Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: July 2018

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

2019 Chevrolet Silverado: More Truck, More Capability, and More Value

BAY CITY, Mich. -- The highly-anticipated 2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT, slated for release in Fall 2018, promises to be a larger truck with more capability and fuel efficiency, all while being up to $700 less than the current model.

“For more than 100 years, Chevrolet has developed a reputation for building trucks that offer incredible performance, capability, and value,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet. “The next-gen Silverado continues that tradition — offering more interior and cargo room, higher towing and payload capabilities and a lower starting at MSRP on our highest volume model.”

STANDARD AND AVAILABLE FEATURES

The 2019 Silverado starts at $37,500 MSRP, even with new standard equipment such as a 2.7L Turbo engine with 22% more torque than the current 4.3L V6, and 8-speed automatic transmission, and stop-start technology.

On the upscale High Country trim alone, a myriad of other standard equipment is being introduced such as a 5.3L V8 engine with new Dynamic Fuel Management, push-button start, and stop-start technology - as well as advanced safety features like Lane Change Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert. For a starting MSRP of just $1,000 more than the LT, the High Country will also feature Advanced Trailering System, enhanced LED exterior lighting, dual-exhaust outlets, and a class-exclusive power tailgate.

Available options on the 2019 Chevy Silverado include:

Z71 Off-road Equipment Package is now available on all models (and standard on Trail Boss models, which also feature a factory-installed 2-inch lifted suspension, Rancho monotube shocks, and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires). The Z71 package includes:
Off-road tuned Ranch twin-tube shocks.
Electronic hill descent control.
Two-speed transfer case and automatic locking rear differential
Skid plates for engine oil pan and transfer-case protection
Heavy-duty air filter.
18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
Dual exhaust outlets for models equipped with V-8 engines.
Advanced, active-safety features, including:
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
Front and Rear Park Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indicator
Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking
Front Pedestrian Braking
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Safety Alert Seat
IntelliBeam headlamps, high-beam assist.
Advanced technology features, including:
GM-exclusive, 3 x 7-inch configurable color head-up display.
8-inch configurable driver information center.
Surround Vision
Rear Camera Mirror

LARGER THAN LIFE

The 2019 Silverado is largest of any in its line to date in virtually every dimension. For example, the crew cab, short box boasts 1.2 inches more total width, 1.5 inches more total height, 1.7 inches more total length, and 3.9 inches more wheelbase.

That being said, the 2019 Silverado offers an additional three inches of cab length across all configurations and up to four cubic feet more of volume. Additionally, it features the largest cargo volume of any full-size truck on the market in short, standard, and long-bed models. The short-bed of the Silverado alone offers more cargo volume than the standard bed of the Ford F-150, at 62.9 cubic feet. Despite its gargantuan size, the 2019 Silverado is actually up to 450 pounds lighter than the current model, thanks to advanced manufacturing and the use of mixed materials.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado lineup offers more configuration choices than ever, including a total of six engine/transmission combos to the meet the needs of every driver in terms of performance, efficiency, and value, in addition to increased towing and payload capabilities:

Crew cab Silverado models increase in payload up to 14% or 340 pounds
The 4.3L V-6 now offer a maximum of 8,000 pounds towing, up 400 pounds (regular cab, rear-wheel-drive models)
The 5.3L V-8 with Max Towing Package now offers a maximum of 11,600 pounds towing, up 400 pounds (double-cab, rear-wheel-drive models)
For 2019, the 6.2L V-8 is now exclusively offered with four-wheel drive. Equipped with the Max Towing Package, it now delivers a maximum of 12,200 pounds towing, up 500 pounds from a similarly equipped 2018 model (double-cab, four-wheel-drive models)

We hope you're as excited for the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado as we are at Graff Bay City! When the time comes, our friendly and knowledgeable finance department can get you approved for a payment plan that will work with your budget. Once you've driven off in this monster of a truck, you can trust that our service department will ensure that it's always running at its best.

