Service Lights and What They Mean

BAY CITY, Mich. –– We've all had it happen before: you're driving and suddenly a service symbol lights up on your car's dashboard. It can make anyone worried, from first-time drivers to people that have been driving for a very long time. To help you manage your stress and vehicle, we've created a list of the most serious service lights and what they mean. Using this handy guide can keep you and your car safe with any situation. We'll show you to handle each of these severe warnings to keep your vehicle in peak condition.

Check Engine Warning

There are many reasons why your Check Engine light can come on, but it's best to be proactive with this warning. It could be anything from a loose cap to wires that need replacing. When a Check Engine light comes on, it is best to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible, as their scanning tools can diagnose the issue much quicker to get your vehicle back on the road.

Coolant Temperature Warning

This light means that your vehicle is running at a higher than normal temperature. It's best to think ahead when you see a warning like this, as it can potentially damage your vehicle if left unchecked. It can be a coolant leak, a malfunctioning engine thermostat, or another issue, but your best bet is to get your vehicle towed to take care of the issue before it gets too serious.

Parking Brake Warning

If you have malfunctions in your braking system, this light will turn on to indicate that. However, there's also a chance that you could have left your parking brake on, so before you test your brakes, make sure your parking brake isn't on! If you release it and the light is still illuminated, you should call for assistance. You and the other vehicles on the road will be much safer because of it!

Traction Control Warning

When this light is illuminated, it means your vehicle's ability to brake or control traction is impaired, either due to the computer in your vehicle or through your car itself. Sometimes, the traction control's "off" button may have been accidentally pressed, and other times, it can be a more severe issue. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual to reset the issue, and if it persists, make sure you receive service!

Airbag Warning

This light comes on for a few seconds when you start up your vehicle. If it stays on, though, it means there could be an issue with your airbag or seatbelt. If you get into an accident and this light is on, it can prevent your airbags from operating. You can still drive your vehicle with no issue, but make sure you get this problem taken care of as quickly as possible.

Safety is a priority for us at Graff Bay City. We want to make sure that you know what to do if one of these lights happens to come on while you're driving. Keeping up to date on service lights and what they mean will help you keep yourself safe on and off the road. If one of these lights comes on, make sure to schedule an appointment at our Service Center as quickly as possible. We have an FAQ for any questions you may have with additional service lights or other maintenance issues. Our Service Staff is always available to help you with any concerns you have for your vehicle.

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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National Car Care Month: Get 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!

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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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!

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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Cider Mills and Orchards in the Bay Area You'll Want to Visit This Fall

BAY CITY, Mich.––It's that time of year. Yes we mean, FALL! Pumpkin products will take over, the weather will start to cool down, the leaves will begin to change, and a diet of strictly cider and donuts will be deemed acceptable. If you're anything like us, you're excited, and want to fully embrace the season. We're here to help you out. Stay tuned to our blog for all things fall: car care, decor, recipes, and more. This time we're coming to you with a list of cider mills and orchards in the Bay Area you'll want to visit this fall!

Witzgall's Orchards

5179 S. 2 Mile Rd., Bay City, MI 48706

Apple Valley Orchard

6480 Davis Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604

Leaman's Green Applebarn 

7475 N. River Rd., Freeland, MI 48623

Bayne's Apple Valley Farm

5395 Midland Rd., Freeland, MI 48623

Moore Orchards

1727 S. Sasse Rd., Midland, MI 48640

And don't forget to visit the Tiny Apple Store!
2282 E. Salzburg Rd., Bay City, MI 48706

They sell apples from their own 30 acres, cider donuts, cider muffins and more than 75 flavors of ice cream. Plus, they have a fun petting zoo! 

We want to help you celebrate fall in all the best ways. Whether it's sharing a list of cider mills and orchards in the Bay Area you'll want to visit this fall, to providing great vehicles to get to those places in, we're here for you. We especially want to help you keep your car in great shape so can be safe throughout the fall season, and be ready for the upcoming winter season! Make sure to get your car care and routine maintenance done and out of the way so you can be worry free this fall. You can schedule your service appointment online or by giving us call.

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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Winter Vehicle Maintenance & Car Care Tips at Graff Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. – At Graff Bay City, we understand that buying or leasing a vehicle is a big investment, and it’s important to keep that investment in tip-top shape. With winter in full swing now, there are many damaging elements that can impact the condition of your vehicle – think salt, snow, and frigid temperatures. If you haven’t yet taken any precautions to prepare your vehicle for the winter season, it’s time for some proper winter vehicle maintenance! On our website, we have just launched a new service section just for you, covering winter car care tips and vehicle maintenance at Graff Bay City. These best practices will help you keep your car running better and longer for seasons to come!

On our new Winter Car Care Page, you’ll find tips on –

• Tires: Find out why it’s important to understand the value winter tires offer. Winter tires are designed to handle winter roads specifically, and with the roads being slushy and icy, the thicker treads will help keep you from sliding around. Click the link to learn more about winter tires.
• Batteries: In general, car batteries normally last around two to three years. However, freezing temperatures can be hard on your battery life, so it’s crucial to be aware of your vehicle's battery life and replace it when necessary. Learn more about your car battery by clicking the link.
• Brakes: Your vehicle's brakes keep you safe through every season, but during the winter they are especially important. In winter weather it can take your vehicle a longer distance to break on snow and ice, so making sure your brakes work properly is key. Follow the link to read more about your brakes.
• Oil Changes: Your engine’s performance depends on regular oil changes, and when your oil is changed on a regular basis, you help extend the life of your vehicle. In the winter, it’s particularly important to keep up with oil changes because the fridgid temperatures can have an effect on the oil. For a list of signs your vehicle needs an oil change, follow the link.
• Wiper Blades: You need a clear view to drive in any season, but your vehicle's wiper blades become especially important in the winter due to debris from snow, salt, and ice. Harsh winter conditions can wear on your wiper blades, so click the link to find out how to know if you need to replace your wiper blades.

