly checked, flushed, topped off, and changed is integral to car care that will extend your vehicle's life, and springtime is the perfect time to do so. If you're planning on spending a lot of time on the road during the warmer months for summer road trips or weekend getaways, it's even more important to schedule a service appointment to stay safe and make sure your car is running at its best.

During National Car Care Month, Graff Bay City wants you to have your oil and important fluids checked.

WASHER FLUID

Washer fluid works together with your wiper blades to allow you clear visibility through your windshield. Some vehicles have built-in sensors that signal low washer fluid levels on the dashboard, while others do not. Regardless, it's important to get in the habit of checking it yourself so you always have a way to clear the windshield and have an unhindered view of the road ahead. The opening to your vehicle's washer fluid tank can be found under the hood, indicated by a picture of a windshield on the cap. Most tanks will take a whole gallon of washer fluid when completely empty, though when filling it up yourself be sure to pour evenly and slowly

When purchasing washer fluid, be aware that there are concentrated solutions that need to be diluted 50% with water, and those that come already diluted and ready to use. Whichever you choose, make sure it can withstand the temperatures of where you drive. For reference, the label on the bottle will indicate the temperature threshold. If you're unsure about refilling your vehicle's washer fluid yourself, we'll top it off for you.

OIL CHANGE

Oil is an extremely important component of a well-running vehicle, as it lubricates the moving parts of your engine, helps to reduce heat caused by friction, keeps the engine clean, and protects it against wear. Routinely having your oil changed can help you avoid expensive damage in the long-run, as well as enhance the overall longevity of your car. Routine oil changes should be done every 3,000-5,000 miles, or sometimes longer depending on your driving habits and if your vehicle uses synthetic oil. If you're not sure, always consult your owner's manual.

However, if you have any upcoming road trips or other spring and summer activities that will put you on the road more often, stop in for an oil change to ensure your vehicle can handle it and that your engine runs smoothly.

COOLANT

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is responsible for controlling the temperature of various engine components. It serves a dual purpose of keeping the radiators in your vehicle from freezing or overheating throughout the year. When should you get it changed? We recommend replacing your coolant every two years or 24,000 miles. However, as always, check your owner's manual for the specific needs of your make and model.

If you suspect that your engine may be overheating or detect a sweet smell while driving that might indicate a coolant leak, stop in and our service experts will take a look, and top it off if needed. With warmer temperatures on the way, spring is the perfect time to check your coolant fluid checked to prevent overheating.

Your washer fluid, oil, and coolant all serve a purpose in keeping your car running at its best, but they need your help in order to be able to do their jobs. If you're not sure about checking or changing these fluids yourself, Graff Bay City's friendly team of service specialists will gladly do it for you! Schedule an appointment today!

5 Earth Day Activities to Help the Planet - April 22nd

WESTLAND, Mich. -- Every year on April, 22nd we celebrate Earth Day. A worldwide event in which over 1 billion people and 192 countries participate, this is when we return the favor to our planet for everything it gives us, as well as raise awareness of environmental issues. Everyone celebrates Earth Day in their own way, and even the simplest action can make a huge impact, but whatever you do: show your love for the planet!

To help celebrate Earth Day, here are 5 activities you can do to help the planet from Graff Bay City!

1. DITCH PLASTIC, GO REUSABLE

Every year, the world uses around 500 billion plastic bags, many of which end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. An easy way you can help to reduce this number is to get a reusable shopping bag. Most major supermarket chains offer their own at the checkout for as little as $1.00, which is a small price to pay if it means helping to preserve our planet's water, including our beloved Great Lakes. On top of that, reusable shopping bags are pretty sturdy as well as spacious. Not only will you be helping to reduce waste, but you also won't have to deal with your groceries plummeting to the ground through the bottom of a flimsy plastic bag.

2. GO VEGETARIAN

The meat industry is unfortunately responsible for about 20% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases cause the greenhouse gas effect otherwise known as "global warming." Now to a Michigander, a rise in temperatures isn't exactly unwelcome. However, global warming not only warms our planet's surface but it also leads to more extreme weather which can lead harsher and longer winters.