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, July 17, 2018

Heat Wave Survival Guide: 5 Tips to Stay Safe When the Temperatures Rise

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Summer is in full swing here in the Mitten, and we at Graff Bay City know that you've been enjoying all of this sunny weather as much as we have! However, the super hot and dry conditions we've been experiencing lately can be dangerous if you aren't careful, sometimes even deadly. Our dealership cares about the safety of you and your family just as much as we care about your vehicle, so we've put together this summer heat survival guide with some helpful tips to stay safe when the temperatures rise!

1. STAY HYDRATED

Topping our list is perhaps the most important thing you can do to beat the heat: staying hydrated. At least 60% of the human body is made up of water, and it's responsible for the proper function of every cell and organ including the heart and brain. It also helps to regulate our body temperature through sweating, and, just like an engine uses oil for the same purpose, to lubricate our joints.

It's recommended that you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of the stuff every day, and that's especially true during the summer. Whether you're outside working in the yard or spending a day at the park, always make sure to take a water break!

2. EAT REGULARLY

During the summer, we tend to feel less hungry because our body temperature tries to regulate itself by cutting down on heat-inducing processes like digestion. However, a reduced intake of salt, sugar, and calories puts us at risk for heat exhaustion. Even though you may not feel like it, it's still important to make sure you eat when it's hot outside.

Fruits and vegetables are light on the stomach and contain just the right mixture of salt, sugar, and calories to keep you going without taking a lot of effort to digest, thus keeping your body temperature happy. On top of that, choices like strawberries and cucumbers have high H2O content, which helps keep you hydrated in addition to drinking water!

3. APPLY SUNSCREEN

The sun itself can reach temperatures of 27 million degrees Fahrenheit, and most of its radiation is kept under control by our atmosphere so we don't end up a big ball of flames just like it! However, we're still at risk of harm by the sun's UV rays, which can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and even premature aging.

Before heading outside, be sure to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes beforehand and reapply the same amount you started with every two hours.

4. DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Typical things in our summer wardrobes include tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops - all great choices! Although, while it may not seem like it, long sleeve shirts and pants made of lightweight materials like linen are also good for hot weather. Not only do they keep your skin protected from the sun, but they also help you to retain water lost through sweating, which will evaporate quickly in extreme heat. Hats and sunglasses are important accessories to have as they keep the sun out of your face and eyes!

5. WATCH THE TIME

Unfortunately, hot weather doesn't care if you have things to do, but you can plan accordingly! The hottest parts of the day during summer are typically 10 AM and 4 PM, and any outside chores on your to-do list should be completed before or after, respectively. Your neighbor isn't mowing the lawn at 9:30 in the morning simply because they want to annoy you!

At Graff Bay City, we want you and your family to enjoy the warm, summer weather and stay safe in the process! We hope the information we've provided here is useful to you. While you're at it, take a look at how to protect your vehicle in this heat with our summer car care maintenance guide! If you need any help or have any questions, feel free to contact and schedule an appointment with our service department!

Thursday, July 12, 2018

The Local Flavor: 5 Michigan-Made Ice Cream Flavors You Need In Your Life

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Summer in Michigan means a lot of things, and one of those things is cooling off with some deliciously sweet treats! Our beloved Mitten State ranks fifth in the nation for ice cream production, which isn't surprising given that we also produce more than 1.2 billion gallons of milk every year! July is National Ice Cream Month, and we at Graff Bay City would like to share with you our top five picks for Michigan-made ice cream flavors you need in your life.

1. SUPERMAN

The unmistakable blue, yellow, and red swirls of Superman ice cream are a sight every Michigander knows quite well. This classic Michigan flavor is widely credited to Stroh's, the historic Detroit brewery that began churning out ice cream during Prohibition. Depending on which ice cream shop you visit, yellow is either vanilla or lemon and red is either cherry or red pop. The blue, however, is always Blue Moon.

