Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: August 2018

Thursday, August 30, 2018

10 Songs to Get You In the Mood for Fall

BAY CITY, Mich. -- The kids are heading back to school, the air is beginning to get a little cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, the pumpkin spice latte is making its way back to your favorite coffee shop. All signs that Fall is right around the corner in Michigan, and we at Graff Bay City have curated this playlist filled with some awesome music to get you into the spirit of the season!

"Murder In the City" - The Avett Brothers

Have this in your headphones while you admire the amazing colors of the trees.

"Such Great Heights" - Iron & Wine

For those chilly mornings, curled up on the front porch in your favorite sweater with a cup of coffee.

"Obstacles" - Syd Matters

All the mystical autumn feels.

"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" - Death Cab for Cutie

If there's one band that's got a definitively "fall" vibe, it's Death Cab for Cutie.

"Blinding" - Florence + the Machine

Mist + Hike through the woods + This song = A life-changing experience.

"Death With Dignity" - Sufjan Stevens

For those moments when you're able to just look up into the clear, blue autumn sky, and just watch the leaves gently drift about.

"Flapper Girl" - The Lumineers

For those sunny strolls through the park, when you're thinking about how great it is to not be freezing or melting. Fall is perfect.

"Flume" - Bon Iver

Their name might mean "good winter" in French, but Bon Iver also makes for a fabulous fall soundtrack.

"If I Go, I'm Going" - Gregory Alan Isakov

There's a sweet calmness to fall as nature prepares to sleep. This is the song for it.

"First Day of My Life" - Bright Eyes

Snuggle up to someone you love on a chilly autumn evening at a bonfire, and just vibe.

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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

5 Reasons You Should Skip Craigslist and Buy a Used Car from a Dealership

BAY CITY, Mich. -- For a more budget-friendly option, many people will opt to buy a used car rather than a brand new one. A popular way to shop is websites like Craigslist, which allow people looking to sell their used cars to post an ad for it and connect to numerous potential buyers in their area.

This method may be popular, but it really is not as good of an option as checking out a dealership’s used inventory. In this article, we’ll be highlighting some important reasons why you should skip Craigslist and buy a used car from a dealership like Graff Bay City!

1. GUARANTEED FINANCING

One of the top things that deter people from buying a car from a dealership is thinking they can’t afford one because of their financial history. As a result, they turn to Craigslist where a credit check often isn’t required. However, did you know that many dealerships have the ability to get you financed – regardless of if you have bad credit or even no credit? Everyone in a dealership financial department is an expert in their field and will work with you to hammer out a financial plan that works with your budget.

2. THOROUGH INSPECTIONS

If you’re buying a used vehicle, doing so through a dealership is your best option because you’re more likely to get your money’s worth. Unlike buying a car from a Craigslist ad, every used car a dealership has available must pass multipoint inspections to make sure they’re up to snuff before they even hit the lot, and a detailed history report can even be supplied upon request that will inform you of any previous damage. If you choose to buy a car from Craigslist, you often don’t get either of these things and thus put yourself at extreme risk both financially and in terms of safety.

3. WARRANTY COVERAGE

When you buy a used car through a dealership, you have the chance of also getting the peace of mind that comes with warranty coverage. A car sold through Craigslist can have a warranty, but it may not be transferable, thus leaving you the new owner to foot the bill for any repairs. While dealership warranties on used cars may be more limited than they are on new cars, they are still better than nothing or thinking that you’re covered when you’re not.

4. ZERO SKETCH

Buying a car through Craigslist isn’t just risky because you might be getting a lemon, but also risky because you have no idea who with whom you’re dealing. For example, the car they’re selling could be stolen, and you only find out when you’re suddenly pulled over by the police on your way to work. The seller could also be a violent individual, luring victims into their clutches under the guise of selling a car. With a dealership, you don’t have to worry about any of that as each and every one is a manufacturer-approved operation and every person you deal with must pass a background check.

