How to Inspect Your Vehicle for Maintenance

BAY CITY, Mich.,– Whether you're a first-time vehicle owner or have sat behind your fair share of steering wheels, knowing when your vehicle may need maintenance can save you money and can prevent expensive repairs from arising. Learning how to inspect your vehicle for maintenance will give you the skills you need to check your oil, tire pressure, and more to ensure your vehicle achieves top performance on the road. Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to save money with your vehicle, and checking up on the workings of your vehicle on a weekly basis will keep you prepared in the event that it may need maintenance in the future.

Checking Your Tires

Your tires, while durable, can wear down after long months of driving, reducing their tread. If your tires don't have deep grooves, they won't be able to grip the road effectively, especially in wet or muddy environments, and can greatly increase the risk of hydroplaning. 

A very easy way to check your tires' tread is the popular "penny method". Place a penny face down in the center groove of your tire. If you can see most or all of Lincoln's face, your tread is too short and will require replacement. In the event that you require new tires, our tire price guarantee gives you the benefit of the doubt! If you purchase tires with us, and within 30 days of your purchase find something cheaper, we will refund you the difference!

Check Your Oil

Engine oil works to lubricate important components of your engine, allowing it to run smoothly and prevent overheating. Your oil should be replaced every 3,000-5,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you to do so. Checking it at home can give you a good idea of whether or not you'll require an oil change soon. 

Pop the hood of your vehicle (while your engine is cool) and look for an oil dipstick like the one in the image above; it should be clearly labeled or stand out among the engine components. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a cloth, then insert it and pull it out again. The dipstick should have a way of indicating the level of your oil, whether it's "min" and "max" labels, or "L" (low) and "H" (high). If your oil is below the minimum level, it's time for an oil change. We offer a variety of oil change options and specials with our selection of coupons, free for you to use at your disposal!

Checking Your Coolant

Your coolant is another extremely important fluid that helps your vehicle run efficiently. Coolant helps to reduce the temperature of your engine, and without it, your engine would quickly overheat and break down. Coolant is typically replaced every 30,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual recommends it. Checking your coolant is even easier than checking your oil level or tire tread, and can save you a lot of stress in the event that your coolant needs replacing.

After letting your engine completely cool down, pop the hood of your vehicle and locate your coolant reservoir. It should be in a large container next to your engine that is brightly colored. Locate the labels on the side of the reservoir to properly inspect the coolant's levels. If your coolant is below the minimum level, get your vehicle in for a coolant replacement right away to prevent any extensive damage to your engine or its components! Use our Graff XPress service for quick, easy, and efficient service to get your coolant replaced right away.

Checking Your Wiper Fluid

Other fluids, such as wiper fluid, are just as easily checked as coolant. Keeping your wiper fluid properly filled, regardless of the season, will allow you to remain ahead of the curve in the event of a storm or abrupt change in weather. If you've noticed your wiper fluid isn't as efficient as it once was, it may be time for a refill. Pop your hood and locate the blue wiper fluid reservoir, then refill as needed. You'll be ready to go in no time!

Wiper Replacements

If you notice your wipers "skidding" across your windshield, they may have begun to wear down after repeated usage. While this may not seem like a big deal initially, ineffective wipers can reduce your vision in the event of a storm. It's better to be safe than sorry! Wipers are very inexpensive and if you purchase them with Graff Bay City, we'll be more than happy to help you install them, free of charge! 

With these handy tips, you'll be able to perform a quick and easy inspection on your vehicle in no time, just like an expert mechanic would! Now that you know how to inspect your vehicle for maintenance, your car will be in good hands if something were to happen. If your vehicle is experiencing any issues that we haven't covered, or is in need of an extra pair of eyes, feel free to schedule an appointment with us. Our friendly and attentive Service Staff will gladly take a look at your vehicle! If you want to perform more at-home preventative maintenance, refer to our routine maintenance tips for some extra tips.

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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