2. BLUE MOON

Is it Fruit Loops? Almonds? Maybe animal crackers? The exact flavor of Blue Moon is just as mysterious as its origins, with most people claiming it was developed in South Haven. Regardless of where in the state it's from, we all know that a Michigan summer is not complete without it!

3. MICHIGAN POTHOLE

Inspired by our notoriously derelict roads, Michigan Pothole was developed by Ashby's of Detroit! The flavor features chocolate ice cream laden with thick fudge and chocolate chunks, which are meant to represent black tar and asphalt, respectively. In April 2018, Ashby's teamed up with National Coney Island to sell the flavor at locations across the state and donated a portion of the proceeds to the Michigan Department of Transportation to help fill in some actual potholes.

4. MACKINAC ISLAND FUDGE

The idyllic island destination located on Lake Huron doesn't claim to have invented fudge, but you could certainly say that they perfected it, having produced the confection since the Civil War and delighting the taste buds of visitors from all over the state, country, and even the world. What could possibly make it better? Ice cream. Mackinac Island Fudge combines vanilla ice cream with swirls of butter fudge, along with chunks of chocolate fudge.

5. MOOSE TRACKS

Developed in Wayland, MI by Denali Flavors in the mid-1990s, Moose Tracks is a Michigan-made favorite that's also now available all over the country! The flavor consists of vanilla ice cream, swirls of fudge, and mini peanut butter cups.

A Michigan summer is not complete without a scoop (or several) of ice cream, and now you have a list of five flavors made right here in the Mitten to enjoy! But let's be honest, if you're from here, you probably already have!

Monday, July 9, 2018

The All-New 2019 Chevrolet Volt Exudes "Shock-Value"

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Drivers are about to get more out of the new 2019 Chevy Volt, which cuts charging times in half and adds twice the all-electric driving range per hour of charge. The new 7.2 kW charging system allows for an increase in the all-electric utility, a particularly beneficial feature for drivers who plug in while traveling around town, a practice known as “opportunity charging.”

“With about twice the range added during 240V Level 2 charging sessions, the 2019 Volt’s 7.2 kW system makes opportunity charging more worthwhile,” said Jesse Ortega, chief engineer, Chevrolet Electric Vehicles. “It effectively extends the vehicle’s all-electric driving range, while providing about twice the range for the money when plugging in at public facilities that charge by the hour.”

In as little as 2.3 hours utilizing a 240-volt outlet, a complete recharge can take place with the new 7.2 kW system, which is standard equipment on the 2019 Chevrolet Volt Premier models and available on the LT trim.

Additionally, drivers of the new 2019 Chevrolet Volt will enjoy an EPA-estimated 53 miles of pure EV range and 106mpg (gasoline equivalent) with a full charge and a full tank of gas. Once the battery of the Volt begins to run low, the vehicle's gas-powered generator activates, which then extends the driving range to about 420 miles on a full tank.

While the driving range and charge times are two important factors when it comes to the Chevy Volt, the 2019 Volt also offers a good number of other exciting features. If you are driving in a colder climate, where you wish to use less gas, the 2019 Volt allows you to defer activation of its automatic engine-assisted heating system until much lower temperatures (-13 degrees F/-25 degrees C). It also offers a smoother ride through regenerative braking capability with the Low and Regen on Demand profiles, which therefore allows the vehicle to reach its class-leading EV range. Additionally, the 2019 Volt's in-car tech has been upgraded with the Chevy Infotainment 3 system that incorporates a new Energy App within the 8-inch color touchscreen. Through the app, drivers can ensure they are getting the best performance out of their vehicle by better understanding how their route, driving style, cabin comfort, and weather conditions may be impacting their range via mileage, rather than by numerical "score" as in the past.