5. FULL CONTACT

Let’s say you’ve found a car you love on Craigslist. The seller has kept in touch with you all the way up to the point of purchase, and everything seems fine and dandy. A couple of weeks later, you discover many things wrong with the vehicle that the seller did not inform you of, except now all lines of communication you had with them have mysteriously been disconnected, leaving you stuck with a lemon. At a dealership, the sales team is the face of their manufacturer’s brand and is therefore required to keep in contact with you at all times due to corporate standards of customer satisfaction. Should they fail to do so, you have a direct line to take it up with the manufacturer itself, which is bad news for the dealership as a whole.

While buying a car off of Craigslist may seem like the better option, it’s actually much more of a headache than it’s worth. Instead, consider perusing the used inventory of Graff Bay City, where you can be sure that you’re buying a quality vehicle, can get warranty coverage, and have an open line of communication anytime you need it!

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus Special Editions Introduced by Chevrolet

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Chevrolet will be expanding the availability of the 6.2L V-8 engine within its line-up of full-size SUVs with the introduction of the Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus special editions.

Originally available in the full-size SUV line-up on the 2018 Tahoe RST 6.2L Performance Package, the engine also recently debuted on the 2019 Suburban RST 6.2L Performance Package, and is now available at Chevrolet dealerships nationwide.

All Premier Plus vehicles, as well as Premier RST with the optional 6.2L Performance Package, feature Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration in addition to a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. Magnetic Ride Control is an active suspension system that "reads" the road every millisecond, triggering dampening changes in the electronically controlled shock absorbers in as little as 10-15 milliseconds, and resulting in improved body-motion control while cornering and an overall more comfortable cruising experience.

The 10-speed automatic transmission on the 2019 Premier Plus special editions offers smaller steps between each ratio to maximize engine power under acceleration. Utilizing a wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and lower top gear ratio, the Hydra-Matic transmission is also designed to reduce revolutions at highway speeds.

“Our customers have shown strong demand for both Tahoe and Suburban with the 6.2L V-8 option,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing and Advertising. “Thirty-six percent of all Chevy full-size SUV special edition models are now sold with this engine. Premier Plus gives both Suburban and Tahoe customers another option to choose from with several added premium touches.”

Also featured on the 2019 Chevrolet Premier Plus special edition vehicles is a unique interior with heated and ventilated black/mahogany, leather-appointed seats against a jet black trim surround. Along with 22-inch polished wheels, this premium two-tone interior makes its line-up debut on the 2019 Premier Plus special editions.

Other appearance features include gold "bowtie" emblems, chrome nameplate badging, a head-up display and 8-inch diagonal cluster, cross rails, chrome power steps and exhaust tip, and Chevrolet-branded cargo organizer.

In terms of connectivity, the 2019 Premier Plus special editions include a 12-month data plan of a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 6.2L V-8 engine now available on the 2019 Premier Plus special edition Tahoe and Suburban is capable of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque. It also delivers three state-of-the-art technologies including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing in order for drivers to get the most out of power, torque, and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the availability of the 2019 Premier Plus special edition Tahoe and Suburban at Graff Bay City!

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

GM Launches New Collision Repair Network to Better Assist Drivers

BAY CITY, Mich. -- At the NACE Automechanika Atlanta show on Sunday, GM announced the launch of the new GM Collision Repair Network, a service used in conjunction with OnStar to help promote customer safety, satisfaction, and strong results for both dealership service centers and independent collision shops.

“We put the customer at the center when we designed the GM Collision Repair Network because for them, nothing is more important than knowing they can trust in the safety and integrity of their vehicle when it leaves the repair facility,” said John Eck, collision manager, GM Customer Care and Aftersales. “The collision repair industry will benefit too. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration* reports more than six million police-reported car crashes occur every year, and as vehicle technology evolves, it’s more important than ever to complete proper repairs and run an efficient enterprise.”

In the aftermath of a collision, the GM Collision Repair Network together with OnStar aids in the education and empowerment of drivers by helping them to locate repair facilities where qualified technicians utilize proper repair procedures using original equipment and replacement parts.

