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!

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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Spring Car Care at Graff Bay City

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

Spring Car Care at Graff Bay City:

Wipers

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

Tires

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

Alignment & Suspension

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

Fluids

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

Spring Car Cleaning

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

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

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 Car Care Vehicle Maintenance Tips

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Michigan winters can be tough on us, the roads, and our vehicles. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt all take their toll on cars and it's important to prepare your vehicle for the winter. We suggest bringing your vehicle into our Graff Bay City Service Center to get some seasonal maintenance work done like getting your brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and batteries checked and replaced if need be. Getting an oil change this time of year is a great idea as well. Following our Winter Car Care vehicle maintenance tips can help ensure your vehicle will be able to perform in top condition, handle well on the icy roads, and avoid the possibility of breaking down. Read on to learn the importance of taking care of your vehicle this winter!

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

• 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. You don't want to be the car that slides through an intersection or into a ditch. Follow the link to read more about your brakes.
• 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.
• 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 frigid temperatures can have a negative effect on the oil, making it less effective at keeping your engine components from overheating and warping. 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.
• Batteries: In general, car batteries normally last around two to three years. However, freezing temperatures can be hard on your battery life and make it more difficult to start your engine in the morning after a cold night. 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.

We hope you consider following our Winter Car Care vehicle maintenance tips, as they will help keep you safe on the road and likely save you money in the long run on costly repairs. If you're still worried about you and your passenger's well being out on the road, we recommend reading up on Chevrolet's new advanced safety features available on most new 2018 Chevy models. Features like the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist Technology, Forward Safety Awareness, and more can help make driving a much safer endeavor.

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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How to Make Your Car Your Own

BAY CITY, Mich.,– One of the most exciting aspects of vehicle ownership is the customization. Your vehicle is uniquely yours in that you can do whatever you'd like with it, whether it's a new coat of paint, wiper blades, or even a fresh set of wheels. We're here to give you a few ideas on how to make your car your own, with tips on personalizing your vehicle and maintaining its resale value. Many of these options are fairly inexpensive and add a nice personal touch to your one-of-a-kind vehicle, from subtle accents to big statements. Get started on making your vehicle your own today!

Remove Dents and Scratches

The best way to get started on personalizing your vehicle is by performing some basic maintenance. Making your vehicle look brand new will increase its resale value and make it far more appealing to the eye. Besides taking it in for maintenance, there are a few homemade remedies you can try to remove scratches and dents. The "suction method" is used to remove dents. Wet the surface of your vehicle and the surface of a suction cup or plunger. Place the suction cup or plunger on your dent, and after a few seconds, pull the suction cup off. Repeat this process a few times to reduce the size of the dent or altogether remove it. Purchasing a scratch repair pen can be cheap and can reduce the damage of scratches on your vehicle. However, it only removes damages to the paint and surface of any scratch, so keep this in mind as you fix them up!

Replace Your Floor Mats

Your vehicle's floor mats accumulate a lot of dust and dirt over time. While getting them shampooed can bring them back to life, frequent shampooing of your carpets and mats can be quite expensive. Instead, we recommend upgrading your old floor mats to more durable, rubber ones! Not only will they remain durable year-round, they're also extremely easy to clean and can prevent the buildup of mold from wet shoes and boots. Plus, you can customize them for your own unique personal twist! It's best to hold onto your old mats as well if you plan on reselling or trading in your vehicle. This will help uphold its full value. 

Purchase Seat Covers

Whether you own a furry friend or simply have messy kids, a great way to protect your vehicle's seating from fur or uncontrollable stickiness is with some seat covers. They can add additional comfort with an extra layer of cloth and greatly improve the resale value of your vehicle. If your seats are already too damaged to salvage any repairs, you can also cover up the severity with seat covers.

Upgrade Your Sound System

While replacing your sound system may seem a little more expensive, you don't necessarily have to break the bank to update your standard system. In some instances, simply replacing the standard speakers can make a world of difference, as speakers tend to wear out after years of usage. However, if you're willing to make the investment, upgrading your speaker system can become a better long-term investment. If you end up trading in or replacing your vehicle but want to keep your upgraded speaker system, you can repurpose it to function as surround-sound speakers within your home, or add it to your new vehicle to improve its sound system.

Get Some New Wheels

Believe it or not, wheels can make a huge difference in your vehicle's appearance. Take a look for yourself if you don't believe us! Over time, your vehicle's wheels can wear down and look extremely unsightly, with built up rust and dirt damage. Investing in a new set of wheels will improve the look of your vehicle, enhance your gas mileage, and contribute to the overall stability while driving. However, new wheels can be quite costly and are a long-term investment. You should only replace your wheels if you're looking to keep your vehicle for quite some time!

While these are just a few examples on vehicle personalization, we at Graff Bay City also carry a variety of accessories and are more than happy to help you customize your vehicle! We also offer custom graphic services to give your vehicle a new coat of paint, custom looks, and unique designs. Make sure to request any parts you may need if you want to get your tires replaced, speakers upgraded, or other personalization and we'll be more than happy to assist you every step of the way to help make your vision a reality! Now that you know how to make your car your own, it's time for you to add your own personal stamp! 