Design-wise the 2019 Chevy Volt is bringing both interior and exterior upgrades to the streets. The interior of the vehicle is becoming more digital with front and rear speakers that will alert drivers when operating at slow speeds, a digital rearview camera, a slight horn alert when the full pressure of a tire is achieved, a wireless charging pad that is relocated ahead of the shifter for easier use (available with navigation radio), and new cruise control options where the driver can select Adaptive Cruise Control or conventional cruise control. A first for the Chevy Volt is the introduction of a power driver's seat which will come standard on the Premier model and will be available on the LT models. On the exterior, the 2019 Volt will offer a new Pacific Blue exterior color, as well as a new Jet Black/Porcelain Blue interior on the Premier version. Or, if you're looking for something sleeker, opt for the dealer-installed blackout package for black front/rear bowtie emblems, sports pedals, and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets.

Volt owners have been able to drive over 2.8 billion EV miles, which saves more than 108 million gasoline gallons. You could join those already making a difference by taking home a new Chevy Volt from Graff Bay City! Our experienced professionals can help you find the best vehicle that suits your needs.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Ladies of Liberty: 10 Famous Women of the American Revolution

BAY CITY, Mich. -- On the 4th of July, we Americans celebrate the signing of the document that would declare our independence from Britain and send us down the road to revolution. While the first famous historical figures that come to mind are none other than our Founding Fathers, there are many women who were instrumental in the birth of our nation.

This Independence Day, we at Graff Bay City would like to share with you these famous women of the American Revolution, and the important roles they played in our history.

Ladies of Liberty: 10 Famous Women of the American Revolution

1. BETSY ROSS

There's at least one woman who comes to mind when one thinks of the Revolution, and that's Betsy Ross. She is famously credited with designing and producing the first American flag, which bore 13 stars arranged in a circle representing the first colonies, although historians are now claiming that this is more a legend than fact. While this famous upholsterer may or may not have made our first flag, she did contribute to the war effort by repairing uniforms and making tents, blankets, and ammo pouches.

Ross was also quite easy on the eyes, and there is speculation that she might have been the "beautiful young widow" that distracted Hessian colonel Carl von Donop and caused him to keep his troops out of the Battle of Trenton, a crucial engagement that turned the tide in favor of the Patriots when General Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River and took the Hessian mercenaries by surprise.

2. SYBIL LUDINGTON

You've heard of Paul Revere and his famous "Midnight Ride," but you might not have heard of his female counterpart, the brave Sybil Ludington. On April 25th, 1777, a force of 2000 British soldiers led by General William Tryon began burning houses and shops in Danbury, Connecticut. Sybil's dad, Colonel Henry Ludington, was a commander of the local militia, and a messenger was sent to him bearing news of the attack on Danbury. By the time he reached the Ludington home, however, the messenger was exhausted, not to mention he was unfamiliar with the area.

It was then that 16-year-old Sybil Ludington took over and rode off into the rainy night, alone, 40 miles from her home through the Putnam and Dutchess counties to alert the rest of the militia to the attack, all the while dodging not only Redcoats but also British Loyalists and "Skinners", who were vicious highwaymen. The militia arrived too late to save Danbury, but they were able to stop them from invading any of the other surrounding towns and thus saved lives and property that could have been lost had Sybil not took it upon herself to sound the alarm.

3. PRUDENCE CUMMINGS WRIGHT

The ladies of Pepperell, Massachusettes were die-hard patriots, so much that when they learned of the Boston Tea Party, they burned their tea leaves on the town common to show their support. When the men of the town marched off to war, it was no surprise that the women of Pepperell formed their own militia to protect the remaining citizens with Prudence Cummings Wright, or "Prue," elected the leader of the "Mrs. David Wright's Guard."

In April of 1775, Prue and the Guard captured two men suspected of being British spies tasked with running intel from Canada to Boston. Following the Revolution, the town officials of Pepperell voted to compensate the Guard for their service.

4. LYDIA DARRAGH

George Washington maintained a huge spy network during the Revolution, including several agents in British-occupied Philadelphia. One of these agents was Lydia Darragh, a Quaker woman whose home became a meeting place for British soldiers, and thus a rich hub of intelligence gathering.