Now, you don't have to go full veg if you don't want to, because going meat-free just once a week (popularly known as Meatless Mondays) can make a real difference. For example, if you gave up meat one day a week over the course of one year, the environmental effect is equivalent to that of taking your car off the road for 320 miles. Switching to a plant-based diet also does a lot to reduce our use of energy, water, and gas.

3. GREEN UP YOUR RIDE

According to the EPA, the average passenger vehicle lets off 5.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year, making the transportation sector responsible for 27% of America's greenhouse gas emissions. One way to help cut this down is to cut down on car usage whenever possible, and simply walk or ride a bike. If everyone did this just once every two weeks, billions of gallons of gasoline would be conserved. On top of that, every mile pedaled or walked keeps about one pound of CO2 out of the air we breathe.

Of course, not everyone's day-to-day can accommodate giving up regularly giving up cars. Most major auto companies including Chevy, however, offer hybrid options like the 2018 Malibu Hybrid, and they do a heck of a lot of good. Hybrid models of mid-sized sedans, mid-sized and full-sized SUVs reduce smog-producing gas emissions 15%, 19%, and 21%, respectively than conventional vehicles. Let's also not forget the crazy gas mileage hybrids provide, with the 2018 Malibu Hybrid offering 49 city/43 highway. Not only does this do a lot of good for the planet, but also for your wallet.

4. GO PAPERLESS AND RECYCLE

The average American uses about 728 pounds of paper every year, which is a ton of trees being cut down. Deforestation is a threat to not only the environment but to our survival. The rainforests of South America produce 20% of the planet's oxygen, and forests in general help to keep greenhouse gases under control since they absorb carbon dioxide in order to produce oxygen. As they continue to disappear and be replaced by industries like pulp and paper, we can expect our climate change issue to get even worse, on top of the threat of running out of oxygen to sustain life.

Going paperless is a simple yet highly impactful way you can make a difference for the better. Most financial institutions nowadays offer a paperless billing option to send your account statements and other important documents to your inbox rather than your mailbox. For paper things that you can't avoid, like junk mail, resolve to throw it in the recycle bin rather than the trash can. The more paper we can reuse, the fewer trees that need to be cut down to make more. If the US alone cut its paper consumption by just 10%, it would reduce the same amount of greenhouse gases as taking 280,000 cars off the road.

5. PERFORM A HOME ENERGY AUDIT

Drafty windows or an old refrigerator are more than just annoying, they're energy wasters, which in turn wastes resources as well as tons of your money every year. The Department of Energy published a guide that shows you how to perform a DIY energy audit and how to make real changes that can significantly impact your energy consumption and monthly bills for the better.

Check out the guide at Energy.gov

This Earth Day, Graff Bay City asks you to do your part in giving back to the planet that gives us so much. No matter how big or small, every step you take towards living a greener lifestyle helps. Over half of our Mitten State is covered in acres of beautiful forests, and our Great Lakes are an integral part of life in Michigan. When you do any of these things to celebrate Earth Day, you'll also be helping to keep your home state healthy.

Monday, April 16, 2018

How to Start a Garden for Beginners

BAY CITY, Mich. -- It's springtime! That means, you guessed it, flowers! Vegetables! Gardening! And we at Graff Bay City are here with some helpful tips on how to start a garden for beginners.

WHY IS GARDENING SO GREAT?

Before we get into how to start a garden, let's talk about why gardening is actually really good for you. On top of being super fun and yielding beautiful and/or delicious results, gardening helps to promote good health, community, and general positivity for both solo and community gardeners.

Here are a couple reasons gardening is so great:

It burns calories: Gardening is considered a moderate to high-intensity activity. According to the CDC, just one hour of light gardening and yard work can burn up to 330 calories - more than you would lifting weights for the same amount of time! The National Institute of Health even recommends 30 to 45 minutes of gardening three to five times a week as part of a good exercise routine.