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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Celebrate National Tire Safety Week with Graff Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. – Do you know proper tire safety? From May 29th through June 4th it's National Tire Safety Week! With the summer season bringing more vehicle travel and long road trips, now is the perfect time to learn how to keep yourself and your passengers’ safe. Below we have put together a tire safety checklist to remember when traveling. Now you can keep your tires safe at all times and celebrate National Tire Safety Week with Graff Bay City!

Tire Safety Checklist:

Have you checked your tire pressure?

Before leaving for a long trip or vacation, make sure you check your tire’s air pressure. Proper tire inflation will help your vehicle drive better, help you save on fuel costs, and keep your tires performing to the best of their abilities. If you need help finding your vehicle’s air pressure recommendations check your Owner’s Manual.

Have you checked your tire tread?

Your tire tread is important because the tread keeps your tires gripped properly to the ground, giving you a safe drive. There are some ways to check your tire tread while at home! Visit our FAQ page to learn the steps to performing the Penny Test on your tires.

Do you have a spare available?

Even if you are prepared for the worst, the unexpected can happen. Having a spare tire on hand will help you not be stuck on the side of the road. If you do have to use a spare tire remember to not drive over 50 miles with one, and not over 50 mph. Try getting to a tire service location as fast as possible. 

Have you had a tire rotation?

Routine tire rotations are a great and convenient way to keep your tires in good condition for longer periods of time. They help with even tire tread wear, and help fuel efficiency. We recommend getting a tire rotation every 6,000 miles or every other oil change. Schedule an appointment with our Service Center today for your next tire rotation.

Do you need a tire alignment?

Have you noticed your steering wheel pulling to one side or the other? This could be due to your tire alignment being off. Your tires should always be parallel to one another when you are driving. Having a problem with your tire alignment can lead to faster tire tread wear and cause more damage in the long run. 

By going through your tire checklist you will be prepared for anything once you have hit the road. Do you have questions about tire maintenance? Visit our FAQ page for answers to all things tires. To learn more about tire service you can also visit the tire routine maintenance page of our website. Celebrate National Tire Safety week with Graff Bay City and visit us for your tire maintenance services! Our Service Center can help inspect, repair and replace all of your tires. Schedule your appointment today. 

Are you looking for a vehicle that can handle anything on the road? Then visit Graff Bay City and test drive a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. This SUV will give you a comfortable ride with maximum space for your next road trip. When it comes to financing visit our Buying vs. Leasing page and see which option best fits your needs before you head to the dealership! For more questions on vehicles and financing contact our team of experts today.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your weekend getaway! 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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Spring Car Care at Graff Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. – Your safety on the road is our number one priority. That’s why we’ve made an entire section on our website for your spring car care at Graff Bay City. Routine maintenance and the right auto service will keep your vehicle performing its best all season long and prolong its life. Under our service section on the website, you’ll find our new spring car care tips that will keep you safe on season long. Learn about the proper routine maintenance for your wipers, tires, fluids, alignment, and suspension. There’s even a section on spring cleaning for your car! Keeping your vehicle clean will keep you stay focused on the road, and prolong the life of the materials that make up your car inside and out. Find out more about each topic with the list below. Get ready for spring with our service experts at Graff Bay City! 

Spring Car Care at Graff Bay City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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The 20 Items to Have in Your Car Emergency Kit

BAY CITY, Mich. – Graff Bay City makes your car safety a number one priority. That’s why we’re here to tell you the 20 items to have in your car emergency kit, because cars do unfortunately break down and a lot of the time it’s unavoidable or unexpected. When it does happen you want to be prepared. The only way you can be ready for something like this is to have an emergency kit in your vehicle. Whether you have a flat tire or you need a jump, your kit will be there to help you just in case no one else is.

The 20 Items to Have in Your Car Emergency Kit

1. First-aid kit
2. Tools
3. Tire gauge
4. Reflective warning triangles
5. Jumper cables
6. Flashlight & batteries
7. Gloves
8. Rags
9. Foam tire sealant
10. Rain poncho
11. Bottled water
12. Warm blanket
13. Duct tape
14. Cat litter
15. Windshield scraper
16. Two quarts of oil
17. Paper towel
18. Pocket knife
19. Funnel
20. Tire inflator

Whether your car problem is big or small, this car emergency kit will offer some help. If you get into an accident or your car emergency is one that your kit cannot solve, make sure you call the proper authorities. After all, your safety is most important because a car can be replaced but you cannot. 

Remember by properly keeping up with your vehicle maintenance you’re less likely to get into a messy situation. With four seasons of weather in Michigan, seasonal vehicle maintenance is especially important. Schedule an appointment with our Bay City service center today. We’re happy to take care of your brakes, wipers, tires, batteries, or any other problems you may have.

Looking for a vehicle that’s affordable and reliable? Graff Bay City has plenty of used cars for sale. Come in today and we can help you find one that will meet your needs. 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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