Lydia would hide in a closet while the Redcoats met in the next room, then passed off their plans to her son who served in the Patriot forces, often sewing the messages on button covers or hiding them in needle books. During her career as a Patriot spy, Lydia is said to have saved the lives of countless Revolutionary soldiers, including George Washington himself when she relayed news of a surprise attack planned for the town of Whitemarsh which was successfully thwarted thanks to her intel.

5. AGENT 355

On the subject of espionage, there was another lady spy who was responsible for the capture of the United States' most famous traitor, yet her identity remains a mystery to this day. Agent 355 is said to have been close to a well-regarded Loyalist family in New York, and thus had access to many high-ranking British officers as well as the sensitive information to which they were privy.

Thanks to her efforts, the traitorous nature of General Benedict Arnold was exposed, and his plot to turn over the fort at West Point to the British was foiled, saving the lives of numerous Americans and to a degree the Revolution itself.

6. MARGARET CORBIN

During the Revolution, Patriot wives and female relatives would follow behind the soldiers in the field providing support tasks like mending clothes, cooking, laundry, etc. However, some of these women ventured out of the camps and onto the battlefield, including Margaret Corbin. When her husband was killed while operating a cannon, Margaret quickly took over, firing until she was struck with grapeshot that mangled her arm and chest.

Following the Revolution, she was one of only two women to receive a federal pension for their service.

7. DEBORAH SAMPSON

The other woman to receive a federal pension for her service was Deborah Sampson, except no one knew her by that name, nor did they know she was even a woman. A dedicated Patriot, Deborah was determined to join the Continental Army, and in 1782 enlisted with the 4th Massachusetts Regiment under the name "Robert Shurtlieff." She fought courageously in many battles, wounded several times but always refusing care for fear that she would be found out, even removing a musket ball from her own leg with a penknife and sewing needle.

In 1783, she fell ill with "brain fever" and her true gender was discovered during her treatment. She wasn't allowed to serve anymore but was given an honorable discharge, passage home, and in 1802 was granted a pension as a war veteran.

8. NANCY HART

A rebel heroine noted for her efforts against Loyalists in the northeastern backcountry of Georgia, Nancy Hart was a tough and resourceful woman of the frontier, and not one to be trifled with. The most famous account of Nancy is when a group of six British soldiers barged into her home and demanded that she feed and offer them drink, and she did. Meanwhile, as the Redcoats were gorging themselves, Nancy began slipping the rifles out through a hole in the wall, taking one for herself. She then aimed at the soldiers and ordered them to remain still, the two who disobeyed her were shot and killed, and the rest took the hint and met their fate when her husband returned.

9. MERCY OTIS WARREN

Known as the "Conscience of the American Revolution," Mercy Otis Warren was revolutionary in her own right, especially for a woman of the day. In addition to being a prolific writer and the first female playwright, Mercy was an early advocate of gender equality regardless of station in life, carrying the torch for women in education and politics. Although she wasn't a feminist as defined by the standards of today, she was uniquely progressive for her time, using the written word to make a difference and start the new America down the road to women's rights.

10. MARTHA WASHINGTON

It is said that behind every great man, there's an even greater woman. An excellent example of this is Martha Washington, wife of the General of the Continental Army and our first president. During the horrible and starving time that was Valley Forge, Martha and her squad of officers' wives including Kitty Greene and Lucy Knox arrived on the scene with much-needed supplies from Mount Vernon and was indispensable as a nurse and comforter to Washington and his men during that bitter winter in the camp.

Even though the society of the time did not easily permit women to participate in the Revolutionary War, they just as crucial in the formation of our country as our Founding Fathers. These 10 ladies of liberty and others like them are shining examples of bravery and patriotism, even in the midst of an era when only men were "created equal." They believed in freedom, and that's all that mattered.