For dealership and independent collision repair centers, the new Collision Repair Network will supplement GM's existing training and tool-focused programs with the addition of standards for pre- and post-repair scanning, repair procedures, calibration, and overall repair. As a result, repair centers within the network should experience a more streamlined collision repair process, including reduced time spent diagnosing and pulling procedures.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the GM Collision Repair Network from Graff Bay City. In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the functions and capabilities of OnStar, visit our website.

10 Unexpected Things You Thought You Didn't Need for College

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Whether you're an incoming freshman or returning student, the Back to School season is especially huge for college students, especially when it comes to shopping for supplies, and certainly for those who will be living on campus. While you might have the essentials like a mini-fridge or Netflix, there are several things that you may not have expected would be so useful for dorm life.

From Graff Bay City, here are 10 unexpected things you didn't know you needed for college!

1. A BEDSIDE CADDY

These are quite handy if you'll be sleeping in a loft or bunk bed or don't have access to a nightstand. Keep your phone, tablet, or favorite book right at your side, and most importantly safe and organized!

2. SHOWER SHOES

Often times you'll have to use a communal bathroom if you live in a dorm, and that means having to share shower space with your dormmates. Unfortunately, it also means you run the risk of sharing all of their germs too, which is why a good pair of shower shoes is essential! College is stressful enough without nasty foot fungus.

3. A PRINTER AND STAPLER

The campus library has printers and staplers available to students but, let's be honest, you won't be up for the walk when you've finished your paper at midnight. Instead, get your own printer and stapler for your dorm room. Even better, many printers nowadays are small enough to accommodate limited space, as well as wireless so you don't have to worry about scrounging for an outlet or tripping over cords.

4. AMAZON PRIME

The free 2-day shipping offered by Amazon Prime can be a lifesaver, especially if you need a particular book, something for a project, or an emergency Keurig (hey, it happens). Additionally, Prime also offers movies and shows on-demand, not to mention the service is offered to college students free for 6-months and $49/year after (as opposed to the normal $99/month).

5. EARPLUGS

Between snoring roommates, slamming doors, and weekend parties, dorms can get pretty noisy. To ensure that you get your proper rest, make sure to keep a package of earplugs handy.

6. FIRST AID KIT

College is full of "it seemed like a good idea at the time" moments, and it's a great idea to keep a first aid kit in your dorm room to deal with the aftermath of such moments - or the occasional paper cut.

7. MATTRESS TOPPER

The beds they provide to you at college are notoriously uncomfortable. Sleep on it for one night then put down the mattress topper you brought along. You'll notice the difference.

8. PORTABLE CHARGER

With everything else you have to remember in college, keeping your electronics charged might slip through the cracks every now and again. A portable charger will fit right in your backpack and are typically good for about five charges to phones and tablets before it runs out of juice itself, and some are even powerful enough for laptops.

9. A FAN

Some dorms do have central air, but the rooms can still get a little stuffy. Bring a little fan along and get the air circulating properly. This will also help make sharing a space with a smelly roommate a little more bearable.

10. A POWER STRIP

If your school allows you to have one in your dorm (some don't), we strongly encourage you to take advantage of it. Why have two plugs in a probably unreachable place when you can have six readily available to you?

From all of us at Graff Bay City, we hope you have a safe and smooth transition back to school, as well as an awesome semester! Before heading back, why not stop by our service department to make sure your vehicle is running at its best?

Thursday, August 9, 2018

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Leads the Competition in Cargo Space

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Durabed is the Largest in its Class

BAY CITY, Mich. -- With best-in-class cargo volume, box depth and box length at floor in addition to a segment-leading 12 fixed tie-downs and an exclusive power tailgate, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 features the largest pick-up truck bed on the market.

“The bed is the heart and soul of any pickup, so we made several improvements to the bed of the all-new Silverado to give our customers an even better hauling experience,” said Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer, Full-Size Trucks, General Motors. “We’ve added so many features and benefits that it deserves its own name – Durabed.”