Winter weather and the driving conditions it creates can take a serious toll on your car if you’re not properly prepared. To ensure that your vehicle will keep you safe and sound all season long, visit our Graff Bay City winter car care and vehicle maintenance pages for more information. Each page will provide you with the best winter car care tips for your tires, battery, brakes, oil changes, and wiper blades. If you’d like to schedule a service appointment for help on any of these topics, you can do that too. We’re always ready to help you at Graff Bay City.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your new family! 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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Car Maintenance Tips for a Safe Summer

BAY CITY, Mich. - With Friday being the official first day of summer, Americans all over the country will be hopping in their car to travel for vacation. Whether you're traveling across the state or across the country, it's important to know specific car tips for a safe summer.

Safety tips are not only to ensure you practice safe driving, but for the actual maintenance of your vehicle as well. The summer heat can be particularly harsh on a vehicle, much like the winter's freeze, so it's important to know what to expect when you're in your car and on the road.

Before we cover these car tips for a safe summer, you should know that it's important to have your car regularly maintained. Maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, etc. do a lot for your car, and can give you peace of mind that you're driving a vehicle that is running at peak performance. If you aren't one to get your vehicle regularly checked, or you don't recall the last time you stopped in at Brighton Ford, check out these car tips to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the summer:

Tires

Checking your tires regularly is very important, as you don't want a frightening blowout to make you aware of your tire's state. So check your tire's pressure at least once a month (along with your spare) just to make sure that you're not losing air. Also, check to make sure that your tires aren't showing signs of irregular or excessive wear. Ideally, you want to make sure that your tires are all wearing evenly and maintain the correct air pressure. Having your tires fully inflated improves your gas mileage along as ensuring you won't have a flat - consider the fuel efficiency a bonus!

Belts and Hoses

The high temperatures that accompany summer can be especially hard on your belts and hoses. As a lot of the belts and hoses are rubber, the excessive heat can cause them to crack, blister, or break all together. So make sure to check your belts and hoses, just to ensure that they won't break when you're actually driving. If you're unsure about what to look for, stop in at Hank Graff and we can look it over for you.

Coolant Levels

If you're driving in the car for any amount of time, you definitely want to eliminate the possibility of your engine overheating. By checking your coolant levels and making sure that they are at the proper level, you shouldn't encounter any problems.

Air Conditioning

While we're on the subject of overheating, it's important to think about yourself! On a really hot day, it can be potentially hazardous to be driving in a car without air conditioning - especially if you are a child, or a senior. So check your AC performance now, and make sure that you're driving in a cool vehicle on a hot summer day.

Fluid Levels

We discussed checking your coolant levels, but you're going to want to be aware of the oil, brake, transmission, power steering and windshield fluids as well. Check all the fluid levels and top off any that seem to be getting a little low. If it's time for an oil change, now is the time to stop in.

By regularly looking over your vehicle and following the above-mentioned car tips, you're extending the life of your vehicle and minimizing any problems you may encounter on the road.

Looking to get a new or used car to start the summer off right? Stop by our Birch Run Area Chevrolet Dealership where we can show you a great selection of Low Mileage Used Cars and Discounted Used Cars. Your Mid-Michigan Chevy Dealer is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706. For more information on Graff Bay City, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website at www.graffbaycity.com.

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Auto Tips for Fall & Winter

BAY CITY Mich., - With the official start of Fall this Saturday, we're already feeling the temperature drop. If we're feeling it, our cars are too, which means it's time to review some Auto Tips for Fall & Winter that will keep your ride in tip top shape for those trips to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch!

1. Fix Your Paint:

That small scratch or paint chip will rust right over if you don't fix it before the seasons change.  Sometimes it takes only 30 days for a scratch to begin rusting and salt and cold temperatures only accelerate the process. If you're not sure how to fix it on your own, visit the Graff Chevrolet Bay City Body Shop and we’ll fix it for you!

2. Check Your Tires:

Now is the time to replace worn tires! Fall and Winter can present some tricky driving conditions so make sure your tires have enough traction. You may even want to think about getting snow tires or chains for your vehicle, depending on the weather. We have great Tire Discounts for your Fall & Winter driving! Consider having your tires rotated and brakes checked as well at Graff's Brake Service Center.

3. Have An Emergency Kit:

ALWAYS keep an emergency kit in your car. Inside this kit you should have jumper cables, a warm blanket, gloves, an extra coat, a flashlight with batteries, road flares, water and some type of nutrition bar.  Make sure you have a cell phone that is fully charged and even having a map of the area you’re in would be a good idea too.

4. Make Sure You Have Clear Visibility:

Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition and that your windshield fluid is full to prevent visibility issues during a storm. A de-icing spray and a ice scraper are also two staples that you should always have in your car during Fall and Winter.

The weather is already changing so make sure you take the time to put these Auto Tips for Fall & Winter to use to keep your car in great condition and more importantly keep you safe! Your Mid-Michigan Chevy Dealer is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706. For more information on Graff Bay City, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website at www.graffbaycity.com.

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