13 Superstitions and How they Started

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Hang on to your hats, guys! Friday the 13th is nearly upon us! Seeing as how we mark time using the Gregorian calendar, it is impossible to avoid the 13th falling on a Friday. The good news is: we'll never experience more than three in a year, and the even better news is: July 13th is the only one in 2018!

In honor of this spooky day, we at Graff Bay City thought it'd be fun to share with you some well-known (and not so well-known) superstitions and how they got started! Whether you believe or not, we bet that many of you remember subscribing to some of these as children, and maybe you even subconsciously do so even today.

WHAT IS SUPERSTITION?

Superstition is defined as both a "credulous belief in or reverence for supernatural beings" and a "widely held but unjustified belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences on an action or event, or a practice based on such a belief." Superstition is found throughout nearly all cultures in history, and often times the same superstition is shared across them with different consequences as well as different perceptions of what is "good" or "bad", usually depending on the religious and spiritual beliefs of that culture.

1. KNOCK ON WOOD

This common superstition has its roots in medieval times when European churchgoers would touch splinters of wood that supposedly came from the cross upon which Christ died, and was said to grant divine connection. Today, any wooden surface will do, and a few knocks before completing a task or while awaiting a decision is believed to tip the odds in one's favor.

2. BEARD POWER

Athletes are notoriously superstitious, and the world of sports is full of quirky practices and taboos that are said to either bless or curse. One of the most well-known is the "playoff beard" that hockey players and even fans sport during this crucial postseason time. The origin of the playoff beard is largely credited to the early-1980s New York Islanders, who went on to win four Stanley Cups in a row before being dispatched by the Edmonton Oilers in 1984. "It was just something that was just automatic with us," says legendary Islander Bob Nystrom, "you get on a winning streak, you don't want to change a thing."

The practice involves each member of the team not shaving until either their team is eliminated, or they (ideally) bring home the coveted Stanley Cup. Some pros say that the beard encourages team unity, and is a way for a player to get his head in the game the moment he looks in the mirror in the morning.

3. I CAN HEAR YOU TALKIN'

This superstition originates from an old Russian adage: "Left for love, right for spite." If your left ear is ringing, it means that someone is speaking well of you. If your right is ringing, however, it means someone is speaking badly of you. Another iteration of this superstition says the ears burn rather than ring, but the meaning of left and right tends to remain the same.

4. THE BIG BAD BREAK

In ancient myth, a person's reflection was believed to be a manifestation of their soul, and to endanger it was to risk misfortune befalling the physical self. Mirrors were believed to have magical powers as well as being tools of the gods, and to break one meant that its powers were terminated, the soul was astray from the body and bad luck would plague the person whose reflection it held last. It was the Romans who attached the "seven years" duration to the superstition, as they believed that's how long it took for the body to completely renew itself.

5. FINGERS CROSSED

Crossing your fingers for good luck originated with the early Christians, who would cross their fingers in order to invoke the power associated with the crucifix for protection against evil. The gesture and sentiment carried over into 16th-century England and was commonly used after someone coughed or sneezed. Considering that people of the time didn't know much about germs, they attributed sickness to evil spirits.

6. CAT-ASTROPHE

In devoutly religious colonial America, black cats were considered to be the familiars of witches or witches in disguise, and some even believed that they were spies for the Devil himself. If one crossed your path, it signified misfortune and death. This superstition ran so deep that anyone caught owning a black cat in the colonies was subject to extreme punishment including death.

Not every culture views them as bad luck charms, however. In Scotland, a black cat arriving at your house signifies prosperity. In ancient Egypt, it was thought that one could gain the favor of the goddess Bastet (who was depicted as a cat) by having a black cat in their home, and thus gain the protection of the warrior deity. And sailors in many cultures favored this breed over any other as a "ship's cat" because it was considered the luckiest for a successful voyage.