Each Silverado in the 2019 line-up has increased significantly in terms of bed size compared to the 2018 model year:

2018:

Short box: 53 cubic feet
Standard box: 62 cubic feet
Long box: 75 cubic feet

2019:

Short box: 63 cubic feet
Standard box: 72 cubic feet
Long box: 89 cubic feet

The 2019 Silverado short box option is 20% more than the competition, in order to achieve this, Chevy widened the maximum width of the bed floor nearly 10% (7 inches), and implemented this across all bed sizes for the 2019 Silverado.

Additionally, a higher grade steel is being used in the construction of the Durabed for 2019:

BED MATERIAL:

2019 Silverado: High-strength steel (500 MPa)
2019 Ford F-Series: Aluminum
2019 Ram 1500: High-strength steel (340 MPa)

In terms of cargo box space, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado now leads the competition by at least 10 cubic feet. As for cargo box depth and length at floor, the 2019 Silverado now leads between 1-10 inches.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado sports 12 fixed tie-downs and has doubled the strength of each from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending. An additional 9 moveable tie-downs are also available for more cargo flexibility. With 21 tie-down points in all, the 2019 Silverado sports the most of any pick-up truck available.

Stay tuned for updates regarding availability of the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado at Graff Bay City!

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

10 Back to School Songs to Get You Pumped for the New Year

10 Back to School Songs to Get Your Pumped for the New Year

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Contrary to Alice Cooper's anthemic tune, school is certainly not out forever. While the back to school season may be exciting with all the new possibilities a new school year brings, it can get stressful sometimes, especially for high schoolers and college students. But you can do it!

What better way to set your intention for greatness with some awesome music? We at Graff Bay City have curated an awesome Back to School playlist just for the occasion! Complete with music videos to sing along!

1. "BRAVE" - Sara Bareilles, 2013

Start the ride to school off on the right note with this encouraging track from Sara Bareilles, who implores you to be fearless in everything you do.

2. "WE RULE THE SCHOOL" - Belle & Sebastian, 1996

"Do something pretty while you can," sing indie rockers Belle & Sebastian in this soothing tune about realizing and taking advantage of your potential.

3. "DON'T TAKE THE MONEY" - Bleachers, 2017

"Don't take the money" is a phrase that Jack Antonoff (aka Bleachers) uses when his gut tries to steer him away from something positive, and staying on track is the message here. Break down those negative barriers this semester and rock out.

4. "SCRATCH YOUR NAME" - Noisettes, 2006

This song is all about making your mark and changing the world. A very school-worthy sentiment.

5. "DOG DAYS ARE OVER" - Florence + the Machine, 2009

Florence Welch belts over pounding percussion in this powerful track, inspiring feelings of fresh starts, perseverance, and fearlessness.

6. "UNBREAKABLE SMILE" - Tori Kelly, 2015

For middle school and high school students, one of the biggest pressures they face is "fitting in." This empowering declaration by Tori Kelly is a reminder to stay true to yourself and keep your personal energy positive, no matter what the "cool kids" are doing.

7. "WE ARE GOING TO BE FRIENDS" - The White Stripes, 2001

Michigan-natives The White Stripes perfectly capture that anxiousness and excitement of the first day of school and meeting new friends while you're at it.

8. "SAVE THE WORLD" - Swedish House Mafia, 2012

Blast this club banger on the way to school and tell us you don't feel like you can take on the world, or at least the semester.

9. "FLOAT ON" - Modest Mouse, 2003

Modest Mouse encourages you to not worry so much, see the potential in setbacks, and just "float on," alright?

10. "YOU GOTTA BE" - Des'ree, 1994

Let the chorus to this smooth and serene tune become your personal mantra, and definitely, have it in your headphones on the way into class.

From all of us at Graff Bay City, we wish all of the students in our community an awesome new year! We hope that this playlist gives you the drive you need to get out there and take on the semester!