Winter Weather Driving Tips

BAY CITY, Mich.- The first official day of Winter is still over a week away, but we want to prepare you before that bad weather hits! Driving in snow, ice, and freezing rain is never enjoyable, and can be extremely dangerous. So if you have commitments that you have to attend and can't stay home during a winter storm, remember these Winter Weather Driving Tips to stay safe this season!

Winter Weather Driving Tips:

1. Drive slowly since maneuvering on snow-covered roads take much longer than when you are driving on dry pavement. Give yourself extra time to maneuver by slowing down.

2. Again, drive slowly. Everything, including accelerating and decelerating, takes longer in winter weather so to avoid skids and regain traction, accelerate slowly. Also make sure to begin decelerating early since it takes longer to slow down on on snow-covered roads.

3. Rather than giving yourself 3-4 seconds to the car in front of you as you would on dry pavement, increase that distance to 8-10 seconds so that you have extra time should you have to stop or maneuver abruptly.

4. Slamming on your brakes in winter weather can be especially dangerous which it why it's important to drive slowly. But, when you do need to suddenly stop on a snow-covered road, threshold braking is the best method. Just keep the heel of your foot on the floor and apply firm, steady pressure to the brake with the ball of your foot.

5. Hills covered in ice or snow can be difficult to navigate in the winter, since trying to increase your speed as you head uphill can make your wheels spin. Instead, try to get some inertia before you reach the hill and then allow the inertia to carry you up.

6. While you're driving up the hill, avoid stopping if you can since trying to accelerate from a stop while on an incline can be problematic.

If you're looking for a great vehicle that can handle the snow, stop by Graff Bay City today and we can help find one from our new Chevy cars and trucks for sale. They'll keep you safe all year long! Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706. For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our websites: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Winter Car Tips to Get Ready for the Cold

BAY CITY, Mich. – Michigan winters are brutal; we all know it. But while winter is hard on us, it can be hard on your car, too. Keeping up with your auto maintenance is a no-brainer for some people, but it’s especially important in the winter. Being stranded on the side of the road when it’s 20 degrees out does not sound like a good time. Use these winter car tips to get ready for the cold and make the season a little easier on you and your vehicle.

• Keep an emergency kit in your car. It’s the absolute best thing you can have in your vehicle in case something happens. Some things that should be in this kit include a flashlight, flares, engine oil, and jumper cables to name a few. Here’s a full list from the DMV: http://bit.ly/1hsqZgT. 

• Check your belts and hoses. Your car’s belts and hoses should be checked when you get a tune-up, but it’s beneficial to check them again when the weather starts getting cold. Harsh temperatures can crack and weaken belts and hoses, and if something happens to them you’re not going anywhere. 

• Replace windshield wipers. Wipers should be replaced every six months just to be safe. Without good wipers, you put other drivers and yourself in danger if you’re driving through a snowstorm. 

• Fill your car with antifreeze. Antifreeze will keep your engine from freezing in cold weather. Antifreeze should always be mixed with water, usually at a 50/50 ratio. Fortunately, most places sell antifreeze already mixed properly with water so you don’t have to measure it out.

• Check your battery. Batteries normally last around three to five years. Winter months make your battery work much harder, so it’s important that you replace yours before it gets too cold.

• Invest in snow tires. We can’t stress this enough. Snow tires help with traction, braking, and driver control. Michigan roads don't usually close down for snow, so having these tires will greatly benefit you.

Use these winter car tips to get ready for the cold and you’ll stay safe and warm with your vehicle all season long. If you need any auto service before the snow hits, stop by our service center near Mt.Morris, MI. We’ll take care of your tires, brakes, and car parts.

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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Tips to Survive the Extreme Cold

BAY CITY, Mich.- If you've gone online, turned on the TV, or just stepped outside, you've heard the news. Winter Storm Ion dumped massive amounts of snow on Michigan along with other states throughout the Midwest and now it's leaving behind some of the coldest temperatures we've felt in decades! We're from Michigan, we know cold weather, but these extreme temperatures are no joke! So bundle up and stay safe with these tips to survive the extreme cold!

Tips to Survive the Extreme Cold

-Before heading outside, make sure to bundle up and cover all of your skin. Dress in several loose warm layers. The air that gets trapped between the layers will insulate you compared to wearing just one layer. A waterproof or windproof outer-layer will protect you from the elements along with a hat that covers your ears and mittens rather than gloves.

-Even if you are dressed warmly, make sure to pay attention to early signs of frostbite so that you can prevent further damage. Make sure to head indoors if you experience redness, prickling, loss of feeling, or pale appearance in fingers and toes, which are all signs of frostbite.

-Stay safe indoors as well by making sure that your heating unit is working correctly. A heating unit that is damaged or not functioning correctly can release dangerous carbon monoxide gas. So it is also important to make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly too.

-These extreme temperatures can be very dangerous for certain people along with pets. If you have family, friends, or neighbors who may be at risk or need assistance, make sure to check in with them. Also, make sure to keep your pets indoors and keep a close eye on them when they must go out to use the bathroom.

-It's best to stay home during this frigid cold, especially since the roads can be dangerous as well. But if you must head out, make sure you have a full tank of gas and have an emergency kit in your vehicle. You cannot predict when you will experience vehicle trouble so it's important to keep basic items like warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, bandaids, etc. in your car.

-Lastly but not least, make sure to take it easy when shoveling the snow. You probably already know to be careful to not over-exert yourself, but especially in these arctic temperatures, it's important to avoid staying out too long. So take breaks and allow yourself time to warm up.

If you need a new vehicle to handle the snow and this extreme winter weather, check out our New Chevrolet Trucks at our Sebewaing Area Chevrolet Dealership! Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706. For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our websites: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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