7. OUT THROUGH THE NOSE

Today, "blessing" someone after a sneeze is considered polite. However, some ancient cultures believed that the soul was in the form of air and was located in the head. When someone sneezed, it was believed that a person's soul could accidentally slip out of the body and an evil spirit could possibly take its place; unless they were blessed immediately after.

8. MAC-DEATH

If you've ever been involved in performing arts or know someone who has, chances are you know that saying "Macbeth" in a theater is strictly forbidden, and is instead referred to as "The Scottish Play." This superstition began with the 1606 debut of the Shakespearean tragedy, when the actor scheduled to play Lady Macbeth suddenly died minutes before showtime, forcing Shakespeare himself to fill the role. Since then, several performances of Macbeth have experienced some kind of disaster, and thus uttering the title inside the theater walls is considered bad luck unless one is rehearsing or performing the play itself.

There is, however, an "anti-curse" if you do accidentally let it slip. Exit the theater, spin around three times, spit over your left shoulder, and either recite a line from Shakespeare or scream a profanity.

9. HORNS AT THE DEVIL

Fans of heavy metal music know this hand signal popularized by Ronnie James Dio, but its true origin is much older. The "devil horns" as their known are actually meant to ward off evil, according to Italian superstition (Dio learned it from his Italian grandmother), by poking the Devil in the eyes to make yourself invisible to him.

10. UNDER THE LADDER

Walking under ladders is not only dangerous to your health, but also to your luck. This superstition originates from the ancient Egyptians who considered the triangle sacred as it represented the trinity of the gods (just look at the pyramids), and to walk through this shape that was created by a ladder resting against a wall was to defile it and bring misfortune upon yourself. Courtesy of Osiris, god of the dead, as well as his wife and son Isis and Horus, respectively.

11. DON'T SPILL THE SALT

Bad luck by spilling salt is a superstition in many cultures, though its roots are with the ancient Sumerians, who began the practice of throwing a pinch over the left shoulder in the event to negate the bad juju. In those days, salt was a precious commodity, on par with gold and silver. In order to discourage mishandling by laborers, bad luck was attached as a consequence. For someone who owed their way of life in large part to mysticism, this was more effective than instructing them to simply be careful.

Why did they throw it over their shoulder? In addition to being a prized resource and seasoning, salt has long been considered as a means of protection against evil spirits. If you dropped the salt, the only explanation was that one was toying with you, and they would appear over your left shoulder to attack since the left side of the body has historically been associated with evil. Throwing salt over one's left shoulder was said to "blind" the spirit and "get them off your back."

12. STEP ON A CRACK

Many of us remember avoiding cracks in the pavement as kids out of fear that doing so would break our poor mothers' backs. This superstition has varied dramatically throughout the years from the benign "step on a hole, break your mother's sugar bowl" to the plain weird warning to mid-20th-century children who were told that if they stepped on a crack in the pavement, they would be eaten by bears waiting for them around the corner.

Regardless of the consequence, this superstition stems from the belief that cracks and holes in the ground lead to the underworld, and that stepping on them would invite demons to enter the body through the soles on the feet.

13. THE NOTORIOUS NUMBER

Why is the number 13 associated with bad luck, anyway? The most popular explanation has to do with the Last Supper, at which thirteen people were in attendance (Jesus and the twelve apostles). Judas Iscariot was the thirteenth to sit at the table and thus, given his role as the betrayer, the number is associated with negativity and misfortune.

Whether religious or not, at least 10% of the U.S. population suffers from triskaidekaphobia, which is marked by fear of the number 13 and avoidance of it in all forms. The more specific paraskevidekatriaphobia, or fear of Friday the 13th, accounts for financial losses of upwards of $800 million annually as people avoid marriages, traveling, and even working in severe cases.

While Friday the 13th may be just another day to many of us, we're thinking you shouldn't take any chances. Why not schedule a service appointment with us to ensure that your vehicle is running at its best? Our stellar service team is certainly worth their salt, and our dealership dog Winston will keep away any black cats that saunter your way while he's sniffing out amazing deals for you!