It relieves stress: CNN reported a study that showed gardening may be more of a stress reliever than other leisurely activities. After completing a stressful task, two groups were asked to either read indoors or garden for 30 minutes. The gardening group not only reported being in a better mood than the reading group, but also exhibited lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

It strengthens your immune system: While you're outdoors in the sunshine, you soak up a lot of Vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption. Calcium helps to keep your bones strong, as well as promote a healthy immune system.

It improves relationships and compassion: Research shows that those who spend a lot of time around plants tend to have better social relationships. Due to the measurable increases in feelings of compassion that exposure to plants provides, those who care for nature are more likely to care for and form stronger bonds with others.

WHAT GROWS BEST IN MICHIGAN?

The first step to start a garden is to know your region and what plants will thrive where you live. In our case it's the Mitten State, and many flowers, vegetables, and even fruits grow very well in our climate.

Here are some flowers, vegetables, and fruits that grow well in Michigan:

Indigenous: There are many species of flowers that are actually native to Michigan, and can be found growing free throughout our wet ecosystem. Examples are Lady's Slipper, Fringed Polygala, Great Lobelias, Fringed Gentian, Lathhyrus Latifolius, Wood Geraniums, Wild Bergamot, Joe Pye Weed, and White Trillium Grandiforum.

Daylilies: Daylilies are a hardy perennial that thrive in many climates, including those that experience extreme cold and a short growing season, much like that of Northern Michigan. Those varieties that do best are Happy Returns, Chicago Candy Cane, Bertie Ferris, Hearts Afire, Addie Branch Smith, Stella de Oro, and Little Grapette.

Peonies: Peonies yield large blooms, feature a beautiful scent, and grow well in cooler climates like that of Michigan. Their bulbs can be planted in the spring, but it's recommended that you plant them in late fall so they have time to develop a healthy root system before blooming, covering them in a layer of straw to protect them from their first winter.

Cosmos: Perfect for beginner gardeners with busier lifestyles, the colorful annual Cosmos not only thrive in cool climates but also are very low-maintenance, doing better with too little care rather than too much.

Sunflowers: Hardy, fast-growing, and requiring little care, the happy Sunflower is also perfect for Michigan's climate. Their seeds can be planted after the last frost or started indoors ahead of time, as well as planted continuously throughout summer for a constant bloom cycle.

Zinnias and Marigolds: While some areas of Michigan tend to have short growing seasons, our summers can be very hot. Zinnias and Marigolds thrive in that heat and are low-maintenance. On top of that, Zinnias don't attract pests while Marigolds actually repel them to keep the rest of your garden protected.

Fruits and Vegetables: Many varieties of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuces, carrots, potatoes, green beans, peas, summer and winter squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, radishes, beets, onions and sweet corn can thrive in Michigan. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can help to encourage a more healthy lifestyle, and you can even start a side business selling your produce at one of the Mitten's many annual farmer's markets.

START SMALL AND EASY

Okay, so you're stoked on all the health benefits of gardening and the many varieties of plants that you can grow in Michigan, but slow your roll for just a minute. We know how exciting it is to start your first garden, but the most common path to failure is planting too much than you can handle energy, time, and interest-wise. Gardening won't be the enjoyable experience it's meant to be if you overwhelm yourself too early, so start small with a one or two plots in your backyard with plants that are easy to care for to get yourself in the groove. Then once you feel more comfortable and your time allows, plant more!

THE BASICS

Now that you know what you're planting and have a plan that works for you, let's get into the basics. Different plants have different needs and attributes, which will usually be indicated on the seed or bulb package, or on a tag if you buy the plant potted. It's also helpful to ask the people working at the place you're buying from, or green-thumbed friends or family members for advice. Here are some things to look for/ask about:

Perennials vs. Annuals: Perennials are plants that come back every year, going dormant then re-blooming without having to plant a new one. Annuals on the other hand only last the year, with no dormant period and must be replanted next season.

Sunlight: There are some plants that require full sunlight to grow, some that need a little, and even some that need complete shade. Observe how the sunlight falls wherever you're planning to plant, and figure out what should go where based on that. Don't be afraid to improvise if you need to however! If you've got a fully sunned backyard and want a plant that requires full shade, create the shade yourself.

Soil: Overall, plant roots penetrate soft soil the best, so make sure you're planting in nice loamy soil that crumbles in your hands and isn't clumpy. Potting soil comes by the bag at virtually any lawn and garden center, and that's usually the go-to for most people.

pH Level: Soil pH levels affect how a plant absorbs nutrients, and some grow best at different levels. Most gardening stores sell at-home testing kits which will tell you the level of acidity or alkalinity in your soil.

Gardening is not only fun, but good for your health and well-being! Many flowers, fruits, and vegetables thrive nicely in Michigan, so you have your pick. Remember to start small and not overwhelm yourself right out of the gate, gardening is supposed to be a positive experience. Never fear though, with work and patience, your backyard will be looking like Dow Gardens before you know it! Now that you know how to start a garden, get planting! Before you set out to the garden center to grab your supplies, head on in for a service appointment to make sure your car is ready to get all of those beautiful flowers home!

Thursday, April 12, 2018

National Car Care Month: Why You Should Have Your Belts and Hoses Inspected

BAY CITY, Mich.,---We at Hank Graff Bay City would like to remind you why you should have your belts and hoses inspected for National Care Care Month. When it comes to keeping your vehicle running smoothly, your belts and hoses are crucial parts of your engine because they're the whole reason it's able to run! Normal use will cause them to wear down over time, but both are more susceptible to damage in extreme hot or cold weather. Hot weather can add heat on top of existing friction, which causes them to wear down a lot faster, while cold weather can make them stiff and prone to cracking.

By following scheduled maintenance and going in for regular inspections, you can be sure that your belts and hoses are working properly. While they don't often require replacements, inspections can catch minor issues before they become major problems. Here we have some tips below on the various kinds of belts and hoses that help your car run, as well as how to spot any signs of damage.

BELTS

Your engine's belts control things like your AC compressor, water pump, alternator, engine valve intake and exhaust, and power steering. A broken belt can completely disable your vehicle, and the changing temperatures that come with springtime can make them more prone to wear. Damaged, cracked, or frayed belts can still run but can cause even bigger issues like your engine overheating. While they don't often require replacements, it is important to get your belts inspected regularly.

There are two kinds of belts your engine uses: the timing belt and the accessory or serpentine belt.

Timing Belt: Also known as the Cam belt, the timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft. This helps the engine's valves open and close at the right times during the cylinders' intake and exhaust strokes. You should have your timing belt replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles or whenever your owner's manual tells you to do so, and here are a few signs to look out for that may indicate a replacement is in order:

Your engine "jumps" gears
Your vehicle is completely disabled
There are plastic pieces from the camshaft gears in your oil pan
There is loss of oil pressure (due to the camshaft pieces being in your oil)
You hear a squeaking noise from your timing cover
You hear rattling noises coming from your engine
You have trouble starting your vehicle

Accessory or Serpentine Belt: Most vehicles usually have one or two drive/accessory belts. Also known as the "serpentine" belt, the accessory belt gets its name from the snake-like motion it uses around the pulleys of the engine. Its job is to transport power to components like your power steering pump, AC compressor, alternator, and many others.

Water, dirt, oil leaks, and excessive heat can cause your serpentine belt to wear down very quickly. You should have it inspected every 10,000-20,000 miles, and replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles or whenever your owner's manual tells you to do so. Here are a few signs that your accessory belt might need replacing:

An overheating engine
A disabled vehicle
A loss of power steering
A squealing or high-pitched noise while accelerating

HOSES

In the same way your circulatory system moves blood and oxygen around your body, your engine's hoses move fluids vital to your car's performance throughout its entire system. A cracked or damaged hose can lead to the leaking of these vital fluids, like coolant or brake fluid, and reduce the efficiency of your vehicle. There are several kinds of hoses inside your car:

Radiator Hoses: This hose moves coolant through your engine to regulate its temperature. Without it, your engine can overheat which can in turn case major internal damage and lead to costly repairs. Here a few indicators of a radiator hose leak:

Drop in coolant level
Smoke coming from your engine
Rising engine temperature
A bright pool of liquid underneath your vehicle

Fuel Line: The fuel line transports fuel from your fuel tank to the fuel pump, and are typically made out of reinforced rubber but can also be made out of plastic or metal. While they aren't usually a part of your vehicle's routine maintenance, it is extremely important to have them checked before the end of the fall or beginning of spring when temperatures are changing drastically. Here are some signs you may need to replace your fuel line:

Loss in fuel efficiency/gas tank emptying faster than normal
Puddles of gas underneath your vehicle
Smelling gasoline while driving
Hard starts
Your vehicle not starting at all

Brake Lines/Hoses: Brake lines and hoses are used to stop your vehicle when you depress the brake pedal. Some vehicles made of steel and some made of rubber, but rubber takes the majority for the flexibility it provides to your car's suspension when traveling on uneven surfaces. Here's how to tell if you have a broken brake line or hose:

Loss of braking ability
"Soft" brakes

Now that you know why you should have your belts and hoses inspected for National Car Care Month, schedule an appointment with our friendly and knowledgable service team today, and we'll help you keep your vehicle running at its best this spring and get it ready for your summer adventures!

Saturday, April 7, 2018

National Car Care Month: Tire Maintenance Checklist

BAY CITY, Mich. –– April is National Car Care Month and after a long harsh winter, your entire vehicle may be in need of some care and maintenance, but most especially your tires. Now that all the slippery ice and snow have melted, our roads are filled with dangerous potholes that could potentially pop your tires or throw off your wheels' alignment. Plus, spring being as rainy a season as it is, still makes for slippery road conditions. So, ensure your car is ready to take on Michigan roads this spring season by completing this tire maintenance checklist for National Car Care Month!

1. Perform Routine Tire Rotations

It is recommended that you rotate your vehicle's tires every 3,000-7,000 miles or every other oil change. Tires tend to wear unevenly, which is why it's important to rotate them to ensure they wear more evenly across all four of them. This will produce better handling overall. Bring your car into our service center for a tire rotation!

2. Check Out Your Tire Tread

Your tire's tread is what allows you to grip the road, serving as a buffer between both surfaces that keeps you safe during various weather patterns. If your vehicle has low tire tread, you'll be put at a higher risk of hydroplaning or losing grip during rainy conditions this spring! It can also increase your stopping distance, making it more difficult to stop in an emergency situation. Check your tire's tread using the penny method or have our team of experts inspect them for you!

3. Inspect Your Tire Pressure

The air pressure in your tires can become affected from various temperatures. It's critical that you maintain the recommended tire pressure at all times as it will improve your fuel economy, decrease risk for tire issues, and provide a much smoother ride as a whole. You can find the recommended PSI for your car's tires in the owner's manual. It's a good idea to check your air pressure in your tires every month or so. Our service team can fill up your tires if they are in need of some air!

4. Change Your Tires

Have you taken off your winter tires yet? If not, it's time to do so. Winter tires are only meant to handle 45 degrees Fahrenheit and below. We recommend switching back to all-season tires. If you're in need of a new set, our service experts will be happy to get your vehicle into brand-new tires! We highly recommend replacing all four at the same time, allowing for even tread wear.

Staying up-to-date with tire maintenance will ensure their effectiveness when gripping the road and will help extend their life down the road. Spring weather tends to bring slippery road conditions, making it crucial that your vehicle is up to speed on Spring Car Care! Use our tire maintenance checklist for National Car Care Month to make sure you've covered all the bases. Consult our tire care page for more tips on maintaining your car this season. Don't forget to schedule an appointment online with our service team for a tire rotation, new set of wheels, or any other maintenance needs you may have!